Optical Sensors for Longer Operating Distances

Medium-sized R20x photoelectric sensors from Pepperl+Fuchs Inc. (Twinsburg, OH) offer all photoelectric functional principles: thru-beam sensors, retroreflective sensors with a polarization filter or for clear object recognition, energetic diffuse mode sensors, sensors with background suppression and foreground suppression, measuring light barriers with two switch points, and distance sensors. Each sensor offers several mounting patterns in one industry-standard housing style. These sensors also feature rotatable connectors that allow flexible installation, even in space-restricted applications. With eye-safe DuraBeam laser technology, R20x photoelectric sensors deliver maximum reliability and accuracy. DuraBeam combines the long service life and extended temperature range of an LED emitter with the strengths of laser diodes: long detection and sensing ranges, as well as a more intense beam quality. As a result, R20x laser sensors are more energy-efficient and last longer without compromising performance, even in extreme operating temperatures.

Another benefit of DuraBeam laser sensors is their special beam profile, which casts a sharp, circular light spot on an object and makes them ideal for extremely precise detection and distance measurement of small objects. Additionally, Multi-Pixel technology uses the benefits of geometric triangulation for distance measurement and enables highly accurate, reliable detection results at close range. The sensor’s light source generates an extremely bright light spot with a high energy density on the object, creating a reflection that is mapped on the receiving multi-pixel array with maximum precision. Intelligent software algorithms use the position of the center of the reflection on the array to calculate the exact distance to the object. This allows the measuring and switching light sensors of the R20x series to measure the position of an object precisely and clearly distinguish it from the background.

These sensors provide speed, accuracy, and reliability that are ideal for automation in a variety of industrial applications. For example, during construction of a car body, each part must be transported down the line with precision. Skids must speed up, slow down, and stop in front of each station to be welded, riveted, and glued with no errors in timing. With a polarization filter, this sensor can be used to regulate skid speed and ensure the skid will slow or stop when the sensor beam is blocked by said skid. Glossy materials and materials with a reflective surface do not affect these sensors, making them ideal for many industrial processes. Standardized IO-Link connection via the latest Smart Sensor Profiles enables convenient and reliable integration of the sensors. Smart Sensor Profile is a standard that aims to ensure the same basic functionalities across all IO-Link sensor manufacturers, including access to settings, parameters, process data, and diagnostics.

All sensors that follow a specific Smart Sensor Profile display evaluate process data the same way to enable the use of function blocks for simple control integration. Existing user programs can be reused to simplify programming. Due to the omission of manufacturer or device-specific data sheets, both the commissioning and the ongoing plant maintenance are simplified.

Pepperl+Fuchs Inc., 1600 Enterprise Parkway, Twinsburg, OH 44087, 330-486-0002, Fax: 330-425-4607, pa-info@us.pepperl-fuchs.com, www.pepperl-fuchs.com.