Photoelectric Sensor

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Photoelectric sensor

A photoelectric sensor, or photoeye, is a device used to detect the distance, absence, or presence

of an object by using a light transmitter, often infrared, and a photoelectric receiver. They are

used extensively in industrial manufacturing. There are three different functional types: opposed

(a.k.a. through beam), retroreflective, and proximity-sensing (a.k.a. diffused).

Types

A self-contained photoelectric sensor contains the optics, along with the electronics. It requires

only a power source. The sensor performs its own modulation, demodulation, amplification, and

output switching. Some self-contained sensors provide such options as built-in control timers or

counters. Because of technological progress, self-contained photoelectric sensors have become

increasingly smaller.

Remote photoelectric sensors used for remote sensing contain only the optical components of a

sensor. The circuitry for power input, amplification, and output switching are located elsewhere,

typically in a control panel. This allows the sensor, itself, to be very small. Also, the controls for

the sensor are more accessible, since they may be bigger.

When space is restricted or the environment too hostile even for remote sensors, fiber optics may

be used. Fiber optics are passive mechanical sensing components. They may be used with either

remote or self-contained sensors. They have no electrical circuitry and no moving parts, and can

safely pipe light into and out of hostile environments
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infraredhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photoelectric_effecthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opticshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronicshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modulationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amplifierhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remote_sensinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiber_opticshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiber_opticshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remote_sensinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amplifierhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modulationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronicshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opticshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photoelectric_effecthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrared


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Sensing Modes

An opposed (through beam) arrangement consists of a receiver located within the line-of-sight of

the transmitter. In this mode, an object is detected when the light beam is blocked from getting to

the receiver from the transmitter.

A retroreflective arrangement places the transmitter and receiver at the same location and uses a

reflector to bounce the light beam back from the transmitter to the receiver. An object is sensed

when the beam is interrupted and fails to reach the receiver.

A proximity-sensing (diffused) arrangement is one in which the transmitted radiation must

reflect off the object in order to reach the receiver. In this mode, an object is detected when the

receiver sees the transmitted source rather than when it fails to see it.

Some photoeyes have two different operational types, light operate and dark operate. Light

operate photoeyes become operational when the receiver "receives" the transmitter signal. Dark

operate photoeyes become operational when the receiver "does not receive" the transmitter

signal.

The detecting range of a photoelectric sensor is its "field of view", or the maximum distance the

sensor can retrieve information from, minus the minimum distance. A minimum detectable

object is the smallest object the sensor can detect. More accurate sensors can often have

mimimum detectable objects of minuscule size.


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Detection configuration and features

Type Detection configuration FeaturesModel

(KEYENCE products)

Thrubeam

Detection occurs when the

target crosses the beam

between transmitter andreceiver.

Long-detecting distance

Stable detection

Opaque objects are

detectable regardless of

shape, color or material

Powerful beam

LV,LX2,PZ-

M,PZ2,PS,PW,PJ,PJS,PQ

and FS,FS2,FS-L units

Retro-

reflective


target crosses the beam

between sensor head and

reflector.

Reflector allows for

installation in a limited

space

Simple wiring

Easily-adjustable optical

axis

Opaque objects are

detectable regardless of

shape, color, or material

PZ-M,PZ2,PW and LV,FS

units

Diffuse-

reflective

Detection occurs when thelight beam is reflected by

the target and received by

the sensor.

Space-saving

PZ2,PS,PW, and FS,FS2

units


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Adjustment of optical

axis not required

Reflective transparent

objects are detectable

Color differentiation

possible

Focused-

beam

reflective


beam spot is reflected by

the target and received by

the sensor.

Minute objects detectable

Target markings

detectable

Detection throuth narrow

slits

Visible beam spot

LV and FS,FS2,FS-L units

Small-spot

definite

reflective

The transmitting and

receiving portions areconstructed at an angle

allowing detection within

the limited area where the

optical axes intersect.

Effect of target

background minimal

Low hysteresis

Slight height differences

detectable

PS, and FS,FS2,LV units

(Internal lens units)


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Fixed-

distance

Detects the target at a

specific distance according

to the angle of the reflected

light beam.

Unaffected by highly

reflective target

background

Stable detection of

targets of colors and

materials with varying

reflectance

Highly accurate detection

of minute ofjects

PZ-V,PZ-M

Luster

recognition

When the light beam hits a

target, the beam reflects

differently according to the

luster of the target. The

sensor detects the

difference in luster based

on how the beam reflects

(specular or diffusive)light.

Detection is not affected

by target color.

Transparent targets can be

detected.

PI-G


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References

http://info.bannersalesforce.com/xpedio/groups/public/documents/literature

http://www.sensorcentral.com/photoelectric
http://info.bannersalesforce.com/xpedio/groups/public/documents/literaturehttp://info.bannersalesforce.com/xpedio/groups/public/documents/literaturehttp://www.sensorcentral.com/photoelectrichttp://www.sensorcentral.com/photoelectrichttp://www.sensorcentral.com/photoelectrichttp://info.bannersalesforce.com/xpedio/groups/public/documents/literature

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Photoelectric Sensor