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  1. OMH high-accuracy laser
  2. Technology

Laser triangulation with CMOS receiver

Photoelectric sensors use different methods to suppress interference from the background behind a target. The OMH family uses triangulation where the receiver is a high-resolution CMOS element. The semiconductor-based CMOS technology, similar to that used in image processing, executes very quickly and this enables the OMH to have a switching frequency up to 1,200 Hz.

Principle of operation

CMOS technology

ifm's OMH family uses a densely populated CMOS image processor, similar to that used in vision sensors.

  • Each pixel contains a photon that collects and amplifies light from the receiving lens.
  • Micro lenses on top of each pixel maximizes the photon contact.
  • The photon accumulates an electrical charge proportional to the amount of light it receives.
  • The electrical charge is converted to an analog voltage signal.
  • The analog signal is transmitted to an A/D converter.
  • The converter sends the information to downstream electronics for further processing.

Operating modes

The OMH family has 3 operating modes to optimize performance in different applications. Refer to Device configuration for details on changing modes.

Standard
Use for most applications. Measuring rate settable to 500 Hz, 750 Hz, or 1000 Hz. 
Speed
For high speed applications. Measuring rate of 1200 Hz.
Power
Optimized setting for safe detection of dark targets.