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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    Carlo Gavazzi

    PD30CNB25PAM5PS

    Diffuse Reflective Photoelectric Sensor with Adjustable Background Suppression, Point Spot, Range 0-250mm, Polarity Free Red Light 625nm, Power Supply 10-30VDC, PNP Output, NO and NC, Light and Dark Switching, M8 Plug, 10 x 30 x 20mm Housing

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    Carlo Gavazzi

    PD30CNP60PAM5SA

    Polarized Retroreflective Photoelectric Sensor, Range 6000mm, Red Polarized Modulated Light 625nm, Power Supply 10-30VDC, PNP Output, NO and NC, Light and Dark Switching, M8 Plug

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    Carlo Gavazzi

    PD30CNT15PPM5DU

    Thru-Beam Photoelectric Receiver, Range 15000mm, Infrared Light 880nm, Power Supply 10-30VDC, Dust Output, PNP Output, NO or NC, Light or Dark Switching, Connector M8, 10 x 30 x 20mm Housing

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    Carlo Gavazzi

    PD70CNT12ML

    Thru-Beam Photoelectric Emitter, Range 12m, Infrared Modulated Light 850nm, Power Supply 10-30VDC, 5m Cable, Mute Low, ESPE Type 2, EN12445, EN12453, EN12978, UL325

  • carlo_gavazzi_-_pe12cnt15_-_emitter__89305.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PE12CNT15

    Photoelectric Throughbeam Emitter, 15m Range, Infrared Modulated Light 880nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, 5m Cable, ESPE Type 2, EN12445, EN12453, EN12978, UL325, UL508

  • carlo_gavazzi_-_pe12cnt15po_-_receiver__99055.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    PE12CNT15PO

    Photoelectric Throughbeam Receiver, 15m Range, Infrared Modulated Light 880nm, 10-30VDC Power Supply, PNP Output, NO, Light Switching, 5m Cable, ESPE Type 2, EN12445, EN12453, EN12978, UL325, UL508

  • Takex_PF-R03DS_Primary.png

    Takex

    PF-R03DS

    Photoelectric Sensor, Diffuse Reflective, 12-24VDC, NPN NC, Dark-ON, 300mm Range, Embedded Amplifier, PFA, Chemical Resistant, 0.35ms Response, IP67

  • Takex_PF-R03DS_Primary.png

    Takex

    PF-R03S

    Photoelectric Sensor, Diffuse Reflective, 12-24VDC, NPN NO, Light-ON, 300mm Range, Embedded Amplifier, PFA, Chemical Resistant, 0.35ms Response, 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