Banner VALU-BEAM User Manual

Product

Line

Specifications

VALU-BEAM® Sensors

Rugged, self-contained photoelectric sensors for industrial applications

Economy, performance, and durability in a family of rugged,

•

self-contained sensors for demanding industrial applications
912 Series sensors have solid-state outputs; models for either

•

10-30V dc or 24-250V ac operation (pages 4 to 9)
915 Series sensors have electromechanical relay output; models

•

for 12-28V ac/dc, 90-130V ac, or 210-250V ac (pages 10 to 13)
990 Series sensors output to a built-in 6-digit totalizing counter;

•

operate from both 12-115V dc and 10-250V ac (pages 14 to 17)
Many models available in opposed, retroreflective, diffuse,

•

convergent beam, and fiber optic sensing modes
Highly-visible top-mounted LED output indicator; 912 Series

•

sensors have Banner's exclusive, patented AID™ indicator system

Printed in USA P/N 32894

VALU-BEAM® Sensors

VALU-BEAMs are a family of rugged, self-contained photoelec-

tric sensors designed for especially demanding industrial applica­tions where economy, performance, and durability are important.
VALU-BEAMs are built in a variety of operating voltages (both dc
and ac) and output types (solid state and electromechanical relay).
SM912 and SM2A912 Series VALU-BEAMs have solid state
outputs and are available in either 10-30V dc-powered or 24-250V
ac-powered models (see specifications, page 4). SMW915,
SMA915, and SMB915 Series VALU-BEAMs have electrome­chanical relay output and operate from 12-28V ac/dc, 90-130V ac,
or 210 to 250V ac respectively. SMA990 Series VALU-BEAMs
have a built-in 6-digit totalizing counter and operate on 12 to 115V
dc or 10 to 250V ac. A fourth VALU-BEAM line, SMI912 Series
intrinsically safe sensors (low voltage dc sensors having Factory
Mutual approval for use with intrinsic-safe barriers in hazardous
areas) is covered in data sheet P/N 03396 and the Banner catalog.

Powerful, modulated LED light sources give VALU-BEAM sen­sors greater sensing range than competitive units and a high degree
of immunity to ambient light. All models are totally epoxy­encapsulated and housed in molded VALOX® housings for the
ultimate in shock, vibration, moisture, and corrosion resistance.
All VALU-BEAM sensors conform to NEMA standards 1, 2, 3,
3S, 4, 4X, 12, and 13.

VALU-BEAM sensors may be mounted from either the front or the
rear using their two through-mounting holes, or by the outside

threads of their M30x1.5 threaded base (mounting nut supplied),
making them ideal for conveyor and other production line applica­tions. A versatile 2-axis steel accessory mounting bracket (model
SMB900) simplifies mounting and alignment. Model SMB30SM
swivel-mount bracket offers the ultimate in flexibility and conve­nience. The bases of standard VALU-BEAMs have a 1/2" NPS
integral internal conduit thread, and are supplied with a 6-foot
PVC-covered cable. Models with a NEMA-4 rated quick-discon­nect connector (QD models) are available optionally.

All VALU-BEAM sensors have an easily-visible top-mounted red
LED indicator to assist in alignment and system monitoring. On
SMA915, SMB915, SMW915, and SMA990 Series VALU­BEAMs, this indicator lights whenever the sensor "sees" its
modulated light source. On SM2A912 Series 2-wire sensors, the
LED lights whenever the load is energized. SM912 Series sensors
have Banner's exclusive, patented "AID" system (Alignment Indi­cating Device, US patent #4356393) which lights the indicator
LED whenever the sensor "sees" its modulated light source, and
also pulses the LED at a rate proportional to the received light signal
strength. This feature greatly simplifies alignment: in most situa­tions, alignment becomes simply a matter of positioning the sensor
for maximum LED pulse rate.

VALU-BEAMs offer a choice of light or dark operate in the same
sensor. This is done via a rear panel control or, in the relay output
units, by offering both N/O and N/C output relay contacts.

