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Omron / Sentech ZG2-WDC11A / ZG2-WDC41A (controllers); ZG2-DSU11 / ZG2-DSU41 machine vision sensor
Omron / SentechLaser measurement sensors
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Omron / Sentech ZG2 Profile Sensor Controllers & Data Storage Units

ZG2-WDC11A

The ZG2-WDC11A (NPN) and ZG2-WDC41A (PNP) sensor controllers each connect one ZG2 sensor head, offering three measurement cycle modes (5/8/16 ms) and a 10 nm minimum display unit with a 2.2-inch TFT color LCD. Outputs include NPN/PNP open-collector judgment outputs, selectable voltage (±10 V) or current (4–20 mA) analog outputs, USB 2.0 (Mini-B), and RS-232C at up to 115,200 bps; protection is IP20. The ZG2-DSU11 (NPN) and ZG2-DSU41 (PNP) data storage units connect up to two ZG2 controllers and log up to 5,120 profiles and 65,000 measurement values in internal memory, expandable to 35,328 profiles and 7.15 million values on a 256 MB memory card. All units operate from 21.6–26.4 VDC and are rated for 0–50°C ambient temperature.

Brand
Omron / Sentech
Sensor type
Profile (2D laser triangulation)
Sensing method
Laser triangulation (diffuse reflective / regular reflective)
Light source
Red semiconductor laser
Response time
5 ms (high-speed mode)
Output type
NPN/PNP open-collector + analog (±10 V voltage or 4–20 mA current)
Communication
USB 2.0 (Mini-B, 12 Mbps) + RS-232C (115,200 bps max)
Resolution
10 nm min. display unit; height resolution 0.25–6 µm (sensor-head dependent)
Supply voltage
21.6 to 26.4 VDC (incl. ripple)
Housing material
Polycarbonate (PC)
Dimensions
Controller: 60 W × 52.5 D × 90 H mm
Weight
Controller: approx. 300 g (incl. 2 m cable); DSU: approx. 280 g
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Technical overview

The ZG2-WDC11A (NPN) and ZG2-WDC41A (PNP) are dedicated sensor controllers for Omron's ZG2 2D laser profile measurement system, each accepting a single ZG2 sensor head that uses red semiconductor laser triangulation in either diffuse-reflective or regular-reflective mode. The controller offers three selectable measurement cycle modes — 5 ms (high-speed), 8 ms, and 16 ms — giving the installer a direct trade-off between throughput and signal averaging. The 10 nm minimum display unit is a controller-side resolution figure; actual height resolution at the part depends on the sensor head chosen, ranging from 0.25 µm to 6 µm, making sensor-head selection the primary accuracy lever. The 2.2-inch TFT color LCD provides on-unit visibility of profiles and measurement values without a PC, which simplifies commissioning and live troubleshooting on the factory floor.

Output wiring is flexible: NPN or PNP open-collector judgment outputs cover go/no-go signalling directly to a PLC, while the selectable analog output (±10 V voltage or 4–20 mA current) enables continuous measurement handoff to analog-input modules, motion controllers, or data-acquisition systems. The 4–20 mA current loop is particularly robust over longer cable runs to panel-mounted PLCs. For configuration and data download, USB 2.0 (Mini-B, 12 Mbps) suits direct laptop connection during setup, while RS-232C at up to 115,200 bps covers integration with legacy HMI and SCADA equipment. Supply voltage is 21.6–26.4 VDC, consistent with standard 24 V industrial power rails, and the polycarbonate housing is rated IP20, meaning the unit is suited to protected control-cabinet or junction-box mounting rather than open shop-floor exposure.

The ZG2-DSU11 (NPN) and ZG2-DSU41 (PNP) data storage units each connect up to two ZG2 controllers and add significant on-board logging capacity: up to 5,120 profiles and 65,000 measurement values in internal memory, expandable to 35,328 profiles and 7.15 million values with a 256 MB memory card. This makes the DSU essential for SPC data collection, traceability requirements, and offline waveform analysis without continuous PC connection. The controller weighs approximately 300 g including cable; the DSU approximately 280 g. The controller footprint of 60 × 52.5 × 90 mm is compact enough for dense DIN-rail or panel arrangements. Operating range of 0–50 °C covers typical factory environments; storage extends to −15 to 60 °C for the WDC controller and 0 to 60 °C for the DSU.

Best for

  • Dimensional gauging of machined or pressed parts where sub-micron height resolution (down to 0.25 µm with the appropriate sensor head) and continuous analog output to a CNC or motion controller are required.
  • In-line profile inspection on packaging or electronics assembly lines running at high throughput, leveraging the 5 ms cycle mode and open-collector judgment outputs for direct PLC-driven accept/reject gating.
  • SPC and traceability applications where measurement values must be logged without a continuously connected PC — the DSU's 256 MB card expansion stores up to 7.15 million measurement values for downstream quality-system upload.
  • Automotive and metal-forming lines where the ±10 V analog output feeds an analog-input servo controller for real-time height or warp feedback during pressing, bending, or welding operations.
  • Multi-point inspection cells using up to two sensor heads via the DSU variant, synchronised through the controller's measurement cycle timing to capture height at two locations in a single conveyor pass.

Selection notes

  • NPN vs. PNP polarity must match the PLC or digital-input card: select the WDC11A or DSU11 for NPN (sinking) logic and the WDC41A or DSU41 for PNP (sourcing) logic — these variants are not field-switchable.
  • Actual height resolution (0.25–6 µm) is determined by the ZG2 sensor head, not the controller; specify the sensor head first based on measurement range and target accuracy, then pair the appropriate controller.
  • The IP20 enclosure rating requires mounting inside a sealed control cabinet or protective enclosure — any environment with coolant mist, swarf, or heavy dust will require additional panel protection.
  • Choose between voltage (±10 V) and current (4–20 mA) analog output based on cable run length and downstream input type: current output is preferred for runs exceeding a few metres or where electrical noise is a concern.
  • If profile waveform logging or multi-head synchronisation is needed, the DSU variant is mandatory; the single-head WDC controller alone provides only real-time analog and judgment outputs without historical profile storage.

Specifications: General
BrandOmron / Sentech
Sensor typeProfile (2D laser triangulation)

Specifications: Performance
Response time5 ms (high-speed mode)
Resolution10 nm min. display unit; height resolution 0.25–6 µm (sensor-head dependent)

Specifications: Interface
CommunicationUSB 2.0 (Mini-B, 12 Mbps) + RS-232C (115,200 bps max)
Connection2 m integral cable; USB Mini-B and RS-232C ports on controller

Specifications: Electrical
Supply voltage21.6 to 26.4 VDC (incl. ripple)

Specifications: Environment
Operating temperature0 to 50°C (storage: −15 to 60°C for WDC; 0 to 60°C for DSU)
IP ratingIP20 (IEC 60529)

Specifications: Sensing
Sensing methodLaser triangulation (diffuse reflective / regular reflective)
Light sourceRed semiconductor laser

Specifications: Output
Output typeNPN/PNP open-collector + analog (±10 V voltage or 4–20 mA current)

Specifications: Mechanical
Housing materialPolycarbonate (PC)
DimensionsController: 60 W × 52.5 D × 90 H mm
WeightController: approx. 300 g (incl. 2 m cable); DSU: approx. 280 g

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