Printed in USA 02/09 P/N 108865 rev. D
LX Series Part-Sensing Light Screen
For Sensing Small or Flat Parts at High Speeds
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.
† Sizes not listed available on request; contact factory
* Integral cable models are listed; for 5-pin Euro-style 150 mm (6") QD pigtail, add suffix “Q” to model number (e.g., LX3EQ). QD models require a mating cable; see page 4.
Features
• Emitter and receiver pair produce a strobed web of modulated light
beams, in 8 lengths, 2 sensing ranges
• Simple, economical and highly reliable means of sensing small parts or
flat items which pass anywhere through the light screen
• Fast response, output includes a 5-millisecond pulse stretcher for
interfacing reliability
• Simple wiring configuration; emitter and receiver do not need a
synchronization wire
• Rugged, self-contained and compact construction; rated IEC IP65
• Bipolar design offers both NPN (current sinking) and PNP (current
sourcing) solid-state outputs
Infrared, 880 nm
Models
Short-Range Models†
75-200 mm (3"-8")
5.6 mm dia. Minimum
Object Detection Size
Standard-Range Models
150 mm - 2 m (6"-6.5')
9.5 mm dia. Minimum
Object Detection Size
Sensing Array
Length Cable* Supply
Voltage
Output
Type
LX3ESR Emitter
LX3RSR Receiver
LX3E Emitter
LX3R Receiver 67 mm (2.6")
2 m (6.5')
5-wire
Integral cable
10-30V dc Bipolar
NPN/PNP
LX6ESR Emitter
LX6RSR Receiver
LX6E Emitter
LX6R Receiver 143 mm (5.6")
—
LX9E Emitter
LX9R Receiver 218 mm (8.6")
LX12ESR Emitter
LX12RSR Receiver
LX12E Emitter
LX12R Receiver 295 mm (11.6")
—
LX15E Emitter
LX15R Receiver 371 mm (14.6")
—
LX18E Emitter
LX18R Receiver 447 mm (17.6")
—
LX21E Emitter
LX21R Receiver 523 mm (20.6")
—
LX24E Emitter
LX24R Receiver 599 mm (23.6")
LX Series Part-Sensing Light Screens
2 P/N 108865 rev. D
Banner Engineering Corp. • Minneapolis, MN U.S.A.
www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: 763.544.3164
Theory of Operation
The LX Series light screen sensing system consists of two self-contained units: an
emitter and a receiver of equal size and sensing range. The emitter has multiple
infrared LEDs spaced at 9.5 mm (0.38") increments, and the receiver has corresponding
photodiodes. The emitter sequentially fires each infrared LED. Multiple photodiodes in
the receiver recognize each of the emitted pulses; the result is a “cross-hatched” optical
pattern. Optical synchronization enables the receiver to recognize light from each of the
emitter LEDs.
The optical crosshatch pattern enables the LX system to detect targets of very small
diameter, and extremely thin, flat objects – as thin as a piece of paper or an envelope.
For small diameter objects, the sensing resolution is less effective at the exact center
(see M.O.D.S. specification) of the sensing range and at the extreme edges of the
pattern (close to the emitter and receiver faces); sensing should take place within the
center 80 percent of the range, as shown in Figure 1.
LX Series sensors are available in two ranges: short and standard. Short-range emitters
and receivers may be located as close together as 75 mm (3"), with a maximum
separation of 200 mm (8"). Standard-range sensors may be separated
150 mm to 2 m (6" to 6.5') apart. Both emitter and receiver must be either short-range or
standard models, of the same length. Detection sensitivity varies somewhat, depending
on the distance between the sensors and the position of the target object.
For closer-range applications, the working range of any sensor pair can be reduced by
connecting the sensor’s Select wire to 0-2V dc (see Specifications; Sensing Range).
The receiver output interfaces directly with dc loads or circuits up to 30V dc, and offers
both sinking (NPN) and sourcing (PNP) output transistors. Outputs conduct whenever
a beam is broken. A 5 millisecond pulse stretcher (OFF-delay) is included to improve
interfacing reliability.
Typical Applications
Typical applications for the LX Series include parts ejection verification and package detec-
tion on a conveyor.