WARNING VALU-BEAM photoelectric presence sensors do NOT include the self-checking redundant circuitry necessary

to allow their use in personnel safety applications. A sensor failure or malfunction can result in either an energized or a de-energized
sensor output condition.

!

ANSI machine safety standards for point-of-operation guarding devices. No other Banner sensors or controls are designed to meet these standards, and
they must NOT be used as sensing devices for personnel protection.

WARRANTY: Banner Engineering Corporation warrants its products to be free from defects for one year. Banner Engineering Corporation 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.

Never use these products as sensing devices for personnel protection. Their use as safety devices may create an unsafe condition which
could lead to serious injury or death.

Only MACHINE-GUARD and PERIMETER-GUARD Systems, and other systems so designated, are designed to meet OSHA and

2

VALU-BEAM Sensors

*NOTE: Emitter voltage range is 10-250V ac or dc

Series Model Sensing Mode Range Operating Voltage* Page

912 Series SMA91E & SM91R Opposed: long range 200 feet 10 to 30V dc* p. 5

Sensors with
infinite-life
solid-state output
relay

SMA91E & SM2A91R Opposed: long range 200 feet 24 to 250V ac* p. 5
SMA91ESR & SM91RSR Opposed: short range 10 feet 10 to 30V dc* p. 5
SMA91ESR & SM2A91RSR Opposed: short range 10 feet 24 to 250V ac* p. 5

SM912LV Retroreflective: visible beam 30 feet 10 to 30V dc p. 5
SM2A912LV Retroreflective: visible beam 30 feet 24 to 250V ac p. 5
SM912LVAG Retroreflective: polarized beam 15 feet 10 to 30V dc p. 5
SM2A912LVAG Retroreflective: polarized beam 15 feet 24 to 250V ac p. 5

SM912D Diffuse (proximity): long range 30 inches 10 to 30V dc p. 6
SM2A912D Diffuse (proximity): long range 30 inches 24 to 250V ac p. 6
SM912DSR Diffuse (proximity): short range 15 inches 10 to 30V dc p. 6
SM2A912DSR Diffuse (proximity): short range 15 inches 24 to 250V ac p. 6

SM912CV Convergent beam: visible red 1.5-inch focus 10 to 30V dc p. 6
SM2A912CV Convergent beam: visible red 1.5-inch focus 24 to 250V ac p. 6
SM912C Convergent beam: infrared 1.5-inch focus 10 to 30V dc p. 7
SM2A912C Convergent beam: infrared 1.5-inch focus 24 to 250V ac p. 7

SMA91EF & SM91RF Opposed fiber optic: glass fibers see specs 10 to 30V dc* p. 6
SMA91EF & SM2A91RF Opposed fiber optic: glass fibers see specs 24 to 250V ac* p. 6

SM912F Fiber optic: glass fibers see specs 10 to 30V dc p. 7
SM2A912F Fiber optic: glass fibers see specs 24 to 250V ac p. 7

915 Series SMA91E & SMW95R Opposed: long range 200 feet 12 to 28V ac/dc* p. 11

SMA91E & SMA95R Opposed; long range 200 feet 90 to 130V ac* p. 11

Sensors with
SPDT
electromechanical
output relay

SMA91E & SMB95R Opposed: long range 200 feet 210 to 250V ac* p. 11
SMA91ESR & SMW95RSR Opposed: short range 10 feet 12 to 28V ac/dc* p. 11
SMA91ESR & SMA95RSR Opposed: short range 10 feet 90 to 130V ac* p. 11
SMA91ESR & SMB95RSR Opposed: short range 10 feet 210 to 250V ac* p. 11

SMW915LV Retroreflective: visible beam 30 feet 12 to 28V ac/dc p. 11
SMA915LV Retroreflective: visible beam 30 feet 90 to 130V ac p. 11
SMB915LV Retroreflective: visible beam 30 feet 210 to 250V ac p. 11
SMW915LVAG Retroreflective: polarized beam 15 feet 12 to 28V ac/dc p. 11
SMA915LVAG Retroreflective: polarized beam 15 feet 90 to 130V ac p. 11
SMB915LVAG Retroreflective: polarized beam 15 feet 210 to 250V ac p. 11

