Manual

Q40 Sensors – dc-Voltage Series
2 P/N 121516
Banner Engineering Corp. • Minneapolis, MN U.S.A.
www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: [phone]
Fixed-Field Mode Overview
Q40 Series self-contained fixed-field sensors are small, powerful, infrared diffuse mode
sensors with far-limit cutoff (a type of background suppression). Their high excess gain
and fixed-field technology allow them to detect objects of low reflectivity, while ignoring
background surfaces.
The cutoff distance is fixed. Backgrounds and background objects must always be placed
beyond the cutoff distance.
Fixed-Field Sensing – Theory of Operation
The Q40FF compares the reflections of its emitted light beam (E) from an object back to the
sensor’s two differently aimed detectors, R1 and R2 (see Figure 1). If the near detector (R1)
light signal is stronger than the far detector (R2) light signal (see object A, closer than the
cutoff distance), the sensor responds to the object. If the far detector (R2) light signal is
stronger than the near detector (R1) light signal (see object B, beyond the cutoff distance),
the sensor ignores the object.
The cutoff distance for model Q40FF sensors is fixed at 200, 400 or 600 millimeters (8",
16", or 24"). Objects lying beyond the cutoff distance usually are ignored, even if they are
highly reflective. However, it is possible to falsely detect a background object, under certain
conditions (see Background Reflectivity and Placement).
In the drawings and discussion on these pages, the letters E, R1, and R2 identify how the
sensor’s three optical elements (Emitter “E”, Near Detector “R1”, and Far Detector “R2”)
line up across the face of the sensor. The location of these elements defines the sensing
axis (see Figure 2). The sensing axis becomes important in certain situations, such as those
illustrated in Figures 5 and 6.
Sensor Setup
Sensing Reliability
For highest sensitivity, position the target object for sensing at or near the point of
maximum excess gain. The excess gain curves for these products are shown on page 5.
Maximum excess gain for all models occurs at a lens-to-object distance of about 40 mm
(1.5"). Sensing at or near this distance will make maximum use of each sensor’s available
sensing power. The background must be placed beyond the cutoff distance. (Note that the
reflectivity of the background surface also may affect the cutoff distance.) Following these
two guidelines will improve sensing reliability.
Background Reflectivity and Placement
Avoid mirror-like backgrounds that produce specular reflections. False sensor response will
occur if a background surface reflects the sensor’s light more strongly to the near detector,
or “sensing” detector (R1), than to the far detector, or “cutoff” detector (R2). The result
is a false ON condition (Figure 3). To cure this problem, use a diffusely reflective (matte)
background, or angle either the sensor or the background (in any plane) so the background
does not reflect light back to the sensor (see Figure 4). Position the background as far
beyond the cutoff distance as possible.
An object beyond the cutoff distance, either stationary (and when positioned as shown in
Figure 5), or moving past the face of the sensor in a direction perpendicular to the sensing
axis, can cause unwanted triggering of the sensor if more light is reflected to the near
detector than to the far detector. The problem is easily remedied by rotating the sensor
90° (Figure 6). The object then reflects the R1 and R2 fields equally, resulting in no false
triggering. A better solution, if possible, may be to reposition the object or the sensor.
3ENSING
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As a general rule, the most reliable
sensing of an object approaching from the
side occurs when the line of approach is
parallel to the sensing axis.
Figure 2. Fixed-field sensing axis
R1
R2
Lenses
Object
A
Object B
or
Background
Sensing
Range
Cutoff
Distance
E
Receiver
Elements
Near
Detector
Far
Detector
Emitter
Object is sensed if amount of light at R1
is greater than the amount of light at R2
Figure 1. Fixed-field concept