IDEC SA2E photoelectric sensors

IDEC Corporation has introduced the SA2E photoelectric sensor range in five models, each of which improves on or replaces the company’s previous SA1E sensors. An updated ASIC provides improved performance, while delivering better response times and more capable detection.

SA2E sensors are offered in five major variations: a through-beam sensor pair; polarised retro-reflective; diffused-reflective, for detecting targets by the light reflected from the target; background-suppression reflective; and small-beam reflective, for close detection of small targets.

The SA2E sensors generally improve response times to 0.5 ms, compared with 1.0 ms for previous generation models, for better detection of smaller and faster moving objects. Sensors are switchable between ‘light-on’ and ‘dark-on’ operating modes, and applicable models have an onboard sensitivity or range adjustment potentiometer. Depending on the model, sensing distances can range up to 20 m for through-beam, up to 5 m for retro-reflective and between 10 and 1000 mm for other reflective models. Tighter beams and more adjustability helps designers deploy the sensors in a greater variety of applications.

Electrically, the control output is connectable as NPN/PNP open collector with output reverse-polarity protection. The devices consume very low current on the order of 20–35 mA, at supply voltages of 12–24 VDC, with the ability to switch up to 100 mA maximum. Designers can choose models with cables or onboard M8 connectors for use with straight and right-angle cables.

SA2E PE sensors are compact at 10.8 x 19.5 x 31.5 mm, and various mounting brackets are available.