Panasonic EX-11A Photoelectric Sensor, 150mm Range, ø1mm Detection, NPN Open Collector Output

The EX-11A provides an NPN open collector (sinking) output. This output can switch up to 50mA at a maximum voltage of 30V DC, making it directly compatible with PLC input modules, microcontroller circuits, and other industrial control systems that accept sinking signals.

No, the EX-11A is specifically designed for detecting opaque objects that interrupt its light beam. Its through-beam principle relies on the complete blockage of light, so transparent or highly reflective materials may not be reliably detected without specific modifications or external reflectors.

The IP67 rating indicates complete protection against dust ingress (6) and protection against temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes (7). This makes the sensor suitable for use in dusty industrial environments or applications where it may be exposed to water washdowns or rain.

Connect the sensor's brown wire to +24V DC, blue wire to 0V DC (common). The black wire is the NPN output. To interface with a PLC's sinking input module, connect the black wire to the PLC input terminal, and connect that same PLC terminal to +24V DC through an internal or external pull-up resistor, typically 2-10kΩ.

The Panasonic EX-11A can reliably detect opaque objects with a diameter as small as 1mm (ø1mm) at its specified 150mm sensing distance. This high precision is achieved through its focused through-beam optical system and fast-response receiver circuitry.