The BOS 21M ADCAP photoelectric all-rounder from Balluff GmbH features the newly developed BOS 21M series optical multifunction sensor. The versatile all-rounder uses red light and allows users to choose from among four sensor modes: background suppression, energetic diffuse, retroreflective, or through-beam sensor. All the sensor functions can be configured over IO-Link while the system is running, so that a remote teach-in can be initiated by the controller. In addition, the sensor detects actual operating conditions, collects and processes information, and provides far more data than just the switching signal over IO-Link. Detection signals are prepared and preprocessed in the sensor. This relieves the burden on the system controller and reduces data volume on the fieldbus systems. Comprehensive, smart diagnostics functions provide important information, such as life expectancy, operating hours, and function reserve. The BOS 21M ADCAP is the first to optically monitor the output of the emitter LED directly and to determine the stress level by means of the sensor interior temperature and the supply voltage.