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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  • baumer-o300.sp-gw1b.72n_1__08199.jpg

    Baumer

    O500.GP-GW1B.72O

    Diffuse Sensor, Background Suppression, 10-30VDC, 60-400mm Sensing Distance Tw, 30-400mm Sensing Range Tb, Pulsed PinPoint LED, 630 nm, Push-Pull, qTeach/External, Light/Dark Operate, M12 4-Pin Connector, Plastic Housing, PMMA Optics, 45 x

  • baumer_fhdk04_870x630__67284.jpg

    Baumer

    FHDK 04G6111

    Subminiature Diffuse Sensor, Background Suppression (BGS), Pulsed Point Source LED, 30mm ±2mm Range Tw, 11-30VDC, Dark Operate, Push-Pull, <50mA, 2m 3-Pin Cable, 44.8 x 4 x 6.2mm (HWD), Plastic (ASA) Housing, PMMA Optics, -10 to 50°C, IP65

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_206277_-_sensor__38354.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    206277

    Print Mark Contrast Sensor, 10-30VDC / 18-30VDC in IO-Link V1.0, 11 mm ± 2 mm Range, Teach In, Light/Dark On, 2 Push-Pull O/P, M12 4 Pin, Nickel Plated Die-Cast Zinc, Plastic Optics, -20 to +60°C Ambient Temp., 41.5 x 49 x 15mm (WHD), IP67

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_418066_-_sensor__78320.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    418066

    Print Mark Contrast Sensor, 10-30VDC, 300mm Range, Laser Diode, 650nm, Light On/Dark On Switchable, Push-Pull O/P, PNP, M12 5 Pin Connector, PC (Makrolon), Glass Optics, -10 to +50°C Ambient Temperature, 33 x 85.6 x 60.8mm (WHD), IP67

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_132616_-_sensor__74685.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    132616

    Print Mark Contrast Sensor, Diffuse Mode, 10-30VDC, 11mm ± 2 mm Range, Teach-In, Light/Dark On, 2 Push-Pull O/P, M12 5 Pin, Nickel Plated Die-Cast Zinc, Plastic Optics, -20 to 60°C Ambient Temp., 41.5 x 49 x 15mm (WHD), 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