Banner MICRO-AMP User Manual

Specifications

®

MICRO-AMP

Remote sensors, modulated amplifiers, and logic modules

System

Product

Line

A versatile system of compact, high-performance remote

•

sensors modulated amplifiers, and logic modules
Remote sensors for opposed, retro, diffuse, convergent, and

•

fixed-field sensing modes, in a variety of sizes, shapes, and
housing styles to suit nearly any remote sensing application

Rugged, epoxy-encapsulated amplifier modules; also logic

•

modules for one-shot, 4-input gate (AND, NOR, XNOR),
latch, and delay functions

Plug-in amplifier and logic modules are track mountable for

•

ease of installation and replacement (helpful in large systems)
All modules have an output indicator for system monitoring;

•

amplifier modules include Banner's exclusive AID™ indicator
system

Printed in USA P/N 32885

MICRO-AMP® System

The Banner MICRO-AMP® System is a family of miniature dc modu­lated photoelectric amplifiers and logic modules which offer the same
sensing performance as larger, conventional modules. They are the
smallest photoelectric control modules ever built, and can fit easily into
tight areas of machines or control panels. Built around the concept of
an I/O module, they are the perfect photoelectric control device for use
with computers or programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Multiple
modules stack neatly on 1-inch (25mm) centers in PVC mounting
track, taking only a fraction of the control panel space required by
standard photoelectric modules.

Model MA3 is a complete dc-powered modulated amplifier designed
for use with Banner's SP100 Series of miniature remote sensors.
Model MA3-4 is a higher-gain amplifier which is used with Banner's
complement of high-performance modulated remote sensors. Build­ing-block style control logic may be added to a system with a selection
of MICRO-AMP logic modules.

Model MPC3 is similar to amplifier model MA3, except that it is
specifically designed for PC board mounting in OEM sensing applica­tions.

MICRO-AMP modules may be mounted and wired using the optional
model RS8 socket (shown in the drawing at right) or they may be
mounted directly to a printed circuit board (see Accessories, p. 20).

Module
Model

MA3

MA3A

Modulated
Amplifier

YES

Logic Functions Used with (Input) Full Description

NONE (ON/OFF)

NONE (ON/OFF)

Dimension Drawing, MICRO-AMP Modules
(except MPC3) with RS8 Wiring Socket

MICRO-AMP
module pin
configuration

Banner SP100 Series
miniature modulated
remote sensors

Banner SP100FF modu­lated fixed-field sensor

See pages 3-4YES

See page 18

MA3-4

MA4-2

MA4G

MA4L

MA5

MPC3

(for printed circuit
board mounting)

2

YES

MICRO-AMP logic
modules are designed to
accept the output signal
from a MICRO-AMP
amplifier and process
that signal for a required
logic function. MICRO­AMP logic modules
themselves contain no
amplifier.

YES

NONE (ON/OFF)

ONE-SHOT

4-input logic gate:
AND, NOR, X-NOR

Latch or alternate-action
flip-flop

ON-delay or OFF-delay

NONE (ON/OFF)

Banner high-performance
remote sensors

Switches, contacts, or
NPN (current sinking)
output of dc sensors or
amplifiers, including:
Banner MULTI-BEAM,
MAXI-BEAM, VALU­BEAM, MINI-BEAM,
and ECONO-BEAM
sensors; plus
MAXI-AMP and
MICRO-AMP modules.

Banner SP100 Series mini­ature modulated remote
sensors

See pages 5-10

See page 11

See page 12

See page 13

See page 14

See pages 15-16, 18

MICRO-AMP® System

MA3 and MA3P Modulated Amplifiers

Banner MICRO-AMP® modules MA3 and MA3P are modulated amplifiers designed
for use with SP100 Series miniature remote sensors. Miniature photoelectric sensors

have traditionally been used as non-modulated devices with very limited response.
MICRO-AMP amplifiers have a specially-engineered modulated design which brings
about a dramatic improvement in the optical performance of miniature remote sensors.

