Contact Sensing System
Contact Alignments Without a Vision System The Luminos Contact Sensing System facilitates
the alignment of optical fibers by measuring contact force levels and allowing the
determination of a zero-gap position.
The system utilizes a load cell embedded in an optional utility plate, for use with
the Luminos Inline Positioners or other devices. The work plate includes rigid stops
that provide safe travel limits.
In the utility plate a strain gauge mounted on a viscously damped flexure system
provides a stable analog signal that connects to an external amplifier, and display
module. The display module contains an amplifier, a 10 segment LED display, and
a 9 input priority encoder, that provides a digital output from the 10 segment driver.
The nominal stiffness of the sensor work plate is 8.9 grams per µm (micron), and
the minimum step size is 2 grams of force, which corresponds to a motion of 0.225
um. The sensor can therefore detect an over-travel caused by a collision, to a resolution
of about 0.2 micron, and is very accurate for referencing or measuring small fiber
gaps.
The dual range/sensitivity switch toggles the output between the 20 gram range at
2g/LED or the 100 gram range at 10g/LED segment. A front panel accessible potentiometer
allows for zeroing the LED display and the digital output. The readout is linear
and responds to changes of contact force, in either direction. It is customary to
set the zero on either the second or third segment to retain a down side margin.
The amplified analog signal is available in the 8-pin output connector along with
a BCD format TTL output for use as source signals to other monitoring equipment.
Integration into an automated system is possible by connecting these outputs directly
to a PC's parallel port, or other interface module, ADC card etc.
Feature Summary
- Compact & Portable
- Stiff & Rigid
Ordering Information
To see a complete list of available options, click the Part #. Options can be changed
after clicking 'Add to Quote'.