Sensors & Transducers


Optical sensors without the 'blind' spot

October 2001 Sensors & Transducers

Banner Engineering produces the VS3 series retroreflective sensors designed to detect shiny objects accurately and eliminate the 'blind' response area of conventional photoelectrics. Self-contained VS3 sensors offer precision performance and exceptional range, making them well suited as replacements for remote and fibre-optic sensors in small feeder racks, conveyors and other space-limited applications.

Bifurcated lens separation creates a 'blind' sensing response area near the lens of conventional photoelectric sensors. Engineers have to account for this 'blind' area in the design of every application, because objects in this area will not be detected. VS3 sensors utilise coaxial optics to provide a complete sensing response area with no blind spots. This feature allows sensing targets to be placed as close to the VS3 lens as needed.

The VS3s' miniature size belies their powerful capabilities. Utilising a visible red beam, they provide a range up to 250 mm to the supplied retroreflector and repeatability of 160 µs with an output response time of 1 ms. The VS3 design includes an advanced circuit board for precision performance and coaxial optics that eliminate close-range blind areas.

Green and yellow LEDs provide constant indication of operating status. Steady green indicates - Power On, flashing green - Output Overload, and steady yellow - Light Sensed.

VS3 sensors are available in light operate (NO) and dark operate (NC) models with a choice of NPN (current sinking) or PNP (current sourcing) outputs. Internal circuitry guards against false pulse on power-up, continuous overload and short-circuit of outputs. The 10-30 V d.c. sensors feature 3-wire hook-up and provide a maximum output rating of 50 mA.

Housed in durable black ABS with an acrylic lens, the rugged miniatures tolerate vibration, mechanical shock and washdown and operate in temperatures of -20 to +55°C. The sensors are CE approved and meet IEC IP67 standard. They are available with an integral PVC-jacketed 2 m cable, or a 3-pin integrated Pico-style quick disconnect fitting. Stainless steel mounting hardware is included with all models. Optional mounting brackets are available.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Condition monitoring to go
Turck Banner Southern Africa Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Anyone who wants to efficiently monitor the climate in control cabinets will find a comprehensive range of control cabinet monitors for the DIN rail in Turck Banner’s cabinet condition monitoring family.

Read more...
Energy measurement module for BL20 I/O System
Turck Banner Southern Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Turck’s BL20 energy measurement module enables precise monitoring of the energy consumption of single- or three-phase systems.

Read more...
Leaders in sensor technology
Gail Norton Instrumentation Sensors & Transducers
Photoelectric eyes have always needed perfect working conditions, but in the workplace there is no such thing. Steam, water, light and dirt interfere with most photoelectric eyes, but never with a Telco sensor.

Read more...
Compact UHF RFID reader with integrated Ethernet interface
Turck Banner Southern Africa Industrial Wireless
Online teaser: Turck Banner’s Q150 UHF RFID reader has an integrated Ethernet interface. The IP67 reader communicates directly with PC or PLC systems in industrial Ethernet networks having the four most important protocols, without the need for an additional interface.

Read more...
Miniature position sensor for precision motion control
Sensors & Transducers
The ILPS-13Z Series miniature linear variable inductive transducer position sensor is designed to deliver exceptional performance and reliability for a wide range of industrial and laboratory applications, including automotive R&D, motorsports, motion control, medical, military and aerospace.

Read more...
Positioning system for automatic adjustment of auxiliary and positioning axes
Vepac Electronics Sensors & Transducers
The PSE 34x-14 positioning system from Vepac is an intelligent compact solution for the automatic adjustment of auxiliary and positioning axes.

Read more...
Powerful measuring sensor with two new modes
Turck Banner Southern Africa Sensors & Transducers
Turck Banner has launched two new modes in the Q2X series of miniature photoelectric sensors: laser measurement and fixed-field.

Read more...
Fire detection and safety solutions for mining
ACTOM Electrical Machines Sensors & Transducers
ACTOM Industry is expanding its portfolio with the introduction of cutting-edge fire detection and safety solutions designed for explosive atmospheres.

Read more...
Simplify condition monitoring with one gateway
Turck Banner Southern Africa Industrial Wireless
By seamlessly integrating wired and wireless devices, Turck Banner’s DXM1200-X2 brings condition monitoring to every part of a facility: easy-to-access areas, hard-to-reach places, and everywhere in between, including harsh environments with an IP67-rated housing.

Read more...
Efficiently consolidate analogue signals and reduce wiring
Turck Banner Southern Africa Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Control engineers can bring analogue signals into a control system more efficiently with the new R95C 8-port analogue input to modbus hub.

Read more...