German Ahlborn sensors Ahlborn models Ahlborn prices

Ahlborn sensors generally consist of 2 parts: the processing path and the processing elements. Their basic principle is based on the photoelectric effect, converting changes in the measured quantity into changes in optical signals, and then using photoelectric components to further convert non-electrical signals into electrical signals. The photoelectric effect refers to illuminating an object with light, which can be viewed as a stream of photons with specific energy bombarding the object. At this time, the photon energy is transferred to electrons, and the entire energy of one photon is absorbed by one electron at once. After the electron receives the energy transferred by the photon, its state changes, causing the illuminated object to produce corresponding electrical effects. The photoelectric effect is usually divided into 3 categories: (1) The phenomenon where electrons escape from the object's surface under the action of light is called the external photoelectric effect, such as in phototubes and photomultiplier tubes; (2) The phenomenon where the resistivity of an object changes under the action of light is called the internal photoelectric effect, such as in photoresistors and phototransistors; (3) The phenomenon where an object generates an electromotive force in a certain direction under the action of light is called the photovoltaic effect, such as in photocells.

Ahlborn sensor principles

Photoelectric sensors achieve control by converting changes in light intensity into changes in electrical signals. Generally, photoelectric sensors consist of three parts: the transmitter, the receiver, and the detection circuit. The transmitter emits a light beam toward the target. The emitted light beam usually comes from semiconductor light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LED), laser diodes, and infrared emitting diodes. The light beam is emitted continuously, or the pulse width is varied. The receiver consists of photodiodes, phototransistors, and photocells. Optical components such as lenses and apertures are installed in front of the receiver. Behind it is the detection circuit, which filters out valid signals and applies them. In addition, the structural components of photoelectric switches also include emitter plates and optical fibers.

Ahlborn sensor classification

1) Slot-type photoelectric sensors: A slot-type photoelectric sensor is formed by mounting a light emitter and a receiver face-to-face on both sides of a slot. The emitter can emit infrared or visible light, and the receiver can receive the light when there is no obstruction. However, when the detected object passes through the slot, the light is blocked, causing the photoelectric switch to actuate and output a switching control signal, cutting off or connecting the load current, thereby completing a control operation. Due to limitations imposed by the overall structure, the sensing distance of slot-type switches is generally only a few centimeters. 2) Through-beam photoelectric sensors: Separating the emitter and the receiver increases the sensing distance. A through-beam separated photoelectric switch, abbreviated as a through-beam photoelectric switch, consists of one emitter and one receiver. The sensing distance of through-beam photoelectric switches can reach several meters to tens of meters. When using through-beam photoelectric switches, the emitter and receiver are installed on opposite sides of the path through which the detected object passes. When the object passes through and blocks the light path, the receiver actuates and outputs a switching control signal. 3) Retro-reflective photoelectric switches: The emitter and receiver are housed in the same unit, with a reflector plate installed in front. This utilizes the principle of reflection to achieve photoelectric control, known as a retro-reflective (or mirror-reflective) photoelectric switch. Under normal conditions, the light emitted by the emitter is reflected back by the reflector plate and received by the receiver. Once the detected object blocks the light path and the receiver no longer receives light, the photoelectric switch actuates and outputs a switching control signal. 4) Diffuse-reflective photoelectric switches: The sensing head of a diffuse-reflective photoelectric switch also contains an emitter and a receiver, but there is no reflector plate in front. Under normal conditions, the receiver cannot detect the light emitted by the emitter. During detection, when the object passes through, it blocks the light and reflects part of it back. The receiver then receives the light signal and outputs a switching signal.

Ahlborn sensor application cases

1) Application of photoelectric sensors in laser weapons: Since photoelectric sensors are particularly sensitive to infrared radiation, visible light, or both, they are more likely to become targets of laser attacks. In addition, electronic systems and the sensors themselves are highly susceptible to interference from thermal noise and electromagnetic noise generated by lasers, preventing normal operation. The main methods by which battlefield laser weapons attack photoelectric sensors include: using a laser beam of appropriate energy to "blind" the sensor, rendering it unable to detect or continue tracking already detected targets. Alternatively, if the sensor is guiding a weapon toward a target, blinding will cause it to lose the target. In summary, since sensors play an increasingly important role on the battlefield and are vulnerable to laser attacks, they have become the preferred targets for low-energy laser weapons. 2) Application of photoelectric sensors in automatic meter reading systems: With the development of microelectronics, sensor technology, computer technology, and modern communications, photoelectric sensors can be used to develop automatic meter reading systems. The aluminum disk of an electricity meter rotates driven by torque generated under the action of eddy currents and magnetic fields. Using photoelectric sensors, the number of rotations of the aluminum disk can be converted into pulse counts. For example, by partially blackening a rotating shiny aluminum disk and pairing it with a reflective photoelectric emitter-receiver pair, pulses are generated at the blackened areas as the disk rotates. The number of rotations is sampled and converted into corresponding pulse counts, which are then sent via an optocoupler isolation circuit to the T0 port of the CPU for counting processing. Using optocoupler isolators effectively prevents interference signals from entering the microcomputer. Combined with other transmission methods, this forms an automatic meter reading system. 3) Application of photoelectric sensors in monitoring smoke and dust pollution: Photoelectric sensors are small electronic devices that can detect changes in received light intensity, achieving control functions by converting changes in light intensity into changes in electrical signals. Due to characteristics such as non-contact operation, fast response, and reliable performance, photoelectric sensors are widely used in industrial automation equipment and robotics. We can utilize the characteristics of photoelectric sensors to detect smoke and dust conditions, so the strength of the output signal from the photoelectric sensor reflects changes in flue gas turbidity. 4) Hygienic washdown-resistant photoelectric sensors: Washdown-resistant sensors provide extremely high reliability and ease of use while minimizing operating costs. Equipped with IO-Link interfaces and the proTect+ sealing concept, which significantly extends service life, these two new sensors are suitable for demanding application environments and are ideal solutions for the food and beverage industry.

Weidou Intelligent Technology specializes in selling German Ahlborn sensors, Ahlborn proximity sensors, Ahlborn distance sensors, Ahlborn vision sensors, Ahlborn displacement sensors, Ahlborn torque sensors, Ahlborn speed sensors, Ahlborn photoelectric sensors, Ahlborn position sensors, Ahlborn angle sensors, Ahlborn tactile sensors, Ahlborn temperature sensors, Ahlborn pressure sensors, Ahlborn flow sensors, Ahlborn level sensors, Ahlborn motion sensors, Ahlborn process sensors. Original German imports. Welcome inquiries and orders from users.