Long range laser

A distance of tens or hundreds of metres has to be measured to a target that is hot, moving or out of reach, and the sensor cannot touch it. The target may be a crane gantry, a coil, a ring being rolled or the level in a silo, and the sensor may have to work indoors or outdoors. Our long range laser sensors allow the automation or test engineer to measure distance, displacement and speed without contact, over ranges from 0.05 m to 300 m on the target itself, and up to 3000 m with a reflector.

Every instrument is selected on several testing and environmental parameters: the measuring range, the target surface and the operating environment. To help you achieve these objectives, our in-house applications engineers can help you define the project scope and application, select the equipment, and assist with system integration and technical support.

What Are Long Range Laser Sensors?

Long range laser sensors are optoelectronic sensors that measure distance, displacement and speed without touching the target. They measure over a large range, from a few metres to 3000 m with a reflector. A long range laser distance sensor sends laser light to the target and uses the light that comes back to work out the distance.

A long range laser displacement sensor and a long range laser distance sensor are the same kind of instrument, used for different tasks. Bestech supplies them with analog and digital outputs for connection to a controller, a PLC or a data acquisition system.

How Long Range Laser Measurement Works

A laser diode in the sensor produces laser light, and the sensor projects it onto the target. Part of the light is reflected back to the sensor. The sensor evaluates the returning light and calculates the distance to the target.

There are two ways to evaluate the returning light, and each is used on certain models. The time-of-flight principle measures how long the light takes to reach the target and return. The phase comparison principle compares the returning light with the light that was sent. Both give the distance to the target, and some models also measure speed.

In practice, long range laser measurement is shaped by the target. The measuring range depends on the reflectivity of the target, ambient light and atmospheric conditions, so a white diffuse surface can be measured further away than a black one. A reflector film on the target extends the range.

Long-Distance Non-Contact Measurement

A long range laser sensor measures from a distance, so it needs no contact with the target and no access to it. This suits targets that are hot, moving, remote or dangerous to approach. Bestech lists measuring ranges from 0.05 m on the ILR2250 up to 3000 m with a reflector on the ILR1191.

The sensors suit position measurement on gantries and cranes, filling level measurement in silos, acquisition of coil diameters and diameter measurement of rings during rolling. The ILR1191 has a red sighting laser for setting up the sensor.

Time-of-Flight and Phase Comparison Principles

A time-of-flight sensor, such as the ILR1030/1031, ILR1171 and ILR1191, sends short pulses of laser light and measures how long each pulse takes to travel to the target and back. The distance is the travel time multiplied by the speed of light, divided by two. The ILR1171 uses infrared light, and the ILR1191 measures distance and speed.

A phase comparison sensor, such as the ILR2250, sends light that is modulated at a high frequency. When the distance to the target changes, the phase relationship between the sent light and the returning light changes, and a phase meter measures that difference. Phase comparison works particularly well for ranges up to 150 m, and the ILR2250 reaches 150 m with a reflector.

Key Advantages of Long Range Laser Sensors

A long range laser displacement sensor has a large measuring range, from 0.05 m to 3000 m depending on the model and the use of a reflector. The ILR2250 has a resolution of 0.1 mm, and the ILR1171 and ILR1191 have a resolution of 1 mm. Measuring rates are 20 Hz on the ILR2250, 100 Hz on the ILR1030/1031, 2000 Hz on the ILR1191 and up to 40 kHz on the ILR1171.

The sensors are compact and are installed easily. The ILR1191 measuring laser is class 1 in accordance with DIN EN 60825-1:2014, and the ILR2250 is class 2 according to DIN EN 60825-1:2015-07. The datasheets state that devices of these laser classes require no special safety precautions. The ILR1171 and ILR1191 are protected to IP67, and the ILR2250 to IP65, for use in dirty or wet conditions.

Indoor and Outdoor Measurement Applications

Long range laser sensors give reliable and accurate measurement results in both indoor and outdoor environments. Indoors, the ILR2250 suits factory and plant automation. Outdoors, optional integrated heating and enhanced protection casings are available.

