T18 Sensors DC-Voltage Series
Self-Contained DC-Operated Sensors
Printed in USA
WARNING . . .
Not To Be Used for Personnel Protection
Never use these products as sensing devices for personnel protection. Doing so could lead to serious injury or death.
These sensors do NOT include the self-checking redundant circuitry necessary to allow their use in personnel safety applications. A
sensor failure or malfunction can cause either an energized or de-energized sensor output condition. Consult your current Banner
Safety Products catalog for safety products which meet OSHA, ANSI and IEC standards for personnel protection.
P/N 121526 rev. A
02/08
* Standard 2 m (6.5') cable models are listed.
9 m (30') cable: add suffix “W/30” (e.g., T186E W/30).
4-pin Euro-style QD models: add suffix “Q” (e.g., T186EQ). A model with a QD connector requires a mating cable. (See page 7.)
** Use polarized models when shiny objects will be sensed.
Sensing Mode Model* Range LED Output
OPPOSED
Opposed
T186E
20 m (66')
Infrared
950 nm
T18SN6R NPN
T18SP6R PNP
RETRO
Retroreflective
with Gain control
T18SN6L
2 m (79")**
NPN
T18SP6L PNP
P
POLAR RETRO
Polarized
Retroreflective
T18SN6LP Visible Red
680 nm
NPN
T18SP6LP PNP
DIFFUSE
Diffuse
with Gain control
T18SN6D
500 mm (20")
Infrared
880 nm
NPN
T18SP6D PNP
FIXED-FIELD
Fixed-Field
T18SN6FF25 25 mm (1") cutoff NPN
T18SP6FF25 PNP
T18SN6FF50 50 mm (2") cutoff NPN
T18SP6FF50 PNP
T18SN6FF100 100 mm (4") cutoff NPN
T18SP6FF100 PNP
Models
Features
Featuring EZ-BEAM® technology to provide reliable sensing without the need for adjustments
(most models)
“T” style plastic housing with 18 mm threaded lens mount
Models available in opposed, retroreflective, diffuse, and fixed-field modes
Completely epoxy-encapsulated to provide superior durability, even in harsh sensing
environments rated to IP69K
Innovative dual-indicator system takes the guesswork out of sensor performance monitoring
Advanced diagnostics to warn of marginal sensing conditions or output overload
10 to 30V dc; choose SPDT (complementary) NPN or PNP outputs (150 mA max. ea.)
Banner Engineering Corp. • Minneapolis, MN U.S.A
www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: 763.544.3164
2 P/N 121526 rev. A
T18 Sensors dc-Voltage Series
Sensing
Axis
R1
R2
E
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
Fixed-Field Mode Overview
T18 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 T18FF 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 T18FF sensors is fixed at 25, 50 or 100 millimeters (1", 2",
or 4"). 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. Excess gain curves for these products are shown on page 5. They show excess
gain vs. sensing distance for sensors with 25 mm, 50 mm, and 100 mm (1", 2", and 4")
cutoffs. Maximum excess gain for the 25 mm models occurs at a lens-to-object distance of
about 7 mm; for the 50 mm models, at about 10 mm; and for the 100 mm models, at about
20 mm. 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 sensor triggering 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).
P/N 121526 rev. A 3
Banner Engineering Corp. • Minneapolis, MN U.S.A
www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: 763.544.3164
T18 Sensors dc-Voltage Series
E
R2
R1
T18FF
R1 = Near Detector
R2 = Far Detector
E = Emitter
Core of
Emitted
Beam
Cutoff
Distance
Reflective
Background
Fixed Sensing
Field
Strong
Direct
Reflection
Away
From Sensor
Fixed
Sensing
Field Reflective
Surface
or
Moving Object
Cutoff
Distance
R1 = Near Detector
R2 = Far Detector
E = Emitter
T18FF
R1
E
R2
Figure 3. Reflective background – problem Figure 4. Reflective background – solution
Figure 5. Object beyond cutoff problem Figure 6. Object beyond cutoff solution
Fixed
Sensing
Field
R1 = Near Detector
R2 = Far Detector
E = Emitter
T18FF Cutoff
Distance
Reflective
Surface
or
Moving Object
R1, R2, E
A reflective background object in this position or
moving across the sensor face in this axis and
direction may cause false sensor response.
A reflective background object in this position or
moving across the sensor face in this axis will be
ignored.
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.
Color Sensitivity
The effects of object reflectivity on cutoff distance, though small, may be important for some
applications. It is expected that at any given cutoff setting, the actual cutoff distance for lower
reflectance targets will be slightly shorter than for higher reflectance targets (see Figure-of-
Merit information on page 5). This behavior is known as color sensitivity.
For example, an excess gain of 1 (see page 5) for an object that reflects 1/10 as much light as
the 90% white card is represented by the horizontal graph line at excess gain = 10. An object
of this reflectivity results in a far limit cutoff of approximately 20 mm (0.8"), for the 25 mm (1")
cutoff model for example; thus 20 mm represents the cutoff for this sensor and target.
These excess gain curves were generated using a white test card of 90% reflectance.