SMW915D Diffuse (proximity): long range 30 inches 12 to 28V ac/dc p. 12
SMA915D Diffuse (proximity): long range 30 inches 90 to 130V ac p. 12
SMB915D Diffuse (proximity): long range 30 inches 210 to 250V ac p. 12
SMW915DSR Diffuse (proximity): short range 15 inches 12 to 28V ac/dc p. 12
SMA915DSR Diffuse (proximity): short range 15 inches 90 to 130V ac p. 12
SMB915DSR Diffuse (proximity): short range 15 inches 210 to 250V ac p. 12

SMW915CV Convergent: visible red 1.5-inch focus 12 to 28V ac/dc p. 12
SMA915CV Convergent: visible red 1.5-inch focus 90 to 130V ac p. 12
SMB915CV Convergent: visible red 1.5-inch focus 210 to 250V ac p. 12

SMW915F Fiber optic: glass fibers see specs 12 to 28V ac/dc p. 13
SMA915F Fiber optic: glass fibers see specs 90 to 130V ac p. 13
SMB915F Fiber optic: glass fibers see specs 210 to 250V ac p. 13

SMW915FP Fiber optic: plastic fibers see specs 12 to 28V ac/dc p. 13
SMA915FP Fiber optic: plastic fibers see specs 90 to 130V ac p. 13
SMB915FP Fiber optic: plastic fibers see specs 210 to 250V ac p. 13

990 Series SMA91E & SMA99R Opposed: long range 200 feet* p. 15

Sensors with
built-in 6-digit
totalizing counter

SMA91ESR & SMA99RSR Opposed: narrow beam 10 feet* p. 15
SMA990LV Retroreflective: visible beam 30 feet p. 15

SMA990LVAG Retroreflective: polarized beam 15 feet p. 15
SMA990LT Retroreflective: infrared beam 30 feet p. 16

(used for "people counting")

SMA990CV Convergent beam: visible red 1.5-inch focus p. 16
SMA990F Fiber optic: glass fibers see specs p. 17

SMA990FP Fiber optic: plastic fibers see specs p. 16

All 990 Series
sensors operate
from 10 to 250V ac
or 12 to 115V dc

3

VALU-BEAM 912 Series Sensors

dc sensor specifications

SUPPLY VOLTAGE: 10 to 30V dc at 20mA, exclusive of load
(except for SMA91E, ESR, and EF emitters, which operate from 10 to
250V ac or dc, 10mA max.).

OUTPUT CONFIGURATION: one current sourcing (PNP) and one
current sinking (NPN) open-collector transistor.

OUTPUT RATING: 250mA continuous, each output. Off-state
leakage current less than 10 microamps. Output saturation voltage:
for PNP output, <1 volt at 10mA and <2 volts at 250mA; for NPN
output, <200 millivolts at 10mA and <1volt at 250mA.

OUTPUT PROTECTION: protected against false pulse on power­up, inductive load transients, power supply polarity reversal, and
continuous overload or short circuit of outputs.

RESPONSE TIME: 4 milliseconds ON, 4 milliseconds OFF (except
reciever-only units, which are 8 ms ON and 4 ms OFF). Independent
of signal strength. 100 millisecond delay on power-up (outputs non­conducting during this time).

REPEATABILITY OF RESPONSE: see individual sensor specs.
Independent of signal strength.

CONSTRUCTION: reinforced VALOX
lated, molded acrylic lenses, stainless steel hardware. Meets NEMA
standards 1, 2, 3, 3S, 4, 4X, 12, and 13.

CABLE: 6' of PVC-jacketed cable standard; 2-conductor (emitters) or
4-conductor. Quick-disconnect (QD) models are available optionally.
Model MBCC-412 4-conductor cable for dc "QD" models must be
purchased separately. DC "QD" emitters use cable model MBCC-312.
"QD" cable is purchased separately; see pages 18 and 19.

ADJUSTMENTS: LIGHT/DARK OPERATE select switch and
SENSITIVITY control potentiometer, both located on rear of sensor.