The ILR1171 measures outdoors up to 270 m and operates at temperatures up to +60 °C. The ILR1191 has integral heating and operates from -40 to +60 °C. The ILR2250-100-H has an integrated heating and cooling element for operation from -40 to +65 °C, which allows permanent outdoor use.

Measuring Hot, Moving and Hard-to-Reach Targets

Long range laser measurement suits critical surfaces such as hot objects, where the measurement has to be taken from a safe distance, and the large measuring range makes that possible. The sensor stays away from the heat, and the target stays untouched. Diameter measurement of rings during rolling and acquisition of coil diameters are examples.

For moving targets, the measuring rate matters. The ILR1191 measures distance at 2000 Hz and speed from 0 to 100 m/s, and the ILR1171 reaches 40 kHz. For hard-to-reach targets, such as the level in a silo or a crane gantry, the sensor measures from a distance. The ILR2250 is also specified for drone applications, where it measures distance from the air.

Reflector and Non-Reflector Measurement

A long range laser sensor can be operated either with or without reflector film. Depending on the required range or the ambient condition, a reflector may be necessary to obtain stable and precise measurement results. The reflector film is attached to the target.

The reflector extends the range. The ILR1030/1031 measures 0.2 to 15 m without a reflector and up to 50 m with one. The ILR2250 measures up to 100 m on a white target and up to 150 m with a reflector, and the ILR1191 measures up to 300 m on a white target and up to 3000 m with a reflector. The target colour matters: on the ILR2250, a black target is measured to 30 m and a white target to 100 m.

Long Range Laser Sensor Products

ILR1030/1031 compact laser distance sensors

The ILR1030/1031 is a compact, entry-level, time-of-flight sensor with a range of 0.2 to 15 m without a reflector and up to 50 m with a reflector. The measuring rate is 100 Hz, and the output is analog. The ILR103x/LC1 versions use a class 1 laser.

ILR2250 laser distance sensor for challenging surfaces

The ILR2250 measures up to 100 m, or 150 m with a reflector, using the phase comparison principle. Its resolution is 0.1 mm and its repeatability is below 300 µm. An AUTO measurement mode helps on dark, structured or weakly reflecting surfaces, and the sensor is protected to IP65. The ILR2250-100-IO has an IO-Link interface, and the ILR2250-100-H has integrated heating and cooling for -40 to +65 °C.

ILR1171 fast long range laser sensor

The ILR1171 is a time-of-flight sensor that uses infrared light to measure from 0-70 m to 0-270 m. It measures at up to 40 kHz with a resolution of 1 mm, and it has a 4 to 20 mA output and RS232 or RS422 digital interfaces. It is protected to IP67 and operates up to +60 °C.

ILR1191 long range time-of-flight laser sensor

The ILR1191 measures up to 300 m on a white target and up to 3000 m with a reflector, and it also measures speed up to 100 m/s. Its resolution is 1 mm, it measures distance at 2000 Hz and speed at 80 Hz, and it is protected to IP67. It has integral heating for outdoor use, and it is used for position measurement on gantries and cranes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far can a long range laser sensor measure?

The range depends on the model and the target. The ILR1191 measures up to 300 m on a white target and up to 3000 m with a reflector. The measuring range depends on the reflectivity of the target, ambient light interference and atmospheric conditions. Tell us your distance and target, and we can recommend a model.

Do I need a reflector for long range laser measurement?

That depends on the application. The sensors can be operated with or without reflector film. A reflector may be needed to obtain a stable and precise measurement, depending on the range and the ambient condition. Tell us the target surface and the distance, and we can confirm whether a reflector is needed.

Can a long range laser sensor work outdoors?

Yes. Long range laser sensors give reliable measurement results indoors and outdoors, and optional integrated heating and enhanced protection casings are available for outdoor use. Tell us the temperature range and the weather exposure, and we can confirm the model.

Can a long range laser sensor measure speed and moving objects?

Long range laser sensors measure distance, displacement and speed. The ILR1191 measures speed from 0 to 100 m/s, and its measuring rate suits moving objects. Tell us the speed and the distance of your target, and we can confirm which sensor suits it.

Tell us the distance, the target surface and the operating environment, and we will help you select the sensor. To start, have a chat with us about your application.