Objects with reflectivity of less than 90% reflect less light back to the sensor, and thus
require proportionately more excess gain in order to be sensed with the same reliability as
more reflective objects. When sensing an object of very low reflectivity, it may be especially
important to sense it at or near the distance of maximum excess gain.
Banner Engineering Corp. • Minneapolis, MN U.S.A
www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: 763.544.3164
4 P/N 121526 rev. A
T18 Sensors dc-Voltage Series
Supply Voltage and
Current
10 to 30V dc (10% max. ripple); supply current (exclusive of load current):
Emitters, Non-Polarized Retro, Diffuse: 25 mA
Receivers: 20 mA
Polarized Retroreflective: 30 mA
Fixed-Field: 35 mA
Supply Protection
Circuitry
Protected against reverse polarity and transient voltages
Output Configuration SPDT solid-state dc switch; NPN (current sinking) or PNP (current sourcing), depending on model
Light Operate: N.O. output conducts when sensor sees its own (or the emitter’s) modulated light
Dark Operate: N.C. output conducts when the sensor sees dark; the N.C. (normally closed) output may be wired as a
normally open marginal signal alarm output, depending upon hookup to power supply
Output Rating 150 mA maximum (each) in standard hookup. When wired for alarm output, the total load may not exceed 150 mA.
OFF-state leakage current: < 1 microamp @ 30V dc
ON-state saturation voltage: < 1V @ 10 mA dc; < 1.5V @ 150 mA dc
Output Protection
Circuitry
Protected against false pulse on power-up and continuous overload or short circuit of outputs
Output Response Time Opposed mode: 3 ms ON, 1.5 ms OFF
Retro, Fixed-Field and Diffuse: 3 ms ON and OFF
NOTE: 100 ms delay on power-up; outputs do not conduct during this time.
Repeatability Opposed mode: 375 µs
Retro, Fixed-Field and Diffuse: 750 µs
Repeatability and response are independent of signal strength.
Adjustments Non-polarized retro and diffuse models (only) have a single-turn rear-panel Sensitivity control (turn clockwise to increase
gain).
Indicators Two LEDs (Green and Yellow)
Green ON steady: power to sensor is ON
Green flashing: output is overloaded
Yellow ON steady: N.O. output is conducting
Yellow flashing: excess gain marginal (1 to 1.5x) in light condition
Construction PBT polyester housing; polycarbonate (opposed-mode) or acrylic lens
Environmental Rating Leakproof design rated NEMA 6P, DIN 40050 (IP69K)
Connections 2 m (6.5') or 9 m (30') attached cable or 4-pin Euro-style quick-disconnect fitting
Operating Conditions Temperature: −40° to +70° C (−40° to +158° F)
Maximum relative humidity: 90% at 50° C (non-condensing)
Vibration and Mechanical
Shock
All models meet Mil. Std. 202F requirements. Method 201A (Vibration; frequency 10 to 60 Hz, max., double amplitude
0.06" acceleration 10G). Method 213B conditions H&I (Shock: 75G with unit operating; 100G for
non-operation)
Certifications
Specifications
P/N 121526 rev. A 5
Banner Engineering Corp. • Minneapolis, MN U.S.A
www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: 763.544.3164
T18 Sensors dc-Voltage Series
Performance Curves
Excess Gain Beam Pattern
OpposedRetroreflective
††
Polarized Retro
††
Diffuse – 500 mm
Performance based on use of a 90% reflectance white test card.
Excess Gain
Performance based on use of a 90% reflectance white test card.
Fixed-Field – 25 mm
Ø 10 mm spot size @ 8 mm focus
Ø 10 mm spot size @ 25 mm cutoff
Using 18% gray test card: Cutoff
distance will be 95% of value shown.
Using 6% black test card: Cutoff
distance will be 90% of value shown.
Fixed-Field – 50 mm
Ø 10 mm spot size @ 10 mm focus
Ø 10 mm spot size @ 50 mm cutoff
Using 18% gray test card: Cutoff
distance will be 90% of value shown.
Using 6% black test card: Cutoff
distance will be 85% of value shown.
Fixed-Field – 100 mm
Ø 10 mm spot size @ 20 mm focus
Ø 10 mm spot size @ 100 mm cutoff
Using 18% gray test card: Cutoff
distance will be 85% of value shown.
Using 6% black test card: Cutoff
distance will be 75% of value shown.
Focus and spot sizes are typical.
