What is this component? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: weldnative
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 14, 2025, 03:23:38 am
content: Hello Everyone,I'm brand new to this forum and very new to the electronics world. I learned how to work with Arduino for this specific idea I've been wanting to develop. It involves using a laser to position something, and I knew that laser detectors for builder's laser levels already exist in essentially the same design as I'm trying to use. I purchased this cheap laser detector from Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L6FP48S) so that I can reverse engineer the design. I understand how to test the outputs and inputs for the pins to figure out the 'pathways of logic,' but can anyone help me identify what this square laser sensing component is called or who the manufacturer might be? I'm trying to find out to order it for my project. I think I'm close with either a PSD (position sensitive detector) or a 1 dimensional photodiode array. But when I search these terms I'm sorting through a lot of different components that seem like I'm going the right direction but I can't tell the true function through the technical descriptions or specifications. I really just need a component that can sense a laser level and send a high, on, or low signal.

author: inse
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2025, 04:51:18 am
content: This looks like a solar cell, obviously with two dies to distinguish between lower and higher level.

author: XxMandragoraxX
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2025, 07:37:48 am
content: I think it is using a solar cell to identify the power of the laser instead of using a proper laser detector. When a laser beam with more power than ambient light hits it, the solar cell detects the laser. You could probably replace that solar panel with a dedicated laser detector. Think of electronics like having many paths to reach the same goal.

author: Poroit
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2025, 07:51:00 am
content: Don't Laser Receivers use photodiodes?https://www.vishay.com/en/photo-detectors/pin-photo/

author: inse
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2025, 08:49:10 am
content: The device is for levelling, not laser power measurement.The laser source is modulated, so suppressing ambient light should be easy

author: XxMandragoraxX
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2025, 07:10:29 am
content: But to level by light, you need the light to come from above, right? If the light source is angled and you tilt the device, would it give an incorrect reading?

author: XxMandragoraxX
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2025, 07:16:40 am
content: Anyway, if you need a laser detector, you can use a photodiode and configure it so that the resistance is such that it only activates with the laser's light power, and this way, you avoid complications. With a simple Arduino code, you will achieve this.https://how2electronics.com/laser-light-security-system-using-arduino/This post might be helpful, but there are many projects like this. You just need to configure the LDR to a value that only activates when the laser is hitting directly on it. The problem is that too strong a light source could activate this module, so I recommend making an enclosure that can hold the LDR with a hole for the laser to enter, making sure that you focus directly on that spot.

author: jwet
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2025, 01:40:29 pm
content: Its a 1D position sensitive detector. Basically 2 well matched Si photovoltaic cells with a long center tapped resistor opposite creating a bridge. Hammamatsu is the first class maker of a lot of this stuff. They're very researcher/developer friendly and have great apps guys. Office in NE US (Conn IIRC). They made their bones making Japanese camera electro optics. They can help you design your gadget and get you to mass production if that's what you need. This detector was likely make by a chinese supplier as a custom.

author: weldnative
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 18, 2025, 09:09:59 pm
content: Quote from: jwet on January 15, 2025, 01:40:29 pmYes, this sounds correct because it's sensing the laser position in 1 dimension perpendicular to those parallel filaments and outputs to a position indicator LED for high, low, or right on respectively. Thank you, this sounds like the information I need! So I just contact Hammamatsu and create a relationship with them to begin designing the components and housings I need?Quote from: XxMandragoraxX on January 15, 2025, 07:16:40 amYes my initial design and Idea was to use a housing with mirrors to direct the lased line towards three different photodiodes in the high, right on, and low positions but then I reverse engineered this technology that is already used for a similar function and found this component in there and wondered what it is. I think Jwet is leading me into the direction I'm looking for, thank you for your help though.

author: XxMandragoraxX
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2025, 08:00:23 am
content: Nice then. I hope you manage to carry out the project, it sounds interesting. update us when you know or have something