A distance of tens or hundreds of metres has to be measured to a target that is hot, moving or out of reach, and the sensor cannot touch it. The target may be a crane gantry, a coil, a ring being rolled or the level in a silo, and the sensor may have to work indoors or outdoors. Our long range laser sensors allow the automation or test engineer to measure distance, displacement and speed without contact, over ranges from 0.05 m to 300 m on the target itself, and up to 3000 m with a reflector.

Every instrument is selected on several testing and environmental parameters: the measuring range, the target surface and the operating environment. To help you achieve these objectives, our in-house applications engineers can help you define the project scope and application, select the equipment, and assist with system integration and technical support.

What Are Long Range Laser Sensors?

Long range laser sensors are optoelectronic sensors that measure distance, displacement and speed without touching the target. They measure over a large range, from a few metres to 3000 m with a reflector. A long range laser distance sensor sends laser light to the target and uses the light that comes back to work out the distance.

A long range laser displacement sensor and a long range laser distance sensor are the same kind of instrument, used for different tasks. Bestech supplies them with analog and digital outputs for connection to a controller, a PLC or a data acquisition system.

How Long Range Laser Measurement Works

A laser diode in the sensor produces laser light, and the sensor projects it onto the target. Part of the light is reflected back to the sensor. The sensor evaluates the returning light and calculates the distance to the target.

There are two ways to evaluate the returning light, and each is used on certain models. The time-of-flight principle measures how long the light takes to reach the target and return. The phase comparison principle compares the returning light with the light that was sent. Both give the distance to the target, and some models also measure speed.

In practice, long range laser measurement is shaped by the target. The measuring range depends on the reflectivity of the target, ambient light and atmospheric conditions, so a white diffuse surface can be measured further away than a black one. A reflector film on the target extends the range.

Long-Distance Non-Contact Measurement

A long range laser sensor measures from a distance, so it needs no contact with the target and no access to it. This suits targets that are hot, moving, remote or dangerous to approach. Bestech lists measuring ranges from 0.05 m on the ILR2250 up to 3000 m with a reflector on the ILR1191.

The sensors suit position measurement on gantries and cranes, filling level measurement in silos, acquisition of coil diameters and diameter measurement of rings during rolling. The ILR1191 has a red sighting laser for setting up the sensor.

Time-of-Flight and Phase Comparison Principles

A time-of-flight sensor, such as the ILR1030/1031, ILR1171 and ILR1191, sends short pulses of laser light and measures how long each pulse takes to travel to the target and back. The distance is the travel time multiplied by the speed of light, divided by two. The ILR1171 uses infrared light, and the ILR1191 measures distance and speed.

A phase comparison sensor, such as the ILR2250, sends light that is modulated at a high frequency. When the distance to the target changes, the phase relationship between the sent light and the returning light changes, and a phase meter measures that difference. Phase comparison works particularly well for ranges up to 150 m, and the ILR2250 reaches 150 m with a reflector.

Key Advantages of Long Range Laser Sensors

A long range laser displacement sensor has a large measuring range, from 0.05 m to 3000 m depending on the model and the use of a reflector. The ILR2250 has a resolution of 0.1 mm, and the ILR1171 and ILR1191 have a resolution of 1 mm. Measuring rates are 20 Hz on the ILR2250, 100 Hz on the ILR1030/1031, 2000 Hz on the ILR1191 and up to 40 kHz on the ILR1171.

The sensors are compact and are installed easily. The ILR1191 measuring laser is class 1 in accordance with DIN EN 60825-1:2014, and the ILR2250 is class 2 according to DIN EN 60825-1:2015-07. The datasheets state that devices of these laser classes require no special safety precautions. The ILR1171 and ILR1191 are protected to IP67, and the ILR2250 to IP65, for use in dirty or wet conditions.

Indoor and Outdoor Measurement Applications

Long range laser sensors give reliable and accurate measurement results in both indoor and outdoor environments. Indoors, the ILR2250 suits factory and plant automation. Outdoors, optional integrated heating and enhanced protection casings are available.

