The alternative fibre-optic sensor from Matsushita Electric Works

Citation

(2001), "The alternative fibre-optic sensor from Matsushita Electric Works", Sensor Review, Vol. 21 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2001.08721cad.020

The alternative fibre-optic sensor from Matsushita Electric Works

The alternative fibre-optic sensor from Matsushita Electric WorksKeywords Fibre optics, Sensors

The UZB3 photoelectric sensor from Matsushita Electric Works has been designed as a cost-effective alternative to conventional fibre-optic devices (Plate 19). 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.

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.

For further information, please contact: Steve Ritchie, Matsushita Electric Works UK Limited. Tel:+44 (0)1908 231555; Fax:+44 (0)1908 231 599; E-mail: ritchie@mew.uk.com