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Infrared barrier sensors and infrared motion sensors light work differently and come in various types to suit different applications. The primary difference lies in their operating principles, but both use infrared technology.
Active infrared sensors
Active infrared sensors are the common types of light infrared barrier sensors because they utilize infrared light beams. These light infrared barrier sensors have an emitter that sends out infrared light and a receiver that detects it. An object or a person passing through the light beam causes interruption, activating the sensor. Typical uses for active infrared sensors include security systems, automatic doors, and industrial safety applications.
Passive infrared sensors (PIR)
Passive infrared sensors do not emit light but detect the body heat or infrared radiation of people in their coverage area. They are most often applied in indoor and outdoor lighting control, security systems to detect intruders, and energy management systems where users' presence is monitored to switch devices on or off accordingly.
Reflection-type infrared sensors
The reflection-type infrared sensor consists of an infrared LED and a phototransistor or photodiode that are placed close to each other. Here, the infrared light emitted by the LED reflects on the nearby object and is detected by the phototransistor or photodiode. These kinds of sensors are widely applied in automation, such as detecting objects or people, counting, and positioning in industrial applications.
Modulated infrared sensors
Modulated infrared sensors emit pulsed infrared light rather than a constant beam. Receivers are tuned to detect this particular modulated light. These sensors are less prone to environmental interference, such as sunlight or other infrared sources. They suit detection applications requiring greater reliability, such as security systems, automatic doors, and industrial machinery protective systems.
In various industrial applications, light infrared barrier sensors perform an essential role in automation, safety, and process control.
Object detection and positioning
The light infrared barrier sensors can detect objects' presence and position by interrupting an infrared beam. They align with the manufacturing and assembly line processes where the sensor is necessary to maintain strict control over the positioning and movement of the components or products. Active and modulated infrared sensors are especially useful in these applications because they help detect items without contact, which increases efficiency and decreases downtime due to mechanical wear and tear.
Safety interlocks and emergency stops
In hazardous-environment machines and areas, safety interlocks protect operators and machinery. Light infrared barrier sensors also serve as safety devices since any interruption in the beam will automatically trigger the system to halt operation, thus preventing any possible injury. Furthermore, these sensors can be part of an emergency stop function whereby an operator activates the stop simply by breaking the infrared beam.
Automated welding and manufacturing
In industries where welding and other high-precision manufacturing work is done, consistency and quality are everything. Light infrared barrier sensors here help in detecting the position and alignment of materials. They provide feedback to the welding automation system, ensuring proper welding and reducing the chances of faulty work. Furthermore, since these sensors employ infrared technology, they can function in environments with extreme light or other common visual obstacles.
Robotics and automation
Robotic systems in industrial settings need to be aware of their surroundings, locate objects, and perform tasks safely. These systems widely employ light infrared barrier sensors for perception. These sensors help detect objects, maintain trajectory, and avoid collisions, thus making them very handy for infrared thermal camera suppliers when creating functional products.
Conveyor systems and material handling
In detecting item presence and tracking flow within conveyor belts, light infrared barrier sensors are very often used in industrial setups involving materials and workflows with conveyor belts. The sensors keep track of items on the smart conveyor system, enabling efficient transferring, sorting, and counting and preventing the most common and manual work of tape measure from being used.
Working range
The working range of a light infrared barrier sensor refers to the distance within which the sensor effectively detects objects or interupts light. For active infrared sensors, the working range may go from a few meters to several dozen meters, depending on light intensity and application. Passive infrared sensors, on the other hand, typically have a shorter working range, which is usually 5 to 10 meters but is sensitive to heat within their coverage area.
Sensitivity adjustment
Sensitivity is one of the most important features of any light infrared barrier sensor. Sensitivity adjustment enables users to set the sensor detection level to suit the specific application. It can be a potentiometer or a software setting that adjusts sensitivity to detect small or large objects. For example, in security applications, the sensitivity level may be adjusted to detect human motion, while in industrial applications, it can be set to detect equipment functioning nearby.
Output type
The sensor's output type indicates how the infrared barrier sensor communicates after detecting an object. Common output types include relay contacts, normally open and normally closed, NPN or PNP transistor outputs, and analog voltage or current outputs. The choice of output type depends on the system it will connect to and how the user wants to integrate the sensor.
Response time
Response time is the time taken by the light infrared barrier sensor to react once the light barrier is interupted. A quick response time can ensure real-time monitoring and detection in most applications, such as security systems or high-speed manufacturing processes. Typical response time in these categories of sensors is usually in milliseconds.
Weather and environmental conditions
Light infrared barrier sensors come with degree ratings for water, dust, and temperature, meaning they can work well in the given environments. Infrared sensors designed for outdoor applications, such as security monitoring or industrial settings, are enclosed in housings that protect from precipitation, extreme temperatures, and dust. Additionally, some outdoor infrared sensor models have features such as shielding, which minimizes false detection due to sunlight or other powerful light sources.
Choosing the right light infrared barrier sensor for a specific application requires users to consider several key factors regarding working conditions and intended uses. Below are some of the factors to consider.
Operational range
One of the main factors to consider is the operational range, in which the infrared sensor will work. The distance at which an object will be detected, in this case, should be considered. For instance, active infrared sensors work well over long-range distances than passive ones, which are short-range. Therefore, knowing the working range will enable one to select the right sensor.
Sensitivity and adjustment
Different applications will require other sensitivity levels for the light infrared barrier sensor. The adjustment feature will allow users to set the sensitivity level so that the sensor only detects what is needed within a particular operating environment. For example, in warehouse automation, detecting small items requires a high sensitivity level, while in large open spaces, low sensitivity is enough.
Environmental factors
Environmental conditions where the sensor will be operating are very important in determining the kind of sensor to choose. Environmental conditions may include weather elements, temperature, and even lighting. Infrared barrier sensor models meant to operate outdoors have degree ratings for water and dust, while those operating indoors models do not have to have this feature because of the absence of these elements. Additionally, ensure that the sensor is not affected by solar radiation or other powerful light because some outdoor sensors have filters to combat this problem.
Output and power requirements
The type of output the sensor gives should be compatible with the existing systems. Look for features like normally open, normally closed, NPN, and PNP outputs. In the same vein, consider wired/wireless power, installation, and operating costs for quite a number of factors, including power.
Application-specific requirements
In many cases, the sensor application determines the specific requirements it must fulfill. For example, in security applications, sensors must detect motion within large areas, while sensors in automated industrial processes should accurately detect object positions in very short spans of time. Therefore, using a suitable sensor for a specific application will ensure optimal performance and reliability in any environment.
A1: The main difference between active and passive infrared sensors is that active infrared sensors emit light beams and search for interuption, while passive infrared sensors only detect body heat and don't emit anything.
A2: Numerous light infrared barrier sensor models have degree ratings that protect them from dust, precipitation, and extreme temperatures for outdoor use.
A3: Yes, light infrared barrier sensors can help detect motion and send alerts for both indoor and outdoor security monitoring.
A4: Many light infrared barrier sensor models are equipped with environmental interference filters for outdoor use.
