FaroArm User Guide
January 2007
23
Chapter 1: Introduction to the FaroArm
Temperature Considerations
FARO was awarded the U.S. patent (#5,402,582), and worldwide
patents are pending on the concept and the methods for temperature
compensation of portable CMM devices. This brief overview is meant
only as the most general of descriptions.
To maintain certified accuracy in a multitude of environments, the
monitoring of temperature and the rate of temperature change is
required. The FaroArm employs a software/hardware solution (patents
pending) where a semiconductor temperature sensor is built into each
joint.
The temperature measured is compared to the reference temperature
stored on the on board EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable
Read-only Memory). The difference in temperature is then applied to
the mathematical formulas or kinematics, which defines the position of
the Arm in three-dimensional space. Link length corrections are made
constantly by the inboard processor, which adjusts the kinematics and
constantly adapts the output to changing environmental temperature.
However, because different components heat or cool at different rates,
the device is expected to reach a steady state temperature within a ±5
degree (Celsius) bandwidth for five minutes before measurements can
be taken. For convenience, the electronics system is programmed to
generate an error message when the temperature exceeds a ±5 degree
bandwidth. There is also a built-in routine for the establishment of
temperature stability; whereby, the device monitors itself for five
minutes and indicates to the user that it is ready for use.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) refers to pulses generated by the
discharge of loaded objects and/or people. The charge usually comes
from friction between two materials, one of which is a nonconductor.
• Although these units are protected against damage by ESD,
extra care and proper ESD procedures still must be observed
and followed.
08M46E00_FaroArmUSB.book Page 23 Monday, January 15, 2007 1:12 PM
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