Sensors & Transducers


Teachable LED sensor has laser-like performance

April 2001 Sensors & Transducers

Banner Engineering has introduced the L-GAGE Q50 light-gauging analog output sensor - an easy-to-use triangulation sensor that combines laser-like performance with LED safety and economy. The sensor's compact, self-contained design conserves production space and decreases set-up time by eliminating the need for a separate controller. The Q50 is good for demanding measurement applications, including dry-bulk level measurement, package filling, roll-diameter measurement, loop control and dimensional measurement.

The Q50 features analog output with programmable sensing window limits and a unique twin-lens emitter that focuses light to a 1,5 cm spot, enabling operation in tight spaces or on small targets. Users can select an output response speed of 4 or 64 ms.

The sensor is quick and easy to program. In teach mode, with a single pushbutton and no potentiometer adjustments, users can program either a setpoint threshold centred within a 50 mm (2") window or sensing window size and position. The analog output slope can be positive or negative, depending on which window limit is programmed first. The Q50 can also be programmed from a remote location.

The Q50 is insensitive to colour with a sensing range of 100-300 mm on the visible red, or 100-400 mm for the infrared model. Sensor linearity is <1% of full scale. Banner's patented scalable analog output automatically distributes the output signal over the width of the programmed sensing window.

Two bright, bi-colour LEDs indicate signal strength and output status. The range LED lights green when the target is within sensing range and lights red when the target is outside sensing range. The teach/output LED lights yellow when the target is within programmed window limits and remains dark when the target is outside programmed window limits. The teach/output LED lights red to indicate the sensor is in teach mode.

The 15 to 30 V d.c. sensor has a choice of output configurations: either 4-20 mA (current sourcing) or 0-10 V (voltage sourcing), depending on model. Internal circuitry protects the sensor from reverse polarity, transient overvoltages and short-circuit conditions.

The unit is encased in a durable housing moulded from ABS/polycarbonate with a red acrylic lens. It meets Mil-Std-202F requirements for vibration and shock resistance, and is rated IP67. The sensor has an operating temperature range of -10 to +55°C. Users can choose a model with a 2 or 9 m unterminated cable or a rotating 5-pin Euro-style quick-disconnect fitting.



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