MICRO-AMP modules are powered by 10 to 30 volts dc, and feature the patented Banner
Alignment Indicator Device (AID™) signal strength LED. Sensor sensitivity is adjustable
via a top-mounted GAIN potentiometer. Model MA3 has complementary current sinking
(NPN) outputs; model MA3P has complementary current sourcing (PNP) outputs.
Circuitry is epoxy-encapsulated and enclosed in a tough molded VALOX
Connections may be made to the MICRO-AMP via the optional RS8 socket/wiring base,
or the module may be mounted directly to a printed circuit board (page 20).

The small size and the slim ribbon-style connecting cable of SP100 Series sensors make
it possible to use photoelectrics in many situations previously thought to be impractical or even impossible.

®

housing.

MICRO-AMP® Model MA3 Specifications

SUPPLY VOLTAGE: 10 to 30V dc at less than 20 milliamps

(exclusive of load); 10% maximum ripple.
OUTPUT CONFIGURATION: two open-collector NPN (current

sinking) transistor (solid-state) switches; one normally open (light
operate) and one normally closed (dark operate); 150 milliamps
maximum, each output. Saturation voltage less than 0.5V dc at 10
milliamp load. Off-state leakage current less than 1 microamp.

RESPONSE SPEED: 1 millisecond ON and OFF.
REPEATABILITY: 0.3 millisecond.
SENSOR LEAD LENGTH: 15 feet (4,5 m) maximum.

Functional Schematic, MA3 Amplifier

ADJUSTMENT: GAIN adjustment (single-turn potentiometer;

adjust with small flat-blade screwdriver).
INDICATOR: exclusive Banner Alignment Indicator Device

(AID™) system lights a red LED indicator whenever the sensor
"sees" its own modulated light source, and pulses at a rate propor­tional to the strength of the received light signal.

CONSTRUCTION*: totally encapsulated plug-in package with
molded VALOX

OPERATING TEMPERATURE:

0 to +70 degrees C (32 to +158 degrees F).

*A Dimension Drawing appears on page 2.

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housing. Gold-flashed connection pins.

Hookup Diagram, MA3 Amplifier

Model MA3P: PNP (current sourcing) output

Model MA3P has the same specifications and performance as the MA3 amplifier, except that the MA3P has complementary PNP outputs in
place of the MA3's NPN configuration.

OUTPUT: two PNP transistors, complementary outputs; one normally open (light operate) and one normally closed (dark operate). 150 milliamps
maximum, each output. Saturation voltage is less than 1V dc at 10 milliamps. Off-state leakage current is less than 1 microamp.

Hookup Diagram, MA3P Amplifier

3

n

Sensors for use with MA3 and MA3P Modulated Amplifiers

Temperature range for all miniature modulated remote sensors is 0 to 70 degrees C (+32 to 158 degrees F).
Sensors are epoxy-encapsulated and optics are hermetically sealed.

Models/Dimensions Excess Gain Beam Pattern

SP100D

SP100E &

SP100R

Range: 8 inches (20cm)
Beam: infrared, 880nm
Effective beam: .05 inch

(1,3mm diameter)

Cable (all 6-foot lengths):
SP100E: 2-wire ribbon cable
(white, green).

SP100R: 3-wire ribbon cable
(red, black, yellow).

SP100D, DB, C, CCF: 5-wire
ribbon cable (white, green,
red, black, yellow). See
hookup drawing.

SP100DB

OPPOSED Mode Sensors

SP100E and SP100R miniature opposed sensors have a slim right-angle design
which allows them to be mounted in very tight locations. The thin, flexible
ribbon cable which exits from one corner may be run in any direction away from
the sensing point. The SP100E and R have a wide beam angle for forgiving line­of-sight alignment. Alignment is easily made exact (and monitored) using the
AID™ LED on the MICRO-AMP module.

1000

1.5

E
X

100

C
E
S
S

G

10

A

I

I
N

1

.1 IN

SP100E/R

1 IN

DISTANCE

10 IN 100 IN

SP100E/R

1

I

.5

N
C

0

H
E

.5

S

1

1.5

20

OPPOSED DISTANCE --INCHES

4 6 8 10

DIFFUSE Mode Sensors

Models SP100D and SP100DB are general-purpose miniature diffuse sensors
which detect the reflection of their own light from the surface of an object. The
SP100D is a right-angle design which is generally held in place using a #4 (3mm)
screw. The SP100DB ("B" = Barrel) is an in-line threaded barrel which typically
mounts through a 3/8" (10mm) diameter hole using the lock nuts which are
supplied. The optical response characteristics of these two sensors are identical.