INDICATOR LED: exclusive, patented Alignment Indicating De­vice system (AID™, US patent #4356393) lights a top-mounted red
LED indicator whenever the sensor sees a "light" condition, with a
superimposed pulse rate proportional to the light signal strength (the
stronger the signal, the faster the pulse rate).

OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE: -20 to +70 degrees C
(-4 to +158 degrees F).

®

housing, totally encapsu-

ac sensor specifications

SUPPLY VOLTAGE: 24 to 250V ac (50/60Hz), except for SMA91E,
ESR, and EF emitters, which operate from 10 to 250V ac or dc.

OUTPUT CONFIGURATION: solid-state switching element.
OUTPUT RATING: min. load current 10mA; max. steady-state load

capability 750mA to 50°C ambient (122°F), 500mA to 70°C ambient
(158°F). Inrush capability 4 amps for 1 sec. (non-repetitive). Off-state
leakage current less than 1.7mA rms. On-state voltage drop ≤5 volts
rms at 750mA load, ≤10 volts rms at 15mA load.

OUTPUT PROTECTION: protected against false pulse on power­up and inductive load transients.

RESPONSE TIME: 8 milliseconds ON, 8 milliseconds OFF (except
receiver-only units, which are 8 ms ON and 4 ms OFF). OFF time does
not include load response of up to 1/2 ac cycle (8.3 milliseconds).
Independent of signal strength. Response time specification of the load
should be considered when important. 300-millisecond delay on
power-up (outputs are non-conducting during this time).

REPEATABILITY OF RESPONSE: see individual sensor specs.
Does not take into consideration "off" response time variation of up to
1/2 ac cycle (8.3ms) and load response time. Independent of signal
strength.

CONSTRUCTION: reinforced VALOX
lated, molded acrylic lenses, stainless steel hardware. Meets NEMA
standards 1, 2, 3, 3S, 4, 4X, 12, and 13.

CABLE: 6' of PVC-jacketed 2-conductor cable standard. Three-pin
quick-disconnect (QD) models are available optionally (one connector
pin goes unused). Model MBCC-312 3-conductor cable for "QD"
models must be purchased separately (see pages 18 and 19).

ADJUSTMENTS: LIGHT/DARK OPERATE select switch and
SENSITIVITY control potentiometer, both located on rear of sensor.

INDICATOR LED: top-mounted red LED indicator lights when
output is conducting. Model SMA91E emitter has a visible-red "tracer
beam" which indicates "power on" and enables easy "line-of-sight"
alignment.

OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE: -20 to +70 degrees C
(-4 to +158 degrees F).

®

housing, totally encapsu-

Functional Schematic: SM912 Series DC Sensors

Dimension Drawing,
Front View

4

Functional Schematic: SM2A912 Series AC Sensors

Rear View

VALU-BEAM 912 Series Sensors

Sensing Mode

OPPOSED Mode

EMITTER

OBJECT

Repeatability: 1.0ms (all models)

RECEIVER

SMA91E & SM91R

Voltage: 10 to 30V dc,

("E": 10-250V ac/dc)

Range: 200 feet (60 m)
Response: 8ms on/4 off
Beam: infrared, 880nm;

visible red tracer beam

Effective beam: 0.5" dia.

SMA91E &SM2A91R

Voltage: 24 to 250V ac,

("E": 10-250V ac/dc)

Range: 200 feet (60 m)
Response: 8ms on/4 off
Beam: infrared, 880nm
Effective beam: 0.5" dia.

SMA91ESR &
SM91RSR

Voltage: 10 to 30V dc,

("ESR": 10-250V ac/dc)

Range: 10 feet (3 m)
Response: 8ms on/4 off
Beam: infrared, 880nm
Effective beam: 0.14" dia.

SMA91ESR &
SM2A91RSR

Voltage: 24 to 250V ac
Range: 10 feet (3 m)
Response: 8ms on/4 off
Beam: infrared, 880nm
Effective beam: 0.14" dia.

