IR Sensor Pair has variable distance sensing capability.

Press Release Summary:

Optical emitter/phototransistor pair model OPB100 provides DC drive current and variable distance sensing up to 1 m. Suited for linear or vertical sensing applications, 890 nm input diode features forward DC current of 100 mA, with reverse DC voltages to 2.0 V and power dissipation of 142 mW. Output phototransistor features collector-emitter voltage of 30 V and emitter-collector voltage of 5 V. Collector DC current is 50 mA with 250 mW power dissipation.

Original Press Release:

OPTEK Develops Industry's First Standard Optical Emitter / Phototransistor Pair with Variable Distance Sensing Capability

Infrared sensor pair works up to 1 meter for linear or vertical sensing applications. CARROLLTON, TX (February 23, 2004) - TT electronics OPTEK Technology announced a breakthrough in infrared sensing technology with the introduction of a standard optical emitter/phototransistor pair with DC drive current and variable distance sensing up to 1 meter. Designated the OPB100, the optical sensor pair was developed to enable circuit designers to specify an emitter/phototransistor sensor with the capability to operate at a custom distance for the cost of a standard sensor. "Because of the unique design of the OPB100 sensor, we can provide any gap width (up to 1 meter) between the emitter and phototransistor, with minimal or no tooling costs to the customer, at approximately half the cost of a custom sensor," said Steve Coble, Product Line Manager for OPTEK Technology. "This sensor is capable of operating with wider gaps, while still utilizing a plastic package, making it easy to integrate into a wide variety of sensing applications." The OPB100 sensor pair is ideal for applications requiring a special slotted switch where standard spacing cannot be used, or for long distance sensing. Additional applications include non-contact object sensing, assembly line and machine automation, and machine safety circuits. The devices are also designed for use in general switching and low-speed data communications systems. The devices exhibit excellent electrical characteristics with no vibration issues. The 890nm input diode features forward DC current of 100mA (peak current of 1.0A; 1µs pulse, 330pps), with reverse DC voltages up to 2.0V and power dissipation of 142mW. The output phototransistor features collector-emitter voltage of 30V and emitter-collector voltage of 5V; collector DC current is 50mA with 250mW of power dissipation. Operating temperature ranges from -40°C to +85°C. Designed for easy mounting, the emitter (890nm LED) and phototransistor are encased in separate opaque plastic housings (UL94-V0) and utilize universal mounting clips that enable simple installation onto PC boards or any 0.062-inch thick material, as well as metal or plastic mounting fixtures. Each component is provided with 24 inches of 26 AWG wire for easy installation. Components of the OPB100 (optical pair) can also be purchased separately as the OPB100E (emitter) and OPB100S (phototransistor), simplifying the process of modifying existing product in the field or for specialty situations that require individual components. Typical pricing for each OPB100 pair is $4.63 in 1,000-piece quantities. Pricing for the OPB100E emitter is $2.63, and the OPB100S phototransistor is $2.28 each in 1,000-piece quantities. Samples are available for immediate delivery, with production lead-times from stock to 6 weeks. For more information about the OPB 100 optical pair, contact TT electronics' OPTEK Technology at 1645 Wallace Dr., Carrollton, TX, 75006; call 972-323-2200, e-mail at sensors@optekinc.com or visit OPTEK on the web at www.optekinc.com. OPTEK Technology is a leading provider of custom sensing solutions which incorporate the use of infrared, magnetic and fiber optic technologies focused on applications in office machines, industrial equipment, encoders, automotive electronics, military and high-reliability applications, and medical diagnostic equipment. Headquartered in Carrollton, TX, with additional facilities in Juarez, Mexico, the company is QS-9000 and ISO 9001 certified. OPTEK Technology was acquired by TT electronics in December 2003. TT electronics plc is a global electronics company manufacturing a broad range of advanced electronic components, assemblies and sensor modules for the automotive, industrial, telecommunication, computer and aerospace markets.