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Photoelectric Sensors

Photoelectric Sensors

What Is a Photoelectric Sensor?

What Is a Photoelectric Sensor?

A photoelectric sensor is an electronic device that detects the presence, position, color, or other characteristics of an object by sensing changes in light. It typically consists of a transmitter that emits a light beam and a receiver that detects the reflected or transmitted light.

When an object enters the light beam, it either blocks or reflects part of the light, causing a change in the amount of light reaching the receiver. The sensor detects this change and converts it into an electrical signal. These electrical signals can be further processed to control other devices or systems.

Photoelectric sensors feature high sensitivity, non-contact detection, and fast response speeds, making them widely used in industrial automation, logistics, packaging, and other fields.

Sensing Modes

Different applications require various sensing methods. To meet these diverse needs, DADISICK offers multiple sensing modes, including through-beam, retro-reflective, and diffuse-reflective sensors. The choice of sensing mode depends on factors such as detection range, the physical composition of the target object, and the sensor's working environment.
Photoelectric Sensor Detecting the presence of parts
Detecting the presence of parts

Photoelectric Sensor Detecting the presence of packaging bottles
Detecting the presence of packaging bottles

Photoelectric Sensor Detecting the positioning of packaging
Detecting the positioning of packaging

Photoelectric Sensor Detecting high-speed moving objects
Detecting high-speed moving objects

Photoelectric Sensor Electronic components detection
Electronic components detection

Photoelectric Sensor LED lamp pin detection
LED lamp pin detection

Through-beam Sensors

Working Principle:
Through-beam sensors consist of a separate transmitter and receiver. The transmitter emits a beam of light directly to the receiver. When a target object blocks the beam, the sensor detects the interruption and triggers an output signal.

Advantages:
▪️Long detection range, often extending several meters or more.
▪️High accuracy in detecting small objects.
▪️Minimal interference from background light and environmental factors.

Applications:
Ideal for scenarios requiring long-distance detection or high-precision object detection, such as object counting and safety monitoring.
Through-beam Sensors
Retro-reflective Sensors

Retro-reflective Sensors

Working Principle:
Retro-reflective sensors integrate the transmitter and receiver into a single unit. A reflector is used to send the light beam back to the receiver. When an object enters the light path, it interrupts the reflected signal, and the sensor triggers an output signal.

Advantages:
▪️Simple installation with only one reflector required.
▪️Moderate detection range, typically within a few meters.

Considerations:
The reflector should be cleaned regularly to ensure signal stability.

Applications:
Suitable for medium-range object detection, such as product inspection on packaging conveyor lines.

Diffuse-reflective Sensors

Working Principle:
Diffuse-reflective sensors also integrate the transmitter and receiver into a single unit. The sensor detects light reflected off the surface of the target object. The intensity of the reflected light depends on the surface properties of the object. When the received light exceeds a set threshold, the sensor triggers an output signal.

Advantages:
▪️No reflector required, making installation more convenient.
▪️Compatible with various target objects without needing alignment with a specific reflective point.

Limitations:
▪️Short detection range.
▪️Low surface reflectivity of some objects may affect detection performance.

Applications:
Ideal for short-range detection tasks, such as part positioning and sorting on production lines.
Diffuse-reflective Sensors

Photoelectric Sensor Products List

DADISICK photoelectric sensor is a sensor that uses photoelectric elements as detection elements and can detect the presence or change of light. This is its sensing function. It detects light signals by converting changes in light signals into changes in electrical signals. 1. In automated production lines, it can be used to detect the position, speed and presence of objects, thereby controlling the movement of equipment such as robotic arms and conveyor belts to ensure a smooth and efficient production process. 2. In the metal processing industry, it can be used to detect tiny objects such as metal chips and fragments to ensure the cleanliness and safety of the production process. 3. It can be used for security applications such as intrusion detection and object tracking. When abnormal objects or personnel are detected, the alarm system can be triggered to ensure on-site safety. 4. In the manufacturing and testing process of electronic equipment, it can be used to detect the position and integrity of components such as circuit boards and connectors to ensure the quality and performance of communication equipment.
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Photoelectric Sensors