Excess GainModels

1000

E
X
C

100

E
S
S

G

10

A

I

I
N

1

1 FT 10 FT 100 FT 1000 FT

SMA91E &
SM91R,
SMA91E &
SM2A91R

DISTANCE

Beam Pattern

60
40

I

20

N
C

0

H
E

20

S

40
60

0

SMA91E/SM91R,
SMA91E/SM2A91R

50 100 150 200 250

OPPOSED DISTANCE--FEET

Opposed mode sensors have higher excess gain than other models, and
therefore should be used whenever possible. The small size of these
sensors makes them ideal for many conveyor applications, and their small
effective beam size (particularly of the ESR/RSR models) enables them
to reliably detect relatively small objects. VALU-BEAM opposed mode
sensors have a visible red "tracer beam" which greatly simplifies sensor
alignment. ESR/RSR models have a wide beam angle for very forgiving
alignment within the 10 foot range. E/R models have a narrow beam
spread and should be used when it is important to minimize optical
"crosstalk" between adjacent emitter-receiver pairs at close range in
multiple sensor arrays.

1000

E
X
C

100

E
S
S

G
A

10

I

I
N

1

.1 FT 1 FT 10 FT

SMA91ESR &
SM91RSR,
SMA91ESR &
SM2A91RSR

DISTANCE

100 FT

I
N
C
H
E
S

12

8

4

SMA91ESR/SM91RSR,

0

SMA91ESR/SM2A91RSR

4

8

12

2 468100

OPPOSED DISTANCE--FEET

RETROREFLECTIVE

RETROREFLECTIVE TARGET

OBJECT

Repeatability:

1.3ms (dc models); 2.6ms (ac models)

SM912LV

Voltage: 10 to 30V dc
Range: 6 inches to

30 feet (9 m)

Response: 4ms on/off
Beam: visible red, 650nm

SM2A912LV

Voltage: 24 to 250V ac
Range: 6 inches to

30 feet (9 m)

Response: 8ms on/off
Beam: visible red, 650nm

SM912LVAG

(anti-glare filter)

Voltage: 10 to 30V dc
Range: 1 to 15 feet (4,5 m)
Response: 4ms on/off
Beam: visible red, 650nm

(with polarizing filter)

SM2A912LVAG

(anti-glare filter)

Voltage: 24 to 250V ac
Range: 1 to 15 feet (4,5 m)
Response: 8ms on/off
Beam: visible red, 650nm

(with polarizing filter)

1000

SM912LV

E
X
C
E
S
S

G
A

I

I
N

SM912LV,
SM2A912LV

100

with 3"

with 1"

10

reflector
(BRT-1)

with
BRT-T tape

1

.1 FT 1 FT 10 FT 100 FT

DISTANCE

reflector
(BRT-3)

6

SM2A912LV

4

I

2
N
C

0
H
E

2

S

4

6

6 121824300

DISTANCE TO REFLECTOR--FEET

with BRT-3 REFLECTOR

A visible-red light beam reduces the potential for false signals from highly
reflective objects ("proxing") and simplifies alignment. AG (anti-glare) models
polarize the emitted light and filter out unwanted reflections, making their use
possible in applications otherwise unsuited to retroreflective sensing (when
reduced excess gain is acceptable). Maximum range with "LV" units is attained
when using the model BRT-3 3" corner cube reflector. For details on retroreflec­tive target materials, see the Banner product catalog.

1000

E
X
C

100

E
S
S

G
A

10

I

I
N

1

.1 FT

SM912LVAG,
SM2A912LVAG

with one BRT-3
3" retroreflector

1 FT 10 FT 100 FT

DISTANCE

3

SM912LVAG
SM2A912LVAG

2

I

1

N
C

0

H
E

1

S

2

3

36912150

DISTANCE TO REFLECTOR--FEET

with BRT-3 REFLECTOR

5

)

)

%

VALU-BEAM 912 Series Sensors

n

Sensing Mode

DIFFUSE Mode

OBJECT

Models

SM912D

Voltage: 10 to 30V dc
Range: 30 inches (76 cm)
Response: 4ms on/off
Beam: infrared, 880nm

