COMPACT PHOTOELECTRIC SENSORS OF THE PANASONIC BRAND
Automation of production or distribution processes often requires sensors that are not only precise but also miniaturized, enabling detection, counting, and positioning of objects in relatively tight spaces, e.g., conveyor lines, inside machines, etc. Of course, it should be noted that such sensors are often used for monitoring operation or controlling mechanisms or drives.
Regardless of the application, the buyer will look for proven and durable solutions featuring the fastest possible response time and, finally, compactness. It is precisely in this segment that products from the PM and EX series by Panasonic are positioned.
Panasonic photoelectric sensors
In this article, we cover topics such as:
SLOT SENSORS
Applications of slot sensors vary; they are used both for positioning and for detecting the position of moving elements (instead of limit switches), as well as for counting rotations or even determining the angle of deflection. This type of sensor is offered by Panasonic in three series: PM-25, PM-45, and PM-65, with the products from the first two series featuring a higher degree of protection (IP64). Specific features of each series can be summarized as:
- easy mounting using M2 or M3 screws;
- smallest dimensions;
- wired output replaced by a connector (CN-14A).
PM slot sensors can be powered with voltages ranging from 5V to 24V DC. They feature protection against reversed polarity of power supply and output connection; the built-in circuit also includes a signal amplifier. Modules have transistor outputs (NPN or PNP) operating in DARK-ON or LIGHT-ON mode. Additionally, the sensors indicate their status using an LED mounted in a semi-transparent housing. Sensor response time is 20µs in LIGHT-ON mode and 80µs in DARK-ON mode. The maximum output signal frequency reaches 3kHz. Regardless of the variant, the opening size between the transmitter and receiver is always 6mm. Panasonic offers 7 product formats, designated by profile shapes using the letters F, K, L, R, T, U, and Y. To strengthen the construction, its most sensitive parts are filled with epoxy resin.
EX-10 AND EX-20 SERIES SENSORS
For applications requiring object detection at longer distances (up to 2m), Panasonic developed the EX-10 and EX-20 sensor series. They have similar parameters, characterized by (respectively):
- ultra-compact dimensions;
- the ability to adjust sensitivity (adjuster included in the set).Both groups include models that are reflexive (the beam emitted from the sensor returns to the module where it is detected) as well as in transmitter-receiver pairs.
A notable distinguishing feature of the EX sensors compared to PM is their very high ingress protection rating: IP67, providing protection against most environmental factors, especially dust and water vapor. The modules require a 12…24V DC supply voltage (maximum operating current is 50mA). Outputs are made as factory pre-installed wires (without connectors at the ends) and have a transistor configuration of NPN or PNP. Depending on the model, the sensor operates in LIGHT-ON or DARK-ONmode. The response time does not exceed 500µs.
The beams and sensors used by Panasonic are precise enough to detect objects with a profile as small as 0.5mm – but it is necessary to check the specification of a particular model. The maximum operating range will also vary and may be from 14mm to 2m. An advantage of these sensors is their reduced sensitivity to disturbances originating from fluorescent lamps and other intense light sources. Such parameters allow the EX sensors to be used even in industrial branches where high precision is required, e.g., in PCB manufacturing plants and even integrated circuit production.