The ILR1171 measures outdoors up to 270 m and operates at temperatures up to +60 °C. The ILR1191 has integral heating and operates from -40 to +60 °C. The ILR2250-100-H has an integrated heating and cooling element for operation from -40 to +65 °C, which allows permanent outdoor use.

Measuring Hot, Moving and Hard-to-Reach Targets

Long range laser measurement suits critical surfaces such as hot objects, where the measurement has to be taken from a safe distance, and the large measuring range makes that possible. The sensor stays away from the heat, and the target stays untouched. Diameter measurement of rings during rolling and acquisition of coil diameters are examples.

For moving targets, the measuring rate matters. The ILR1191 measures distance at 2000 Hz and speed from 0 to 100 m/s, and the ILR1171 reaches 40 kHz. For hard-to-reach targets, such as the level in a silo or a crane gantry, the sensor measures from a distance. The ILR2250 is also specified for drone applications, where it measures distance from the air.

Reflector and Non-Reflector Measurement

A long range laser sensor can be operated either with or without reflector film. Depending on the required range or the ambient condition, a reflector may be necessary to obtain stable and precise measurement results. The reflector film is attached to the target.

The reflector extends the range. The ILR1030/1031 measures 0.2 to 15 m without a reflector and up to 50 m with one. The ILR2250 measures up to 100 m on a white target and up to 150 m with a reflector, and the ILR1191 measures up to 300 m on a white target and up to 3000 m with a reflector. The target colour matters: on the ILR2250, a black target is measured to 30 m and a white target to 100 m.

Long Range Laser Sensor Products

ILR1030/1031 compact laser distance sensors

The ILR1030/1031 is a compact, entry-level, time-of-flight sensor with a range of 0.2 to 15 m without a reflector and up to 50 m with a reflector. The measuring rate is 100 Hz, and the output is analog. The ILR103x/LC1 versions use a class 1 laser.

ILR2250 laser distance sensor for challenging surfaces

The ILR2250 measures up to 100 m, or 150 m with a reflector, using the phase comparison principle. Its resolution is 0.1 mm and its repeatability is below 300 µm. An AUTO measurement mode helps on dark, structured or weakly reflecting surfaces, and the sensor is protected to IP65. The ILR2250-100-IO has an IO-Link interface, and the ILR2250-100-H has integrated heating and cooling for -40 to +65 °C.

ILR1171 fast long range laser sensor

The ILR1171 is a time-of-flight sensor that uses infrared light to measure from 0-70 m to 0-270 m. It measures at up to 40 kHz with a resolution of 1 mm, and it has a 4 to 20 mA output and RS232 or RS422 digital interfaces. It is protected to IP67 and operates up to +60 °C.

ILR1191 long range time-of-flight laser sensor

The ILR1191 measures up to 300 m on a white target and up to 3000 m with a reflector, and it also measures speed up to 100 m/s. Its resolution is 1 mm, it measures distance at 2000 Hz and speed at 80 Hz, and it is protected to IP67. It has integral heating for outdoor use, and it is used for position measurement on gantries and cranes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far can a long range laser sensor measure?

The range depends on the model and the target. The ILR1191 measures up to 300 m on a white target and up to 3000 m with a reflector. The measuring range depends on the reflectivity of the target, ambient light interference and atmospheric conditions. Tell us your distance and target, and we can recommend a model.

Do I need a reflector for long range laser measurement?

That depends on the application. The sensors can be operated with or without reflector film. A reflector may be needed to obtain a stable and precise measurement, depending on the range and the ambient condition. Tell us the target surface and the distance, and we can confirm whether a reflector is needed.

Can a long range laser sensor work outdoors?

Yes. Long range laser sensors give reliable measurement results indoors and outdoors, and optional integrated heating and enhanced protection casings are available for outdoor use. Tell us the temperature range and the weather exposure, and we can confirm the model.

Can a long range laser sensor measure speed and moving objects?

Long range laser sensors measure distance, displacement and speed. The ILR1191 measures speed from 0 to 100 m/s, and its measuring rate suits moving objects. Tell us the speed and the distance of your target, and we can confirm which sensor suits it.

Tell us the distance, the target surface and the operating environment, and we will help you select the sensor. To start, have a chat with us about your application.