Datasheet
Photomicrosensors
24
Definition of Terms
Term Reference diagram Explanation
Non-modulated light ---
Method used to detect light steadily emitted
by the emitter element.
Light modulation ---
Method used to detect light emitted in pulses
by the emitter element.
Sensing
distance
Through-
beam
(with slot)
The slot width, i.e., the distance between the
opposing faces of the emitter and receiver.
Through-
beam
The minimum distance that can be set con-
sidering factors such as the variation be-
tween products and fluctuations in
temperature.
Note: The actual value under standard conditions for
each method is longer than the rated sensing
distance.
Retro-
reflective
Diffuse-
reflective
The minimum distance that can be set for a
standard sensing object (white paper) con-
sidering factors such as the variation be-
tween products and fluctuations in
temperature.
Note: The actual value under standard conditions for
each method is longer than the rated sensing
distance.
Differential distance
The difference in distance between the op-
erating point and releasing point.
Response frequency
The frequency at which an object satisfying
specified conditions (size, transparency
rate, reflection factor, sensing distance, and
power supply voltage) can be repeatedly de-
tected.
Response time
The delay from the light input turning ON/
OFF until the control output operation or re-
lease operation. The following equation
generally applies.
Operating time (Ton) ≈ Releasing time (Toff)
Ambient illumination
The level of illumination on the sensing sur-
face that enables stable operation of the
Sensor.
Sensing distanceSlot width
Emitter Receiver
Sensing distance
Emitter Receiver
Sensing distance
Reflective panel
Emitter/receiver
Sensing object
Emitter/receiver
Sensing distance
Through-
beam
Reflective
Operates
Releases
Sensing object
Differential distance
Operates
Releases
Operates
Releases
Disk
1 mm1 mm
2.1 mm
t = 0.2 mm
Example for Slot-type
Photomicrosensor
Operating time
Light input
Control output
t
0
0
Releasing time
(ton) (toff)
t
Receiver
Receiver
Receiver
White paper
White paper
White paper