Banner M-GAGE S18M User Manual

M-GAGE™ S18M

Vehicle Detection Sensor

Features

• 3-axis magnetoresistive-based technology; senses 3-dimensional changes to the
Earth’s magnetic field caused by the presence of ferrous objects

• Easy sensor installation (see page 4); above- or below-ground mounting options

• Compact, robust one-piece, self-contained sensor package replaces inductive-loop
sensing technology; no external controller needed

• Designed to minimize the effects of temperature swings and destabilizing magnetic
fields

• Sensor learns ambient background and stores settings in non-volatile memory

• Patented technologies

†

Caution . . .

For Factory-Approved
Applications Only

This sensor is to be used
only in factory-approved applications. See
warning on page 2, and list of approved
applications on page 3.

Models

Model Cable*

2 m (6.5')

S18MB

S18MBQ

* 9 m cables are available by adding suffix “W/30” to the model number of any cabled sensor

(e.g., S18MB W/30). A model with a QD connector requires a mating cable; see page 8.

** Consult factory for other output options.

5-conductor

cable

5-pin

Euro-style

QD fitting

Supply

Voltage

10 to 30V dc

Output

Type

Bipolar

NPN/PNP**

target being sensed.

Approved Applications

See page 3 for more details on factory-approved applications

Range

Range varies,
depending on

application and

See Figures 5

and 6.

Car Wash Entry/Exit

WARNING . . .

Never use this product as a sensing device for personnel protection. Doing so could lead to serious injury or death.

This product does NOT include the self-checking redundant circuitry necessary to allow its 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.

†

U.S. patent #6,546,344 B1

Drive-Up Kiosk Overhead Door

Not To Be Used for Personnel Protection

Loading Dock

Printed in USA 02/09 P/N 114430 rev. C

M-GAGE™ S18M —

Vehicle Detection Sensor

Overview

The M-GAGE S18M sensor implements a passive sensing technology to detect large
ferrous objects. The sensor measures the change in the Earth’s natural magnetic field
(the ambient magnetic field) caused by the introduction of a ferromagnetic object.

This easy-to-use sensor is extremely robust and is unaffected by dirt and moisture,
making it ideal for demanding outdoor environments. Simple programming
procedures provide flexibility for a variety of applications (see page 5).

Theory of Operation

The sensor uses three mutually perpendicular magnetoresistive transducers. Each
transducer detects magnetic field changes along one axis. By incorporating three
sensing elements, maximum sensor sensitivity is achieved.

A ferrous object will alter the local (ambient) magnetic field surrounding the object, as
shown in Figure 1. The magnitude of this magnetic field change is dependent both on
the object (its size, shape, orientation, and composition) and on the ambient magnetic
field (its strength and orientation).

During a simple programming procedure, the S18M sensor measures the ambient
magnetic field. When a large ferrous object (for example, a truck, automobile, or
rail car) alters that magnetic field, the sensor detects the magnetic field changes
(anomalies). When the degree of magnetic field change reaches the sensor’s
threshold, the sensor’s discrete outputs switch.

A. Baseline magnetic field, with slight

disturbances caused by permanent
ferrous-metal objects within or near
the sensor, then . . .

Sensor Field of View and Range

The sensor range depends on three variables:

1. The local magnetic environment (including nearby ferrous material)

2. The magnetic properties of the object to be sensed

3. Sensor settings

The S18M can detect changes in the ambient magnetic field in all directions. As with
other sensors, the range will depend on the target. The strong disturbance of a large
ferrous object decreases as distance from the sensor increases, and the magnitude
and shape of the disturbance is dependent on the object’s shape and content.

The sensor can be programmed to react to magnetic field disturbances of greater or
lesser intensity, using two adjustments: background condition and sensitivity level.

Once background condition and sensitivity level are set, and both settings are stored
in non-volatile memory, the sensor is ready to detect the target object.

WARNING . . .

The mechanical opening, braking, and reversing systems of the door will not respond in sufficient time to prevent moving
trucks, cars, or material handling vehicles, even those traveling at low speeds, from coming in contact with the door. In

addition, the detection zone of the product may fluctuate due to changes in the local magnetic environment. All vehicles should

approach doors at speeds that allow the operator to ensure the door is operating properly and in an open position. Failure to follow these

procedures may result in serious injury or death.

Appropriate Use

B. After a large steel target object is

introduced.

The sensor detects the differential

(magnetic strength and orientation)
between fields A and B. If the
differential is greater than the
sensitivity threshold, the sensor’s
outputs conduct.

Figure 1. Magnetic detection overview

Banner Engineering Corp. • Minneapolis, MN U.S.A.

Banner Engineering Corp. • Minneapolis, MN U.S.A.

Banner Engineering Corp. • Minneapolis, MN U.S.A.

www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: [phone]

www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: [phone]

2 P/N 114430 rev. C

www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: [phone]

M-GAGE™ S18M —

Vehicle Detection Sensor

Approved Applications

The M-GAGE sensor provides a direct replacement for inductive-loop systems, and needs no external frequency controller box.
Unique mounting solutions allow an M-GAGE sensor to be replaced easily without disrupting or re-cutting the pavement.

Car Wash Entry/Exit

The Banner M-GAGE vehicle detection sensor will reliably

detect vehicles in and around car wash bays. It will

reliably detect the presence or absence of a vehicle to

provide collision avoidance at the exit of a conveyorized

tunnel, provide an entry or exit-door trigger, or trigger an

undercarriage wash.

Overhead Door

The Banner M-GAGE sensor can be used to trigger the
opening and closing of high-traffic internal overhead doors.
Mounted in the floor, it will reliably detect forklifts or trucks
as they approach the doors. Banner’s applications engineers
are available to help determine proper sensor placement for
specific door-trigger applications.

Drive-Up Kiosk

The Banner M-GAGE sensor reliably detects vehicles at
drive-through systems or other drive-up kiosks. It will
reliably detect a vehicle to trigger personnel that a vehicle
is present, and to initiate a timing system.

Loading Dock

The Banner M-GAGE sensor provides multiple advantages

for loading docks. It will reliably detect the presence of

a vehicle as it backs into a dock, triggering a light on the

interior of the building to notify the dock attendant that a

vehicle is in position for loading/unloading. The M-GAGE

can also be used to trigger dock/ramp leveling systems.

Banner Engineering Corp. • Minneapolis, MN U.S.A.

P/N 114430 rev. C 3

www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: [phone]