Installation and Alignment
Reliable performance of the LX series light screen systems requires a simple alignment
process. Mounting locations should be as free from vibration as possible.
Sensors may be mounted using the accessory brackets (available separately; see page
4) or using the T-slots in the sensor housings. Loosely mount the emitter and receiver at
their operating locations with their front panels opposite each other, and at approximately
the same level. After mechanical alignment is completed, the sensors can be wired and
power applied.
To obtain optical alignment, adjust the emitter until the receiver detects alignment (the
yellow LED turns OFF). For best alignment, position the emitter in the middle of the
positions that cause a clear receiver condition. After alignment is achieved and the
bracket hardware is tightened, position a pencil or similar object within the sensing area
to verify that it can be reliably detected throughout the sensing area.
LED 1 LED 2
36 mm
(1.4")
10.3 mm
(0.4")
L
31.8 mm
(1.25")
25.4 mm
(1.00")
16.8 mm
(0.66")
10.6 mm
(0.42")
14.0 mm
(0.55")
5.9 mm
(0.23")
2.3 mm
(0.09")
1.8 mm
(0.07")
1.8 mm
(0.07")
NOTE: (2) T-nuts and
(2) M5 - 0.8 x 8 screws
are included with each
sensor
M3 x 0.5 x 5 (4)
max. torque 1.1 Nm
(10 in-lbs)
Figure 2. LX features and dimensions
Figure 1. LX Series optical crosshatch
pattern
Emitter Receiver
Sensing is most effective in the
center 80% of the sensing range
Model Length (L)
LX3 113.4 mm (4.46")
LX6 189.6 mm (7.46")
LX9 265.8 mm (10.46")
LX12 342.0 mm (13.46")
LX15 418.2 mm (16.46")
LX18 494.4 mm (19.46")
LX21 570.6 mm (22.46")
LX24 646.8 mm (25.46")
P/N 108865 rev. D 3
LX Series Part-Sensing Light Screens
Banner Engineering Corp. • Minneapolis, MN U.S.A.
www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: 763.544.3164
Supply Voltage and Power 10 to 30V dc (10% maximum ripple) at less than 1 watt each for emitter and receiver (exclusive of load)
Supply Protection Circuitry Protected against reverse polarity and transient voltages
Sensing Range Normal (see hookups) Reduced
Short-Range Models 100 to 200 mm (4" to 8") 75 to 150 mm (3" to 6")
Standard-Range Models 300 mm to 2 m (1' to 6.5') 150 mm to 600 mm (6" to 24")
Output Configuration Bipolar: One current sourcing (PNP) and one current sinking (NPN) open-collector transistor
Output Rating 125 mA maximum each output
Off-state leakage current: less than 5 microamp
Output saturation voltage (PNP output): < 1 volt at 10 mA and < 1.5 volts at 100 mA
Output saturation voltage (NPN output): < 0.5 volts at 10 mA and < 0.6 volts at 100 mA
Output Protection Circuitry Protected against false pulse on power-up and continuous overload or short circuit of outputs
Output Response Time LX3: 0.8 ms ON-time; 6 ms OFF-time (5 ms OFF-delay) LX15: 4.0 ms ON-time; 9 ms OFF-time (5 ms OFF-delay)
LX6: 1.6 ms ON-time; 7 ms OFF-time (5 ms OFF-delay) LX18: 4.8 ms ON-time; 10 ms OFF-time (5 ms OFF-delay)
LX9: 2.4 ms ON-time; 7.5 ms OFF-time (5 ms OFF-delay) LX21: 5.6 ms ON-time; 11 ms OFF-time (5 ms OFF-delay)
LX12: 3.2 ms ON-time; 8.5 ms OFF-time (5 ms OFF-delay) LX24: 6.4 ms ON-time; 11.5 ms OFF-time (5 ms OFF-delay)
Minimum Object Detection
Size (M.O.D.S.)
