Photoelectric Sensors

Photoelectric sensors detect the distance, absence or presence of an object. These sensors are great for sensing long distances and detecting most materials.

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    Pepperl+Fuchs

    188552

    Retroreflective Sensor, M18 Threaded, 10-30VDC, 6.5m Detection Range, NPN, Light On, 4 LED Indicators for 360° Visibility, M12 3-Pin x 1 Connector, PC Housing, PMMA Optical Face, -25 to +60°C (-13 to +140°F) Ambient Temperature, IP67, NCNR

  • baumer_-_fpdk_10n5135-s35a_-_retroreflective_sensor__97113.jpg

    Baumer

    FPDK 10N5135/S35A

    Retroreflective Sensor, Miniature, Pulsed Red LED, 10-30VDC, 3.5m Actual Range Sb, 4m Nominal Range Sn, Potentiometer, 240°, NPN, Light/Dark Operate, M8 4-Pin Connector, 27 x 10.4 x 16.3mm (HWD), Plastic ASA Housing, PMMA Optics, -20° to +6

  • pf_ml100_1__14176.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    216896

    Photoelectric Triangulation Diffuse Reflective Sensor with Background Suppression, Miniature Design, 350mm Adjustable Range, Red Light, Light/Dark On, NPN Output, M8 4-Pin Plug

  • baumer-fhdm_12n5001__33077.jpg

    Baumer

    FHDM 12N5001

    Diffuse Sensor With Background Suppression-Miniature, 15...300 mm Sensing Distance, Pulsed Red LED, NPN, Mechanical (5 Turn), 2 Meter Cable Length (4 Pin), 10...30VDC, IP67

Photoelectric sensors detect the distance, absence or presence of an object. These sensors are great for sensing long distances and detecting most materials.

How Does a Photoelectric Sensor Work?

Generally a photoelectric sensor consists of the following:

  • Transmitter - emits the light beam
  • Receiver - detects the light beam and converts it to an electrical signal

Photoelectric sensors detect changes in the light beam caused by the presence/absence, movement or properties of an object.

Types of Photoelectric Sensors:

  • Through-Beam (Thru-Beam)
    • Transmitter and receiver are two separate units that are directly opposite of each other. The sensor detects when an objects breaks the light beam
    • Great for long distance detection
    • Ideal for conveyors, counting or monitoring door openings
  • Retroreflective (Reflective Mode)
    • Transmitter and receiver are in one housing; light beam is reflected back by a reflector. Detection is triggered when an object breaks the beam.
    • Medium range detection and easier to install than a through beam
    • Ideal for package detection and pallet positioning
  • Diffuse (Proximity Mode)
    • The transmitter and receiver in one housing; the sensor detects light reflected directly off the target object (no reflector needed)
    • Best for short range applications
    • Ideal for detecting objects on assembly lines, verifying presence or checking fill level
  • Specialized Types:

Categories Related to Photoelectric Sensors:

  • Stack lights - signal towers visually communicate the data or alerts that the photoelectric sensors are generating
  • Smart relays - photoelectric sensors provide input signals which can process the data and control outputs
  • Pushbuttons and estops - if your sensor detects a fault, an operator can use a pushbutton to reset the system
  • HMIs - HMIs can dispay the data from the photoelectric sensor which allows you to monitor processes