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_FZAM_08_Primary.png

    Baumer

    FZAM 08P1001

    Diffuse Sensor With Intensity Difference- Subminiature, < 40 mm Sensing Distance, Pulsed Infrared Diode, PNP, No Sensitivity Adjustment, 2 Meter Cable (3 Pin), IP 65

  • Baumer_FZAM_08_Primary.png

    Baumer

    FZAM 08P1002

    Diffuse Sensor With Intensity Difference-Subminiature, < 80 mm Sensing Distance, Pulsed Infrared Diode, PNP, No Sensitivity Adjustment, 2 Meter Cable (3 Pin), IP 65

  • Baumer_FZAM_08_S35_Primary.png

    Baumer

    FZAM 08P1002/S35L

    Diffuse Sensor With Intensity Difference- Subminiature, < 80 mm Sensing Distance, Pulsed Infrared Diode, PNP, No Sensitivity Adjustment, M8 Connector (3 Pin), IP 65

  • Baumer_FZAM_08_S35_Primary.png

    Baumer

    FZAM 08P3001/S35L

    Diffuse Sensor With Intensity Difference-Subminiature, < 40 mm Sensing Distance, Pulsed Infrared Diode, PNP, No Sensitivity Adjustment, M8 Connector (3 Pin), IP 65

  • Baumer_FZAM_08_Primary.png

    Baumer

    FZAM 08P3002

    Diffuse Sensor With Intensity Difference-Subminiature, < 80 mm Sensing Distance, Pulsed Infrared Diode, PNP, No Sensitivity Adjustment, 2 Meter Cable (3 Pin), IP 65

  • Baumer_FZAM_3104_Primary.png

    Baumer

    FZAM 12N3104

    Diffuse Sensor With Intensity Difference-Miniature, 30...200 mm Sensing Distance, Pulsed Infrared Diode, NPN, 270° Potentiometer, 2 Meter Cable (3 Pin), IP 65

  • Baumer_FZAM_S14_Primary.jpg

    Baumer

    FZAM 12N3104/S14

    Diffuse Sensor With Intensity Difference-Miniature, 30...200 mm Sensing Distance, Pulsed Infrared Diode, NPN, 270° Potentiometer, M12 Connector (4 Pin), IP 65

  • Baumer_FZAM_3104_Primary.png

    Baumer

    FZAM 12P1104

    Diffuse Sensor With Intensity Difference-Miniature, 30...200 mm Sensing Distance, Pulsed Infrared Diode, PNP, 270° Potentiometer, 2 Meter Cable (3 Pin), IP 65

  • Baumer_FZAM_S14_Primary.jpg

    Baumer

    FZAM 12P1104/S14

    Diffuse Sensor With Intensity Difference- Miniature, 30...200 mm Sensing Distance, Pulsed Infrared Diode, PNP, 270° Potentiometer, M12 Connector (4 Pin), IP 65

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