ModelDescription
Background Suppression Photoelectric Sensor GB43 SeriesBackground Suppression Photoelectric Sensor GB43 SeriesGB43 Series | GB43-10N-ZAA, GB43-10P-ZAA, GB43-30N-ZAA, GB43-30P-ZAA, GFL43-30N-ZAA, GFL43-30P-ZAADetection range: 30-100mm (adjustable)
Detection range: 30-300mm (adjustable)
Detection range: 30-300mm (adjustable)
Switching frequency: 100Hz
Response time: 5ms
Universal Square Photoelectric Sensor GF21 SeriesUniversal Square Photoelectric Sensor GF21 SeriesGF21 Series I GF21-150N-ZBA, GF21-150P-ZBADetection distance: 30-150mm, 2M, 10M
Power supply voltage: DC12-24V
No-load current:9mA , 9mA, Reflection 11mA, reception 9mA
Connection method:Wire lead type (standard wire length 2m)
Universal Square Photoelectric Sensor GF43 SeriesUniversal Square Photoelectric Sensor GF43 SeriesGF43 Series | GF43-15N-ZAA, GF43-15P-ZAA, GF43-02N-ZCA, GF43-02P-ZCA, GF43-10N-ZBA, GF43-10P-ZBADetection distance: 30-150mm, 2M, 10M
Power supply voltage: DC12-24V
No-load current:9mA , 9mA, Reflection 11mA, reception 9mA
Connection method:Wire lead type (standard wire length 2m)
Photoelectric Sensor Ultra-thin Micro GP13 SeriesPhotoelectric Sensor Ultra-thin Micro GP13 SeriesGP13 Series | GP13-03N-ZAA, GP13-03P-ZAA, GP13-D30N-ZBA, GP13-D30P-ZBA, GP13-D50N-ZBA, GP13-D50P-ZBA, GP13-L30N-ZBA, GP13-L30P-ZBA, GP13-L50N-ZBA,GP13-L50P-ZBADetection distance:2-30mm,300mm,500mm,300mm,500mm
Power supply voltage:12~24V DC ±10%
Operating temperature:-25~+55℃
Connection method:Wire lead type (2m)
Small Size Background Suppression Photoelectric Sensor GSB SeriesSmall Size Background Suppression Photoelectric Sensor GSB SeriesGSB Series | GSB-12N, GSB-12PMaximum detection distance: 2 - 150 mm
Stable detection distance: 3 - 120 mm
Power supply voltage: 12 - 24 V DC
Switch output: NPN/PNP
Connection type: Cable, 4 cores, 2 m
Background Suppression Photoelectric Sensor GB43 SeriesBackground Suppression Photoelectric Sensor GB43 SeriesGB43 Series | GB43-100N-ZAA, GB43-100P-ZAAMaximum detection distance: 30-1500mm
Shell material: Plastic, ABS
Connection type: Cable, 4 cores, 2m
Photoelectric Sensors Retro-reflective Sensors GM18 SeriesPhotoelectric Sensors Retro-reflective Sensors GM18 SeriesGM18 Series | GM18-200, GM18-300Detection range: 2000 mm, 3000 mm
Material: Nickel-copper alloy
Connection type: 3pin/4pin with 2M cable
Photoelectric Sensors Through-beam Sensors GM18 SeriesPhotoelectric Sensors Through-beam Sensors GM18 SeriesGM18 Series | GM18-500, GM18-1500Detection range: 5000 mm, 15000 mm
Material: Nickel-copper alloy
Connection type: 3pin/4pin with 2M cable
Photoelectric Sensors Diffuse GM12 SeriesPhotoelectric Sensors Diffuse GM12 SeriesGM12 Series | GM12-10, GM12-20, GM12-30Detection range: 20-100 mm,20-200mm, 20-300mm
Material: Nickel-copper alloy
Connection type: 3pin/4pin with 2M cable
Photoelectric Sensor Ultra-small Laser Sensor GFS SeriesPhotoelectric Sensor Ultra-small Laser Sensor GFS SeriesGFS Series | GFS-51N-ZAA, GFS-51P-ZAA, GFS-51N-ZBA, GFS-51P-ZBADetection range: 2-50mm
Detection range: 2000mm
Casing material: SUS316L
Connection type: Wire lead type (standard wire length 2m)
Photoelectric Sensors Diffuse Reflection GM18 SeriesPhotoelectric Sensors Diffuse Reflection GM18 SeriesGM18 Series | GM18-30, GM18-50, GM18-100Detection range: 30-300mm
Detection range: 50-500mm
Detection range: 80-1000mm
Material: Nickel-copper alloy
Connection type: 3pin/4pin with 2M cable
Photoelectric Sensors Through-beam GM12 SeriesPhotoelectric Sensors Through-beam GM12 SeriesGM12 Series | GM12-200, GM12-500Detection range: 2000 mm, 5000 mm
Material: Nickel-copper alloy
Connection type: 3pin/4pin with 2M cable

