Product category:
Optoelectronic Sensors, Switches and Receivers
News Release from: Panasonic Electric Works UK | Subject: UZB3 photoelectric sensor
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 01 May 2001
Alternative fibre-optic sensor
The UZB3 photoelectric sensor from Matsushita Electric Works has been designed as a cost-effective alternative to conventional fibre-optic devices.
The UZB3 photoelectric sensor from Matsushita Electric Works has been designed as a cost-effective alternative to conventional fibre-optic devices This has been achieved by incorporating all of the sensor's optics and electronics into the format of a small hex-head screw, thus eliminating the need to purchase an amplifier and separate sensing head
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 23 Feb 2000 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Relay gives impressive performance for its size
With a width of just 5mm the slim-line PA relay now switches an impressive 5A @ 250VAC (previously 3A @ 250VAC)
Five different mounting options on auto relays
Now available with five different mounting options, the high performance range of CB mini ISO standard cube relays has been developed in response to OEM and automotive system manufacturers
Apart from cost, the UZB3 also addresses some of the other key limitations of fibre-optic sensors.
Conventional fibre-optic cables are often susceptible to breakage or damage that can impair the performance of the sensor.
The UZB3 has been fitted with a virtually unbreakable cabtyre cable that enables the device to be installed from any direction.
As a result, tubing, which is used to protect conventional fibres from breakage, is not needed.
Furthermore, because the UZB3 can be screw-mounted, the device can be inserted into production lines in exactly the same way as standard fibre-optic sensors.
Effectively a "sensor in a screw" the UZB3 measures just 14mm across the flats and is available in both thru-beam and diffuse-reflective types.
The thru-beam type achieves a long sensing distance of 500mm and is available with an optional slit mask for applications where small object detection is required.
The diffuse-reflective version of the UZB3 incorporates a sensitivity adjuster that is located in the sensor's head - a useful feature for fine-tuning.
Both thru-beam and reflective-diffuse types are available with either PNP or NPN outputs with a choice of light-on or dark-on switching.
All types have a high-speed response time of 0.5ms and are equipped with two bright LED indicators.
The UZB3 enables space-critical applications to be considered that previously could only be resolved by use of a relatively expensive combination of amplifier and separate sensing head.
Applications include the sensing of small or fast-moving objects on production lines or automated assembly machines.
• Panasonic Electric Works UK: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Electronicstalk email newsletter
• Electronicstalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