SM2A912D

Voltage: 24 to 250V ac
Range: 30 inches (76 cm)
Response: 8ms on/off
Beam: infrared, 880nm

Repeatability:

1.3ms (dc models);

2.6ms (ac models)

SM912DSR

Voltage: 10 to 30V dc
Range: 15 inches (38cm)
Response: 4ms on/off
Beam: infrared, 880nm

SM2A912DSR

Voltage: 24 to 250V ac
Range: 15 inches (38cm)
Response: 8ms on/off
Beam: infrared, 880nm

Excess Gain

1000

SM912D, SM2A912D

E

(Range based on 90%

X

reflectance white test card

C

100

E
S
S

G

10

A

I

I
N

1

.1 IN 1 IN 10 IN 100 IN

DISTANCE

Beam Pattern

.75
.50

I

.25

N
C

0

H
E

.25

S

.50
.75

6 121824300

DISTANCE TO 90% WHITE TEST CARD--INCHES

SM912D
SM2A912D

These sensors operate by detecting the reflection of their own light from
the object being sensed, and therefore require no special reflectors. "DSR"
models have better response than "D" models to objects within 3 inches of
the sensor. "DSR" models should be used when it is necessary to minimize
sensor response to background objects.

1000

SM912DSR,
SM2A912DSR

E
X

100

C
E
S
S

G
A

I

I
N

(Range base on 90%
reflectance white test card

10

1

.1 IN 1 IN 10 IN 100 IN

DISTANCE

.75
.50

I

.25

N
C

0

H
E

.25

S

.50
.75

DISTANCE TO 90% WHITE TEST CARD--INCHES

SM912DSR
SM2A912DSR

36912150

CONVERGENT Mode

OBJECT

SM912CV

Voltage: 10 to 30V dc
Focus at 1.5" (38 mm)
Response: 4ms on/off
Beam: visible red, 650nm

SM2A912CV

Voltage: 24 to 250V ac
Focus at 1.5" (38 mm)
Response: 8ms on/off
Beam: visible red, 650nm

Repeatability:

1.3ms (dc models);

2.6ms (ac models)

SM912C

Voltage: 10 to 30V dc
Focus at 1.5" (38 mm)
Response: 4ms on/off
Beam: infrared, 880nm

SM2A912C

Voltage: 24 to 250V ac
Focus at 1.5" (38 mm)
Response: 8ms on/off
Beam: infrared, 880nm

1000

SM912CV,

E

SM2A912CV

X
C

100

E
S
S

G

10

A

I

I
N

1

.1 IN 1 IN 10 IN 100 IN

(Range based on 90
reflectance white test
card)

DISTANCE

.09

SM912CV

.06

SM2A912CV

I

.03

N
C

0

H
E

.03

S

.06
.09

1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5

.50

DISTANCE TO 90% WHITE TEST CARD--INCHES

VALU-BEAM SM912CV and SM2A912CV visible red convergent sensors
(above) produce a precise .06" diameter sensing spot at a focus point 1.5" in
front of the sensor lens. Due to their very narrow depth of field, they excel at
detecting small objects only a fraction of an inch away from backgrounds.
They are also ideal for some high-contrast color-registration applications.
Their visible red sensing beam simplifies alignment.

Models SM912C and SM2A912C (below) are infrared convergent beam sensors.
Operating voltages, response times, repeatability, and focus distance are the same
as for the SM912CV and SM2A912CV. The SM912C and SM2A912C, however,
have much higher excess gain and an infrared sensing beam for highly reliable
sensing of objects of low reflectivity.

1000

SM912C,

E
X

100

C
E
S
S

G

10

A
I

I
N

1

.1 IN 1 IN 10 IN 100 IN

SM2A912C

(Range based o
90% reflectance
white test card)

DISTANCE

.09

SM912C
SM2A912C

.06

I

.03

N
C

0

H
E

.03

S

.06
.09

1.2 1.8 2.4 3.0

.60

DISTANCE TO 90% WHITE TEST CARD--INCHES

6