Photoelectric Sensors FAQ

What is the wavelength of light?
Light is an electromagnetic wave that has various wavelengths, such as visible light, invisible ultraviolet, and infrared. The wavelength is the length of one cycle of a light wave, typically measured in nanometers (nm). Common light sources used in photoelectric sensors include blue, green, red, and infrared light.
Is there no problem if the light emitted from photoelectric sensors From different positions intersects?
Absolutely no problem. Photoelectric sensors are typically designed to respond only to light from specific directions, so even if the light paths intersect, their design ensures they won't interfere with each other.
Can photoelectric sensors be used in watery environments?
Photoelectric sensors can be used in watery environments, but you need to choose the appropriate waterproof rating based on the installation method and usage environment. For use in places with water, it's recommended to select sensors with an IP67 or IP68 protection rating.
How large should the hole diameter be if the light from a photoelectric sensor passes through it?
If the light from a photoelectric sensor is to pass through a hole, the hole diameter should be determined based on the specific characteristics of the sensor and the usage environment, generally needing to be larger than the beam diameter.
What factors affect the performance of photoelectric sensors?
▪️Ambient Light: Excessive ambient light can interfere with the operation of the sensor, leading to measurement errors.
▪️Distance: The distance between the sensor and the object being measured affects detection, with too much or too little distance impacting sensitivity.
▪️Object Surface Characteristics: The color, surface finish, and shape of the object can influence the strength of reflected light, thus affecting detection results.
▪️Temperature: Changes in temperature can affect the sensor's sensitivity and response speed.
▪️Noise and Electromagnetic Interference: External electromagnetic fields or noise can potentially impact the sensor's performance.
Photoelectric Applications
▪️Industrial Automation: Counting items, object detection, level measurement, etc.
▪️Robotics: Visual perception, obstacle detection, etc.
▪️Automated Production Lines: Product inspection, quality control, etc.
▪️Smart Homes: Access control, lighting control, automated curtain control, etc.
How to choose a suitable photoelectric sensor?
▪️Detection Distance: Select based on the distance to the object being measured.
▪️Detection Object: Choose according to the color, material, and shape of the object to be detected.
▪️Environmental Conditions: Consider factors like temperature, humidity, and vibration in the working environment.
▪️Output Signal: Choose a signal output that is compatible with subsequent equipment.
▪️Response Time and Accuracy: Evaluate if the sensor's response time and detection accuracy meet application needs.
 How to quickly troubleshoot when a photoelectric sensor has no signal?
When a photoelectric sensor outputs no signal, you can troubleshoot quickly by following these steps:

1️⃣ First, check wiring or configuration issues:
▪️Confirm that both the emitter and receiver of through-beam sensors are correctly powered and that positive and negative connections are correct.
▪️Check if the diffuse reflective sensor's probe and retroreflective plate are used together, ensuring stable power supply.

2️⃣ Check object position and beam alignment:
▪️Ensure the object to be detected is within the sensor's detection area, i.e., within the range where the sensor can detect.
▪️Check if the emitter and receiver axes of through-beam sensors are aligned, and if the probe and reflector axes of retroreflective sensors are aligned.

3️⃣ Check if the object meets the standards:
▪️Ensure the object isn't smaller than the minimum detectable size, avoiding difficulties in detecting transparent objects with through-beam or reflective sensors.
▪️Reflective sensors have color requirements for detected objects; the darker the color, the shorter the detection distance.

4️⃣ Check environmental interference:
▪️Check if the light intensity exceeds the rated range; if there's dust in the environment, regular cleaning of the sensor probe surface is required.
▪️Check for closely installed sensors causing mutual interference, or if there are high-power devices nearby causing electrical interference.

5️⃣ Check power supply voltage:
▪️Ensure the sensor's operating voltage meets the requirements; incorrect input voltage can also prevent the sensor from working correctly.

6️⃣ Check external light source interference:
▪️Some photoelectric sensors are sensitive to strong light or infrared radiation; if there's a strong light source nearby, use a light shield.

7️⃣ Check sensitivity settings:
▪️Check if the sensor's sensitivity setting is appropriate; settings too high or too low can lead to false triggers or no signal output.

8️⃣ Use professional tools for detection:
▪️Use a voltage detector to check if the voltage is stable, determining if the input voltage meets requirements.
▪️Use a signal generator to produce signals at different frequencies and observe the sensor's response to judge if the sensor is functioning correctly.

If, after checking all these steps, there's still no signal output, it's suggested to return the sensor to the manufacturer for testing and judgment.

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