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_-_198052_-_sensor__92237.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    198052

    Photoelectric Slot Sensor, 10-30VDC, 0.3mm Target, 30mm/35mm Slot Width/Depth, Infrared Light, Light/Dark On Switch, PNP, M8 3 Pin Connector, Powder Coated Die-Cast Zinc, Glass Optics, -20 to +60°C Ambient Temperature, IP67

  • 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

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_267075-0060_-_obt350-r101-2ep-io-v31_-_photoelectric_triangulation__73994.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    267075-0060

    Triangulation Sensor, Background Suppression (BGS), Miniature Design, 10-30VDC, 350mm Range, IO-Link, Smart Sensor, Polycarbonate Housing, PMMA Optical Face, M8 4-Pin Connector, IP67/69/69K, 41.5 x 13.9 x 18.3mm (HWD), OBT Series

  • pf_obr7500-r101-2ep-io_1__09758.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    267075-0122

    Photoelectric DuraBeam Laser Retroreflective Sensor, 10-30VDC, 0-12m Detection Range, IO Link, M8 4-Pin Connector, 41.4H x 13.9W x18.3Dmm, IP67/69/69K, Returns of This Item Must Be Approved by Manufacturer

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_obr6000-r103-2ep-io_-_photoelectric_sensor__02479.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    267075-100274

    Photoelectric Retroreflective Sensor with Polarization Filter, Miniature Design, 10-30VDC, 0-6m Detection Range, IO Link, 2m Cable, 36.5H x 15W x 26.7Dmm, IP67/69/69K

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