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_O300W_Primary.jpg

    Baumer

    O300W.GL-GW1J.PVN

    Diffuse Sensor With Background Suppression-Washdown, 30...250 mm Sensing Distance, Pulsed Red Laser Diode, Teach-in and IO-Link, Push-Pull Output Circuit, M8 Connector (4 Pin), IP 69/69K & proTect+

  • Baumer_O300W_Primary.jpg

    Baumer

    O300W.GP-GW1J.PVN

    Diffuse Sensor With Background Suppression-Washdown, 30...200 mm Sensing Distance, Pulsed PinPoint LED, Push-Pull Output Circuit, Teach-in and IO-Link, M8 Connector (4 Pin), IP 68/69K & proTect+

  • Baumer_O300W_Primary.jpg

    Baumer

    O300W.RL-GW1J.PVN

    Retro-Reflective Sensor-Washdown, 5 Meter Sensing Distance, Pulsed Red Laser Diode, Push-Pull Out Circuit, Teach-in and IO-Link, M8 Connector (4 Pin), IP 68/69K & proTect+

  • Baumer_O300W_Primary.jpg

    Baumer

    O300W.RP-GW1B.PVN

    Retro-Reflective Sensor-Washdown, 2 Meter Sensing Distance, Pulsed PinPoint LED, Push-Pull Output Circuit, qTeach/Remote, M8 Connector (4 Pin), IP 68/69k & proTect+

  • Baumer_O300W_Primary.jpg

    Baumer

    O300W.RP.T-GW1J.PVN

    Photoelectric Retro-Reflective Sensor-Washdown, 3.5 Meter Sensing Distance, Pulsed PinPoint LED, Push-Pull Output Circuit, Teach-in and IO-Link, M8 Connector (4 Pin), IP 68/69K & proTect+

  • Baumer_O300W_Primary.jpg

    Baumer

    O300W.SP-GW1J.PVN

    SmartReflect Light Barrier-Washdown, 30...300mm Sensing Distance, Pulsed PinPoint LED, Push-Pull Output Circuit, Teach-in and IO-Link, M8 Connector (4 Pin), IP 68/69K & proTect+

  • Baumer_O300W_Primary.jpg

    Baumer

    O300W.SP.T-GW1J.PVN

    SmartReflect Light Barrier-Washdown, 30...300 mm Sensing Distance, Pulsed PinPoint LED, Push-Pull Output Circuit, Teach-in and IO-Link, M8 Connector (4 Pin), IP 68/69K & proTect+

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