SP100C

SP100CCF

1000

SP100D, SP100DB

E
X

100

C
E
S
S

G

10

A

I

I
N

1

.01 IN .1 IN

Range based on 90%
reflectance white test card

1 IN 10 IN

DISTANCE

.1

.05

I
N
C
H
E
S

SP100D, DB

0

.05

.1

.30

DISTANCE TO 90% WHITE TEST CARD--INCHES

.6 .9 1.5

1.2

CONVERGENT Mode Sensors

Models SP100C and CCF are ideally suited to applications where depth of field
is critical. The emitter and receiver are both directed at a point 0.1 inch (2,5mm)
ahead of the front surface. An aperture is included which, when attached,
narrows the depth of field (see curves, below). This is particularly useful when
it is necessary to detect an object while ignoring another object or a surface just
a fraction of an inch farther away. The high excess gain at the focus allows
detection of objects of low reflectivity. The SP100C and CCF differ only in
housing style. Model SP100C is for general application. Model SP100CCF is
used where a narrow profile is important for mounting.

1000

SP100C, SP100CCF

E
X

100

C
E
S
S

G

10

A

I

I
N

with
aperture

1

.01 IN .1 IN

DISTANCE

(Range based o
90% reflectance
white test card)

without
aperture

1 IN 10 IN

SP100C, CCF

.1

I

.05

N
C

0

H
E

.05

S

.1

DISTANCE TO 90% WHITE TEST CARD--INCHES

with aperture

without aperture

0

.15

.30 .45 .60 .75

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MICRO-AMP® System

MA3-4 and MA3-4P Modulated Amplifiers

Banner MICRO-AMP® module models MA3-4 and MA3-4P are modulated amplifi­ers designed for use with the popular family of Banner high-performance remote
sensors. When these modulated remote sensors are used with the MA3-4 or MA3-4P,
their optical response is the same as when they are used with the larger MAXI-AMP™
CM Series modules.

These modules are powered by 10 to 30 volts dc. They feature the patented Banner
Alignment Indicator Device (AID™) signal strength LED. Sensor sensitivity is
adjustable via a top-mounted GAIN potentiometer. Circuitry is epoxy-encapsulated
and protected by a tough molded VALOX
these modules via the optional RS8 socket/wiring base, or the module may be mounted
directly to a printed circuit board.

The sensors which are used with these modules are totally encapsulated for durability and infinite life. Wide beam angles eliminate
alignment problems, and high optical gain permits reliable sensing under severe conditions.

MICRO-AMP MA3-4 Specifications

SUPPLY VOLTAGE: 10 to 30V dc at less than 20 milliamps

(exclusive of load); 10% maximum ripple.
OUTPUT CONFIGURATION: two open-collector NPN (current

sinking) transistor (solid-state) switches; one normally-open (light
operate) and one normally closed (dark operate). 150 milliamps
maximum, each output. Saturation voltage less than 0.5V dc at 10
milliamp load. Off-state leakage current less than 1 microamp.

RESPONSE SPEED: 1 millisecond ON and OFF.
REPEATABILITY: 0.3 millisecond.
SENSOR LEAD LENGTH: 30 feet (9m) maximum.

®

housing. Connections may be made to

ADJUSTMENT: GAIN adjustment (single-turn potentiometer; ad­just with small flat-blade screwdriver).

INDICATOR: exclusive Banner Alignment Indicator Device
(AID™) system lights a red LED indicator whenever the sensor "sees"
its own modulated light source, and pulses at a rate proportional to the
strength of the received light signal.

CONSTRUCTION: totally encapsulated plug-in package with
molded VALOX

OPERATING TEMPERATURE:

-40 to +70 degrees C (-40 to +158 degrees F).

®

housing. Gold-flashed connection pins.

Functional Schematic, MA3-4

Hookup Diagram, MA3-4

Model MA3-4P: PNP (current sourcing) output

Model MA3-4P has the same specifications and performance as the MA3-4 amplifier, except that the MA3-4P has complementary PNP outputs
in place of the MA3-4's NPN configuration.

