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MCS Series Modular 3D Laser Profile Sensor for Flexible System Integration

  • Modular sensor concept for individual solutions
  • Flexibly adaptable to customer requirements
  • Available as Standard and High-Power Laser 3D Laser Profile Sensor
  • No extra costs
  • No long delivery times
  • No minimum order quantities

Modular 3D Compact Sensor (MCS Standard)

C6 Serie Modular Compact Sensor Seitlich
C6 Serie MCS Carbon Singlehead Vorne

The Modular 3D Compact Sensor (MCS) from AT Sensors is revolutionizing 3D image processing with its unique modularity, flexibility and high performance.

This innovative system allows individual configuration in terms of scan width, measurement accuracy, speed, triangulation angle and working distance to perfectly match the needs of specific applications.

With an unprecedented profile speed of up to 200 kHz and a resolution of up to 4096 points per profile, the MCS sets technological standards. It overcomes traditional hurdles such as high NRE costs and long development times by combining the reliability of a series product with the flexibility of a customized solution, without additional costs or minimum order quantities.

Application Recommendation

  • Electronics & Semicon
  • eMobility & Battery
  • Automotive
  • Metrology
  • Industrial Automation
  • Transportation
  • Iron & Steel
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Sorting & Recycling

MCS High Power Laser

MCS High-Power Laser W-30
MCS High-Power Laser W-150

The MCS High-Power Laser delivers stable, high-precision 3D scans – even in direct sunlight, on red-hot metal surfaces, or across large working distances.

With scan widths of up to 2.8 m, 17× laser power, and modular configuration, it’s the ideal solution for demanding industrial applications from road surface measurement to the steel industry.

Like all models in the MCS series, it can be flexibly configured and precisely tailored to your application.

Benefits

  • Higher Laser Power (10x more output power compared to standard)
  • Faster scan rates in demanding environmental conditions like difficult lighting such as bright ambient light
  • For applications where high speed or a large working distance is required

Application Recommendation

  • Road Pavement Scanning
  • Inspection of cold or red-hot steel parts
  • Scanning of railroad infrastructure
MCS Standard MCS High Power Laser
Laser Wavelength 405, 660 nm 450, 760, 808 nm
Laser Power up to 200 mW up to 2500 mW
Laser Class 2M, 3R, 3B 3B

General technical data

High dynamic range features: Multiple Slope Mode
3D algorithms: MAX, TRSH, COG, FIR PEAK
3D scan features: Automatic Region Tracking, Automatic Region Search, Multiple Regions, AutoStart
Connections 17 pin, M12 Power I/O
8pin, M12 Ethernet
Data interface Gigabit Ethernet (1Gbit/s)
Standards GigE Vision with GenICam
Temperature Operation 0°C to +40°C
Storage -20°C to +80°C
Protection class IP67

Electrical specifications

Power consumption max. 15 W
Power supply sensor 10-24 V DC (max. 27 V DC)
Power supply laser 10-24 V DC

I/O specifications

Digital Input: 2 electrial isolated inputs, +5V to +24V DC
Digital Output: 2 electrical isolated outputs, +5 to +24V DC (max. 100 mA)
Encoder/Resolver Input: A+, A-, B+, B-, Z+, Z-
High-Speed Triple RS-422 Receiver
Max. input voltage +5V DC (TTL level)

Sensors in comparison

C6-1280 C6-2040 C6-3070 C6-3070W C6-4090
Sensor type CMOS
Shutter type Global shutter
Resolution (H xV) 1280 x 1024 Pixel 2048 x 1088 Pixel 3072 x 1020 Pixel 3072 x 1020 Pixel 4096 x 3072 Pixel
Pixel size 6.6 µm x 6.6 µm 5.5 µm x 5.5 µm 6.6 µm x 6.6 µm 6.6 µm x 6.6 µm 5.5 µm x 5.5 µm
Sensor size 8,448 mm x 6,758 mm 11,264 mm x 5,984 mm 20,275 mm x 6,632 mm 20,275 mm x 6,732 mm 22,528 mm x 16,896 mm
Image circle 10,82 mm 12,75 mm 21,37 mm 21,37 mm 28,16 mm
Sensor format 2/3″ 2/3″ 1,5″ 1,5″ 1,75″
Power consumption max. 15 W
ADC resolution 12 bit 10 bit 10 bit 10 bit 10 bit
Extended dynamic range Up to 90 dB with activated Multi Slope Mode
Scan 3D extraction process MAX, TRSH, COG, FIR PEAK
High dynamic range imaging Multi Slope Mode
3D features Multipeak, Multipart, Region Tracking/Search, Autostart

Typical Profile Speed Depending on Number of Sensor Rows (Hz)

Frequently Asked Questions about the MCS Series

How much does a MCS 3D sensor cost?

