Optical sensors are used in industry, more precisely in factory automation, to detect objects and their characteristics by means of light. This is achieved, for example, by interrupting the light or changing the light intensity. Optical sensors work according to certain basic principles: Diffuse sensors (with and without background suppression), retro-reflective sensors, color sensors, distance sensors and fork light barriers.
SOE4 is one of our high-precision fiber-optic units. It enables switching frequencies of up to 8000 Hz, ranges of up to 2000 mm and is available with an LED display as well as a switching and analogue output. Thanks to the different mounting options (DIN rail mounting or with through-hole), our fiber-optic unit SOE4 can find space wherever it is needed.
Color sensors emit a light beam using a transmitter and evaluate this light beam, which is reflected back by the detection object, using a receiver. Evaluation is possible for the color values red, green and blue. The Festo color sensor SOEC-RT-Q50-PS-S-7L has a range of 12 mm... 32 mm and can be used at an ambient temperature of -10°C... 55°C.
SOOD and SOOE are sensors that work optoelectronically. This means, for example with diffuse reflection sensors, that the transmitted light beam is reflected from the object onto the receiver. The intensity of the reflected light is evaluated, and the switching distance can be adjusted by changing the sensitivity of the receiver. With SOOE, this is done using IO-Link®, a potentiometer or a teach-in process. Optical sensors of this type belong to the group of diffuse reflection sensors. They are a cost-effective solution and can be installed very quickly. Other basic principles are diffuse light sensors with background suppression, retro-reflective sensors, one-way light barriers and distance sensors.