OUTPUT: two PNP transistors, complementary outputs; one normally open (light operate) and one normally closed (dark operate). 150
milliamps maximum, each output. Saturation voltage less than 1V dc at 10 milliamps. Off-state leakage current less than 1 microamp.

Hookup Diagram, MA3-4P

5

Sensors for use with MA3-4 and MA3-4P Modulated Amplifiers

Sensors are epoxy-encapsulated and optics are hermetically sealed. Cables are 6 -1/2 feet (2m) long. 30-foot (9m) cables available by special order.

Models/Dimensions

OPPOSED Mode

ALL MODELS
Range: 8 feet (2,4m)
Beam: infrared, 880nm
Effective Beam:

0.14 inch (3,6mm) dia.

PT models are receivers
LR models are emitters

LR200 & PT200

Temp. range: -40 to +100°C
Housing material: black Delrin

LR250 & PT250 LR300 & PT300 LR400 & PT400

Temp. range: -40 to +100°C

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Housing material: black Delrin

Excess Gain

1000

E
X
C

100

E
S
S

G

10

A
I

I

N

1

.1 FT 1 FT 10 FT 100 FT

Temp. range: -40 to +80°C

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Housing material: black VALOX

LR/PT200, 250,
300, & 400

DISTANCE

Beam Pattern

12
8

I

4

N
C

0

H
E

4

S

8
12

Temp. range: -40 to +100°C

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Housing material: anod. aluminum

LR/PT200, 250,
300, 400

20

4 6 8 10

OPPOSED DISTANCE--FEET

LR/PT200, 250, 300, and 400 opposed mode remote sensors are
identical electronically and optically, and differ only in their housings.
All are totally epoxy-encapsulated and use hermetically sealed glass
lenses to eliminate condensation inside the optical chamber. These
sensors may be washed down without damage. Operating temperature
is determined by the type of cable used (see specifications above). All
models have a wide beam angle for forgiving line-of-sight alignment.
At the same time, the effective beam of each pair is only 1/8 inch,
allowing small-profile resolution and reliable response to fast-moving
objects. LR models are emitters, and PT models are receivers.

LR200 & PT200: this is a right-angle design which mounts through
a 7/16 inch (12mm) diameter hole, using the steel jam nut which is
included. This pair is used most commonly on small conveyors when
it is desireable to run the cable directly down to a wireway.

LR250 & PT250: these sensors feature a 1/4 inch (6,4mm) diameter
smooth barrel design, and are usually held in place in a clearance hole
with a small set-screw. Optional mounting blocks (shown below) are
available. Model SMB250 holds the sensor in place with two set­screws. The block is then mounted to a bracket (such as model
SMB300), or directly to a machine frame with two #6 screws. Block
model SMB250C holds an LR & PT250 together to converge at
approximately 1/2 inch ahead of the block.

SMB250 SMB250C

LR & PT300: this is a miniature right-angle design which is mounted

in place using two #4 screws. This pair uses a very flexible, low­profile 2-wire cable. Despite their small size, the optical performance
of the LR/PT300 is equal to the other remote sensor pairs.

LR400 & PT400: the 3/8 inch (9,5mm) diameter threaded barrel
design makes the LR/PT400 the most versatile and most popular
remote opposed sensor pair. They are easily mounted through clear­ance holes using the jam nuts which are supplied. They may be used
with optional L4 or L16 lenses for extended range and/or higher excess
gain. The addition of an L4 lens on both the LR and PT400 will
increase their range from 8 feet to 40 feet and increase the excess gain
at any distance by a factor of 25X. A pair of L16 lenses will increase
available excess gain by a factor of 250X.

L4 lens

The LR/PT400 pair is often used at close range with optional AP400 aperture
assemblies to create a very small and well-defined effective beam for resolving
small profiles, increasing sensing repeatability, or easing response time require­ments.

AP400 apertures

L16 lens

Aperture model

AP400-010
AP400-015
AP400-040
AP400-030R

Aperture size

.010" dia.
.015" dia.
.040" dia.
.030" x .125"

6