The costs naturally depend on the level of customization, but our sensors start at a price of $11220.

How do I configure my specific MCS?

Our sales team has a dedicated configurator for your specifications, allowing us to set it up together and generate the corresponding datasheet for you directly.

Where can I find the data sheet for a product?

The data sheets for our products are linked via the item number in the tabular overview of our products in the product finder:

How much does an ECS 3D sensor cost?

The ECS series offers particularly good value for money, with sensors starting at a price of $6600.

Where can I find the latest firmware release for my 3d sensors?

You can find our AT SolutionPackage in the download area on our website:

What are the hardware requirements for operating the 3d sensors?

A network card that supports at least Gigabit Ethernet is required to operate the devices. A separate network port is recommended for each connected camera. The CPU and graphics card requirements depend on the application and are therefore specified by the image processing software used.

What do I need to bear in mind regarding the electrical installation for 3D sensors?

The electrical installation differs between cameras, compact sensors, and modular compact sensors. It is important to observe the specific information for the respective model to avoid damage to the device. We recommend using our IO panel.

What do I need to consider when using an encoder?

Profile recording can be synchronized by an external encoder signal. The encoder is specified for TTL levels and should not have signal levels above 5V DC, as higher voltages can damage the device.

The maximum number of lines is not enough to accommodate the entire object. What can I do to extend the frame?

Instead of extending the frame, you can split the recording into multiple frames without any loss of data. With the FrameBurstStart trigger, you can trigger multiple frames with a single start signal.

Can the 3D sensors communicate directly with a PLC?

The C6 series has two digital inputs and two digital outputs that can be connected to a PLC.

Are AT’s 3D sensors “smart 3D sensors”?

The term “smart sensor” generally refers to the evaluation of measurement data within the device itself. These sensors only transmit the results via their communication interfaces (e.g., Ethernet, Profinet, Modbus, or MQTT). AT’s 3D sensors, on the other hand, transmit the profile data to a PC via the GigE Vision interface. The data is then processed on the PC. AT 3D sensors are high-resolution, high-speed profile sensors. The amount of data generated by such sensors usually exceeds the performance capabilities of the CPUs built into cameras.

What is the warranty duration for the 3D sensors?

All CS, MCS and XCS series products are covered by a 2-year warranty, but the warranty for ECS products is only 1 year.

How do I know which 3D sensor is right for my application?

With our 25 years of expertise as component manufacturers in the field of 3D image processing, we have comprehensive knowledge in 3D laser triangulation sensor applications. Therefore, we can offer you optimal advice on which sensor is best for your application. Feel free to reach out to our sales team with confidence: [email protected].

How much does a MCS 3D sensor cost?

The costs naturally depend on the level of customization, but our sensors start at a price of $11220.

How much does a CS 3D sensor cost?

The CS series of 3D sensors offer a wide range of models for different applications and industries starting at a price of $11220.

How much does a XCS 3D sensor cost?

The 3D sensors of the XCS series are optimized for demanding high-precision and high-speed applications requiring better than average repeatability. Their price starts at $17050.

How much does a 3D camera cost?

The triangulation cameras are ideal for applications with 3D profile sensors requiring maximum flexibility and the use of customer-specific lenses and line projectors. They start at a price of $7150.

How do I configure my specific MCS?

Our sales team has a dedicated configurator for your specifications, allowing us to set it up together and generate the corresponding datasheet for you directly.

Do you have a quick start guide for your products?

You can find a summary of our quick start guides on our website.

Do AT devices support PoE?

No, our devices do not support PoE and may be damaged if connected to PoE.

Are you looking for more answers?
In our general FAQ, we have clearly compiled the most frequently asked questions about our sensors, cameras, interfaces, and applications.
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