Panasonic FX-551-C2 Digital Fiber Sensor Amplifier

Technical Overview

Digital fiber optic sensor amplifier with 12-24V DC input, NPN output, 60µs response time, IP40 rating, and dual LED display for precise industrial sensing.

Key Features

Dual 4-digit Red/Green LED display for clear indication.
Fastest response time of 60µs for high-speed detection.
NPN open-collector transistor output with a maximum sink current of 100 mA.
Multiple sensing modes including 2-point teaching, limit teaching, full-auto teaching, and manual adjustment.
Incorporates an interference prevention function for up to 4 units.
Ambient light compensation function reduces erroneous detections from external light sources.
Built-in timer function with variable OFF-delay, ON-delay, and one-shot options.
Short-circuit protection incorporated for output safety.
Allows saving and loading of up to 8 settings (data banks).
Operates on a wide supply voltage range of 12 to 24 V DC.

Technical Specification Matrix

Parameter	Value
Power Supply	12 - 24V DC +10-15% Ripple P-P 10% or less
Output Type	NPN open-collector transistor
Max Sink Current	100 mA
Applied Output Voltage	30 V DC or less
Residual Output Voltage	2 V or less (at max sink current)
Connection Method	Cable (0.2 mm² 3-core cabtyre cable, 2 m long)
Operating Temperature Range	-10 to +55°C
Housing Material	Polycarbonate (Enclosure/Case cover)
Switch Material	Polyacetal
Response Time (FAST mode)	60µs or less
Emitting Element	Red LED (Peak emission wavelength: 660 nm)
Output Operation	Light-ON / Dark-ON switchable
Protection Rating	IP40
Power Consumption (Normal)	960 mW or less (40 mA at 24 V)
Power Consumption (ECO mode)	680 mW or less (28 mA at 24 V)
Physical Weight (kg)	0.06
Dimensions L x W x H (cm)	7.78 x 3.2 x 1

Industrial Applications

1. High-Speed Product Counting on Conveyor Belts

Utilizing its ultra-fast 60µs response time and NPN output, this amplifier can accurately detect and count rapidly moving products on a production line, preventing bottlenecks and ensuring precise inventory management.

Problem Solved

Traditional sensors may miss items at high speeds, leading to inaccurate counts and production inefficiencies. The FX-551-C2's rapid response ensures every product is detected.

High-speed detectionNPN output60µs response timeConveyor automationProduct counting

2. Precise Component Alignment Verification in Robotics

With its ability to connect to various fiber optic heads and multiple teaching modes (e.g., 2-point teaching, limit teaching), the sensor amplifier is ideal for verifying the exact alignment and presence of small or complex components during robotic assembly, even through narrow slits. Its compact size and IP40 rating allow integration into confined tooling.

Problem Solved

Robotic assembly requires highly accurate and repeatable component placement verification. The FX-551-C2 offers the precision and environmental resilience (IP40 against dust) needed to confirm correct positioning.

Precision sensingRobotic assemblyComponent verificationMultiple teaching modesIP40

3. Material Level Monitoring in Industrial Hoppers

When paired with an appropriate fiber optic probe, the FX-551-C2 can monitor granular or powdered material levels in hoppers or small tanks. The ambient light compensation and ability to adjust light intensity/gain make it robust against challenging material properties and varying ambient light conditions, ensuring reliable level detection.

Problem Solved

Inconsistent material levels can disrupt production. The sensor's stable detection, even for transparent objects (with suitable fibers), and compensation for ambient light ensure continuous and accurate monitoring, preventing overfilling or underfilling.

Level detectionFiber optic sensingAmbient light compensationMaterial handlingAdjustable sensitivity