Printed in USA 01/05 P/N 121525
T18 Sensors – ac-Voltage Series
Self-contained ac-operated sensors
* Standard 2 m (6.5') cable models are listed.
• 9 m (30') cable: add suffix “W/30” (e.g., T183E W/30).
•
4-pin Micro-style QD models: add suffix “Q1” (e.g., T183EQ1). A model with a QD connector requires a mating cable. (See page 7.)
† Use polarized models when shiny objects will be sensed.
Sensing Mode Range LED Output Model*
Opposed 20 m (66')
Infrared
950 nm
–T183E
LO T18AW3R
DO T18RW3R
Retroreflective†
with Gain Control
2 m (79")
LO T18AW3L
DO T18RW3L
Polarized
Retroreflective†
Visible Red
680 nm
LO T18AW3LP
DO T18RW3LP
Diffuse
with Gain Control 300 mm (12")
Infrared
880 nm
LO T18AW3D
DO T18RW3D
Fixed-Field
25 mm (1") cutoff LO T18AW3FF25
DO T18RW3FF25
50 mm (2") cutoff LO T18AW3FF50
DO T18RW3FF50
100 mm (4") cutoff LO T18AW3FF100
DO T18RW3FF100
P
Features
• Featuring EZ-BEAM® technology, the specially-designed optics and electronics
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 to IP69K
• Innovative dual-indicator system takes the guesswork out of sensor performance
monitoring
• 20 to 250V ac (3-wire hookup); SPST solid-state switch output, maximum
load 300 mA
Models
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.
T18 Sensors – ac-Voltage Series
2 P/N 121525
Banner Engineering Corp. • Minneapolis, MN U.S.A.
www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: 763.544.3164
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. The 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 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 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.
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
P/N 121525 3
T18 Sensors – ac-Voltage Series
Banner Engineering Corp. • Minneapolis, MN U.S.A.
www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: 763.544.3164
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 models 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.
Fixed
Sensing
Field Reflective
Surface
or
Moving Object
Cutoff
Distance
R1 = Near Detector
R2 = Far Detector
E = Emitter
T18FF
R1
E
R2
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
E
R2
R1
T18FF Sensor
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
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.
T18 Sensors – ac-Voltage Series
4 P/N 121525
Banner Engineering Corp. • Minneapolis, MN U.S.A.
www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: 763.544.3164
Supply Voltage and
Current
20 to 250V ac (50/60 Hz)
Average current: 20 mA
Peak current: 200 mA @ 20V ac, 500 mA @ 120V ac, 750 mA @ 250V ac
Supply Protection
Circuitry
Protected against transient voltages
Output Configuration SPST solid-state ac switch; three-wire hookup; light operate or dark operate, depending on model
Light Operate: Output conducts when sensor sees its own (or the emitter’s) modulated light
Dark Operate: Output conducts when the sensor sees dark
Output Rating 300 mA maximum (continuous)
Fixed-Field models: derate 5 mA/°C above +50° C (+122° F)
Inrush capability: 1 amp for 20 milliseconds, non-repetitive
OFF-state leakage current: < 100 microamps
ON-state saturation voltage: 3V @ 300 mA ac; 2V @ 15 mA ac
Output Protection
Circuitry
Protected against false pulse on power-up
Output Response Time Opposed mode: 16 milliseconds ON, 8 milliseconds OFF
Other models: 16 milliseconds ON and OFF
NOTE: 100 millisecond delay on power-up; outputs do not conduct during this time.
Repeatability Opposed mode: 2 milliseconds
Other models: 4 milliseconds
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
Yellow ON steady: sensor sees light
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') attached cable or 4-pin Micro-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 121525 5
T18 Sensors – ac-Voltage Series
Banner Engineering Corp. • Minneapolis, MN U.S.A.
www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: 763.544.3164
Performance Curves
Excess Gain Beam Pattern
OpposedRetroreflective††
Polarized Retro†† Diffuse – 300 mm
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
400 mm
(16")
320 mm
(12.8")
240 mm
(9.6")
160 mm
(6.4")
80 mm
(3.2")
0
0
5 mm
10 mm
15 mm
5 mm
10 mm
15 mm
0
0.2"
0.4"
0.6"
0.2"
0.4"
0.6"
DISTANCE
T18 Series
AC 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
AC 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.
T18 Sensors – ac-Voltage Series
6 P/N 121525
Banner Engineering Corp. • Minneapolis, MN U.S.A.
www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: 763.544.3164
51.5 mm
(2.03")
ø 40.0 mm
(1.57")
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
Cabled Models QD Models
66.5 mm
(2.62")
ø 40.0 mm
(1.57")
Single-turn
Sensitivity (Gain) Control
(D and L Models)
bn
bu
bk
20-250V ac
Load
Cabled Emitters
20-250V ac
No Connection
rd/wh
rd/bk
rd
gn
bn
bu 20-250V ac
All Other Cabled Models
QD Emitters
(4-pin Micro-Style)
All Other QD Models
(4-pin Micro-Style)
20-250V ac
No Connection
Load
rd/wh
rd
rd/bk
gn
Dimensions
Hookups
Banner Engineering Corp., 9714 Tenth Ave. No., Minneapolis, MN USA 55441 • Phone: 763.544.3164 • www.bannerengineering.com • Email: sensors@bannerengineering.com
T18 Sensors – ac-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 121525
Style Model Length Dimensions Pinout
4-pin
Micro-style
Straight
MQAC-406
MQAC-415
MQAC-430
2 m (6.5')
5 m (15')
9 m (30')
4-pin
Micro-style
Right-angle
MQAC-406RA
MQAC-415RA
MQAC-430RA
2 m (6.5')
5 m (15')
9 m (30')
Quick-Disconnect (QD) Cables
ø 1/2-20UNF-2B
ø15 mm
(0.6")
44 mm max.
(1.7")
38 mm max.
(1.5")
1/2-20UNF-2B
ø 15 mm
(0.6")
38 mm max.
(1.5")
Green Wire
Red/Black
Wire
Red/White
Wire
Red Wire