ROSEMONT, Ill., March 28, 2006 -- TT electronics' Optek Technology, a manufacturer of standard and application-specific sensors using infrared, visible, magnetic and fiber-optic technologies, has developed a wide-gap optical 
sensor that includes an emitter-sensor pair to provide design engineers with an RoHS-compliant, non-contact device for industrial applications. Designated the OPB856Z series, the product consists of an LED and a phototransistor designed to operate efficiently in industrial environments over distances up to 12 in.
“The emitter and sensor housings are color-coded and the components are easily panel mounted with standard connector fittings, making this emitter-sensor pair ideal for applications such as assembly line and machine automation,” said Roland Chapa, Optek Technology’s Assemblies Business Unit director. Additional applications for the sensor include non-contact interruptive object sensing, equipment security and machine safety.
The wide-gap optical sensor components are mounted in threaded color-coded housings; the LED (white housing) and phototransistor (black housing) are designed for easy panel mount through a 12 mm (0.473 in.) hole, with a corresponding nut included for each housing. The emitter-sensor pair is designed to electrically mate with a Molex 03-06-2023 connector with either male (for the LED) or female (for the sensor) pins.
The emitter uses an LED with a 935 nm peak wavelength, matched to a silicon phototransistor (sensor).
Electrical performance of the output phototransistor is characterized at collector-emitter voltages of 30 V, emitter-collector voltage of 5 V and power dissipation of 100 mW. The LED has a maximum continuous forward DC current of 40 mA, a reverse voltage of 2 V and power dissipation of 100 mW. The on-state collector current for the phototransistor is 1.8 mA minimum (VCE=5 V; IF=20 mA). Optek will also produce devices outside these specifications to meet customer requirements.
The OPB856Z series sensors are RoHS-compliant, as well as compatible with reflow and wavesolder temperature of 260 °C seen by the device. Rated operating temperature is -40 to +85 °C. Typical pricing for the OPB856Z line starts at $16.98 each in quantities of 1000 pieces, with samples available immediately. Production quantity lead times, if out of stock, are from six to eight weeks.
For more information, visit: www.optekinc.com/irsmd.htm; e-mail: [email protected]
Optek Technology
1645 Wallace Dr.
Carrollton, TX 75006
Tel: (972) 323-2200
Toll-free: (800) 341-4747
Fax: (972) 323-2396
Web site: www.optekinc.com/irsmd.htm
E-mail: [email protected]