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.

Style:
Product Price Rating Action
  • takex_-_dln-s4v_-_sensor__80016.jpg

    Takex

    DLN-S4V

    Photoelectric Sensor, BGS/FGS Selectable, Infrared LED (850nm), 12-24VDC, 10-100mm Detecting Distance, NPN/PNP, Light ON/Dark ON Selector, 2m Cable,, PBT Housing, Polycarbonate Lens, IP67 (Mounting Bracket Options to Order Separately: BK-00

  • takex_dln_shortrange_m8_3__07496.jpg

    Takex

    DLN-S5RV-J

    Photoelectric Sensor, Background Suppression (BGS) / Background Recognition (FGS), 12-24VDC, 10-50mm Detecting Distance, Short Range/NPN, BGS/FGS Selector, Light On/Dark On Selector, 100mA, PBT Housing, Polycarbonate Lens, M8 4-Pin Connecto

  • takex_dln_shortrange_m8_2__46162.jpg

    Takex

    DLN-S5RVP-J

    Photoelectric Sensor, Background Suppression (BGS) / Background Recognition (FGS), 12-24 VDC, 10-50mm Detecting Distance, Short Range/PNP, BGS/FGS Selector, Light On/Dark On Selector, 100mA, PBT Housing, Polycarbonate Lens, M8 4-Pin Connect

  • cg_eo1804ppas-1_1__10138.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    EO1804PPAS

    Photoelectric Diffuse Reflective Sensor, M18, 10-40VDC, 400mm Range, PNP, 4-Wire Complementary, NO/NC, 2m PVC Cable, Modulated, Infrared Light 880nm, LED Indication, IP67

  • carlo_gavazzi_-_ep1820ppas-1_-_sensor__23739.jpg

    Carlo Gavazzi

    EP1820PPAS-1

    Photoelectric Polarized Retroreflective Sensor, Red Polarized Modulated Light 660nm, 270° Single Turn Potentiometer, 10-40VDC Power Supply, 2m Range, PNP Output, NO/NC, Light and Dark Switching, M12 Quick Disconnect Plug, 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