25 m
(82')
20 m
(66')
15 m
(49')
10 m
(32')
5 m
(16')
0
0
500 mm
1000 mm
1500 mm
500 mm
1000 mm
1500 mm
0
20"
40"
60"
20"
40"
60"
DISTANCE
T18 Series
Opposed Mode
2.5 m
(8.0')
2.0 m
(6.4')
1.5 m
(4.8')
1.0 m
(3.2')
0.5 m
(1.6')
0
0
40 mm
80 mm
120 mm
40 mm
80 mm
120 mm
0
1.6"
3.2"
4.7"
1.6"
3.2"
4.7"
DISTANCE
T18 Series
Non-Polarized Retro
with BRT-3 Reflector
2.5 m
(8.0')
2.0 m
(6.4')
1.5 m
(4.8')
1.0 m
(3.2')
0.5 m
(1.6')
0
0
50 mm
100 mm
150 mm
50 mm
100 mm
150 mm
0
2"
4"
6"
2"
4"
6"
DISTANCE
T18 Series
Polarized Retro
with BRT-3 Reflector
625 mm
(25")
500 mm
(20")
375 mm
(15")
250 mm
(10")
125 mm
(5")
0
0
20 mm
40 mm
60 mm
20 mm
40 mm
60 mm
0
0.8"
1.6"
2.4"
0.8"
1.6"
2.4"
DISTANCE
T18 Series
DC Diffuse Mode
1
10
100
1 m
(3.3')
10 m
(33')
100 m
(330')
0.1 m
(0.33')
1000
E
X
C
E
S
S
G
A
I
N
DISTANCE
T18 Series
Opposed Mode
1
10
100
0.1 m
(0.33')
1 m
(3.3')
10 m
(33')
0.01 m
(0.033')
1000
E
X
C
E
S
S
G
A
I
N
DISTANCE
T18 Series
Non-Polarized Retro
with BRT-3 Reflector
1
10
100
0.1 m
(0.33')
1 m
(3.3')
10 m
(33')
0.01 m
(0.033')
1000
E
X
C
E
S
S
G
A
I
N
DISTANCE
T18 Series
Polarized Retro
with BRT-3 Reflector
1
10
100
10 mm
(0.4")
100 mm
(4")
1000 mm
(40")
1 mm
(0.04")
E
X
C
E
S
S
G
A
I
N
DISTANCE
1000
T18 Series
DC Diffuse mode
1
10
100
1 mm
(0.04")
10 mm
(0.4")
100 mm
(4")
0.1 mm
(0.004")
E
X
C
E
S
S
G
A
I
N
DISTANCE
1000
T18 Series
Fixed-field mode
with 25 mm far
limit cutoff
1
10
100
1 mm
(0.04")
10 mm
(0.4")
100 mm
(4")
0.1 mm
(0.004")
E
X
C
E
S
S
G
A
I
N
DISTANCE
1000
T18 Series
Fixed-field mode
with 50 mm far
limit cutoff
1
10
100
1 mm
(0.04")
10 mm
(0.4")
100 mm
(4")
0.1 mm
(0.004")
E
X
C
E
S
S
G
A
I
N
DISTANCE
1000
T18 Series
Fixed-field mode
with 100 mm far
limit cutoff
†† Performance based on use of a model BRT-3 retroreflector (3" diameter). Actual
sensing range may be more or less than specified, depending on the efficiency and
reflective area of the retroreflector used.
Banner Engineering Corp., 9714 Tenth Ave. No., Minneapolis, MN USA 55441 • Phone: 763.544.3164 • www.bannerengineering.com • Email: sensors@bannerengineering.com
T18 Sensors dc-Voltage Series
WARRANTY: Banner Engineering Corp. warrants its products to be free from defects for one year. Banner Engineering
Corp. will repair or replace, free of charge, any product of its manufacture found to be defective at the time it is returned
to the factory during the warranty period. This warranty does not cover damage or liability for the improper application of
Banner products. This warranty is in lieu of any other warranty either expressed or implied.
P/N 121526 rev. A
Dimensions
Quick-Disconnect (QD) Cordsets
Style Model Length Dimensions Pinout
4-pin
Euro-style
Straight
MQDC-406
MQDC-415
MQDC-430
2 m (6.5')
5 m (15')
9 m (30')
M12 x 1
ø 15 mm
(0.6")
44 mm max.
(1.7")
4-Pin Euro
2
3
4
1
4-pin
Euro-style
Right-angle
MQDC-406RA
MQDC-415RA
MQDC-430RA
2 m (6.5')
5 m (15')
9 m (30')
38 mm max.
(1.5")
M12 x 1
ø 15 mm
(0.6")
38 mm max.
(1.5")
41.5 mm
(1.64")
ø 30.0 mm
(1.18")
Jam Nut
(Supplied)
11.5 mm
(0.45")
M18 x 1
Thread
ø 15 mm
(0.59")
30.0 mm
(1.18")
Green LED
Power Indicator
Yellow LED
Output Indicator
66.5 mm
(2.62")
ø 30.0 mm
(1.18")
Single-turn
Sensitivity (Gain) Control
(D and L Models)
Cabled Models
Cabled Emitters NPN (Sinking) Outputs - Standard Hookup PNP (Sourcing) Outputs - Standard Hookup
Alarm Hookup
NOTE: QD hookups are functionally identical.
QD Models
Hookups
Alarm Hookup
10-30V dc
+
3
1
Wire Key
1 = Brown
2 = White
3 = Blue
4 = Black
3
1
4
2
10-30V dc
+
Load
Load
3
1
4
2
10-30V dc
+
Load
Load
3
1
4
2
10-30V dc
+
Alarm
Load
3
1
4
2
10-30V dc
+
Alarm
Load
QD and cabled emitter hookups are functionally
identical; black and white wires have no connection.