Smallest diameter rod that can be detected in sensing range: Short-Range: 5.6 mm (0.22")
Standard-Range: 9.5 mm (0.38")
Indicators Emitter: LED1 (green) LED2 (red)
ON: Power ON, good sensor ON: Reduced range
OFF: Reduced Range OFF: Normal range
Flashing: Emitter hardware failure
Receiver: LED1 (yellow) LED2 (bicolor green/red)
ON: Output conducting Green: Normal range
OFF: Output not conducting Red: Reduced range
Flashing Red: Receiver hardware failure
Construction Aluminum housing, die cast zinc with black e-coat painted endcaps, acrylic lens window
Environmental Rating Meets IEC IP65
Connections 2 meter (6.5') 5-conductor (with drain) pvc-jacketed attached cable or 5-pin Euro-style 150 mm (6") QD pigtail,
depending on model
Operating Conditions Temperature: -20° to +70° C (-4° to +158° F)
Max. rel. humidity: 90% at 50° C (non-condensing)
Application Notes i) The best sensing resolution occurs within the center 80% of the sensing range (see Figure 1).
ii) Low-profile packages can be reliably detected.
iii) Outputs are active while the light screen is interrupted.
iv) For reliable detection, successive parts must be spaced up to the total of ON-time plus OFF-time apart.
(ie: 12 milliseconds for the LX12)
Certifications
Specifications
Hookups
*It is recommended that the shield wire be connected to earth ground or DC common.
bk
gy
bn
bu
wh
10 - 30V dc
shield*
Select
Reduced
0 - 2V dc
Load
Load
Normal
5-30V dc
bk
gy
bn
bu
wh
10 - 30V dc
shield*
Select
Reduced
0 - 2V dc
Normal
5-30V dc
No Connection
No Connection
Receiver Emitter
Load
Load
bk
gy
bn
bu
wh
10 - 30V dc
shield*
Select
Reduced
0 - 2V dc
Normal
5-30V dc
bk
gy
bn
bu
wh
10 - 30V dc
shield*
Select
Reduced
0 - 2V dc
Normal
5-30V dc
Receiver Emitter
No Connection
No Connection
Cabled Models Quick-Disconnect Models
Banner Engineering Corp., 9714 Tenth Ave. No., Minneapolis, MN USA 55441 • Phone: 763.544.3164 • www.bannerengineering.com • Email: sensors@bannerengineering.com
LX Series Part-Sensing Light Screens
P/N 108865 rev. D
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.
Mounting Brackets
Accessories
Quick-Disconnect (QD) Cables
Style Model Length Dimensions Pinout
5-Pin
Euro-style,
Straight
with shield
MQDEC2-506
MQDEC2-515
MQDEC2-530
2 m (6.5')
5 m (15')
9 m (30')
5-Pin
Euro-style,
Right-Angle,
with shield
MQDEC2-506RA
MQDEC2-515RA
MQDEC2-530RA
2 m (6.5')
5 m (15')
9 m (30')
SMBLX
• End-cap brackets; set of 2
• Zinc-plated cold rolled steel
• Hardware included for mounting brackets to sensor
SMBLXR
• Back-mount bracket for secure one-end mounting
• Zinc-plated cold rolled steel
• Hardware included for mounting bracket to sensor
LX Series Lens Shields
Lens Shield
Model Number
Fits LX Series
Sensor Model
Self-adhesive polycarbonate lens shields
protect sensor lens window from impact
or weld flash. When shields are installed
on both emitter and receiver, excess gain
is reduced by 36% (max. operating range
reduces by 20%).
LXS3 LX3
LXS6 LX6
LXS9 LX9
LXS12 LX12
LXS15 LX15
LXS18 LX18
LXS21 LX21
LXS24 LX24
M12 x 1
ø15 mm
(0.6")
44 mm max.
(1.7")
38 mm max.
(1.5")
M12 x 1
ø15 mm
(0.6")
38 mm max.
(1.5")
White Wire
Blue Wire
Black Wire
Brown Wire
Gray Wire
6.4 mm
(0.25")
12.7 mm
(0.50")
6.4 mm
(0.25")
12.7 mm
( 0.50")
1.835 mm
(0.07")
39.9 mm
(1.6")
2x 3.3 mm
(0.13")
2x R 4.28 mm
(0.17") Ø 16.2 mm
(0.64")
Ø 26.1 mm
(1.03")
38.1 mm
(1.5")
40° 70°