Juno-RS :A New Virtual Laser Power Meter

Typical laser power or energy measurement requires a dedicated sensor to handle the laser power/energy and convert it into an electrical signal, a processing unit to analyze and log the measurements taken, and some sort of display to present the measurement results.

Measurements and integration with automation systems

In many industrial applications, there is a need to read the measurements into an automation system which uses the readings for control and monitoring (for example laser power adjustment,  preventive maintenance and anomaly detection). The processed measurements are usually displayed on the automation system HMI so in many cases there is no need for a dedicated display.

Due to its reliable nature, RS-232 as communication infrastructure is still being widely used with PLCs and industrial computers in automation systems.

In addition to the measurements reporting via a dedicated communication channel, sometimes there is a need to provide an analog signal representing the measured power. This signal can be used for onsite monitoring or for other automation uses which require an analog signal as input. The analog output of the Juno-RS even has an autonomous mode, in which once it is set up it continues to operate with no more need for communicating with the interface.

To assure measurement and monitoring continuity especially in semi-industrial/industrial environments, firm cable connections are a must.

Ophir’s Juno-RS – Easy smart sensors integration into any automation systems

Ophir’s Juno-RS is a full-blown laser power meter with a very small footprint and semi-industrial connectors. It allows easy integration of off-the-shelf Ophir power and energy smart sensors into automation systems using RS-232 communication. It provides a built-in analog output with a configurable full scale output voltage to fit the user’s needs.

The modularity of the Juno-RS allows the user to easily detach the meter from the sensor without having to take out the sensor and vice versa, which is ideal for maintenance and troubleshooting.

If one wishes to have a Juno-RS meter connected to his PC, this is possible using direct RS-232 connection or a USB – RS-232 dongle. In this case the Juno-RS can be directly managed using a dedicated command set or via Ophir’s Starlab software application. The PC then becomes the meter’s display.