Banner T18 User Manual

T18 Sensors – ac-Voltage Series

P

Self-contained ac-operated sensors

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

Sensing Mode Range LED Output Model*

Opposed

Retroreflective

with Gain Control

Polarized
Retroreflective

–

20 m (66')

Infrared
950 nm

†

2 m (79")

†

Visible Red

680 nm

LO

DO

LO

DO

LO

DO

T183E

T18AW3R

T18RW3R

T18AW3L

T18RW3L

T18AW3LP

T18RW3LP

Diffuse

with Gain Control

Fixed-Field

* 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.

300 mm (12")

25 mm (1") cutoff

Infrared
880 nm

50 mm (2") cutoff

100 mm (4") cutoff

LO

DO

LO

DO

LO

DO

LO

DO

T18AW3D

T18RW3D

T18AW3FF25

T18RW3FF25

T18AW3FF50

T18RW3FF50

T18AW3FF100

T18RW3FF100

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.

Printed in USA 01/05 P/N 121525

Sensing

Axis

R1
R2

E

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

T18 Sensors – ac-Voltage Series

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.

Figure 1. Fixed-field concept

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-to­object 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.

2 P/N 121525

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

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

www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: [phone]

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

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

T18 Sensors – ac-Voltage Series

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.

Figure 3. Reflective background – problem Figure 4. Reflective background – solution

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.

Figure 5. Object beyond cutoff – problem Figure 6. Object beyond cutoff – solution

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

P/N 121525 3

www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: [phone]

T18 Sensors – ac-Voltage Series

Specifications

Supply Voltage and
Current

Supply Protection
Circuitry

Output Configuration

Output Rating 300 mA maximum (continuous)

Output Protection
Circuitry

Output Response Time Opposed mode: 16 milliseconds ON, 8 milliseconds OFF

Repeatability Opposed mode: 2 milliseconds

Adjustments

Indicators

Construction

Environmental Rating

Connections

Operating Conditions Temperature: -40° to +70° C (-40° to +158° F)

Vibration and Mechanical
Shock

Certifications

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

Protected against transient voltages

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

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

Protected against false pulse on power-up

Other models: 16 milliseconds ON and OFF
NOTE: 100 millisecond delay on power-up

Other models: 4 milliseconds
Repeatability and response are independent of signal strength.

Non-polarized retro and diffuse models (only) have a single-turn rear-panel Sensitivity control (turn clockwise to
increase gain).

Two LEDs (Green and Yellow)

Green ON steady:

Yellow ON steady: sensor sees light
Yellow flashing: excess gain marginal (1 to 1.5x) in light condition

PBT polyester housing; polycarbonate (opposed-mode) or acrylic lens

Leakproof design rated NEMA 6P, DIN 40050 (IP69K)

2 m (6.5') attached cable or 4-pin Micro-style quick-disconnect fitting

Maximum relative humidity: 90% at 50° C (non-condensing)

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)

power to sensor is ON

; outputs do not conduct during this time.

4 P/N 121525

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

www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: [phone]

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

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

50 mm

100 mm

150 mm

50 mm

100 mm

150 mm

0

2"

4"

6"

2"

4"

6"

DISTANCE

T18 Series

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

T18 Sensors – ac-Voltage Series

Performance Curves

Excess Gain Beam Pattern

OpposedRetroreflective

††

Diffuse – 300 mm

††

Polarized Retro

Performance based on use of a 90% reflectance white test card.

Fixed-Field – 25 mm

Fixed-Field – 50 mm

Fixed-Field – 100 mm

Focus and spot sizes are typical.

Excess Gain

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.

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.

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.

†

††

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.

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

P/N 121525 5

www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: [phone]

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

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

20-250V ac

No Connection

rd/wh

rd/bk

rd

gn

bn

bu

20-250V ac

20-250V ac

No Connection

Load

rd/wh

rd

rd/bk

gn

T18 Sensors – ac-Voltage Series

Dimensions

Cabled Models

Cabled Emitters

QD Models

Hookups

QD Emitters

(4-pin Micro-Style)

6 P/N 121525

All Other Cabled Models

All Other QD Models

(4-pin Micro-Style)

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

www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: [phone]

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

T18 Sensors – ac-Voltage Series

Quick-Disconnect (QD) Cables

Style Model Length Dimensions Pinout

4-pin

Micro-style

Straight

4-pin
Micro-style
Right-angle

MQAC-406
MQAC-415
MQAC-430

MQAC-406RA
MQAC-415RA
MQAC-430RA

2 m (6.5')
5 m (15')
9 m (30')

2 m (6.5')
5 m (15')
9 m (30')

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.

Banner Engineering Corp., 9714 Tenth Ave. No., Minneapolis, MN USA 55441 • Phone: [phone] • www.bannerengineering.com • Email: [e-mail]

P/N 121525