Panasonic FX-502 Digital Fiber Sensor Amplifier

Technical Overview

Dual-output NPN digital fiber sensor amplifier with 25 µs response, red LED, IP40, and 12-24V DC operation for precise industrial detection.

Key Features

Dual NPN open-collector outputs (2 points).
Selectable response times ranging from 25 µs (H-SP mode) to 24 ms (HYPR mode).
Utilizes a Red LED light source with a 643nm wavelength.
IP40 protection rating for industrial environments.
Wide operating temperature range from -10 °C to 55 °C.
Equipped with a digital LED display for showing threshold value and incident light intensity.
Supports multiple sensitivity setting methods including 2-point, limit, and full-auto teaching.
Incorporates short-circuit protection for its outputs.
Designed for convenient DIN rail mounting.
Includes advanced functions such as emission halt, logic operation settings (AND, OR, XOR), and data bank save/load.

Technical Specification Matrix

Parameter	Value
Supply Voltage	12 to 24 V DC +10-15% (Ripple P-P 10% or less)
Power Consumption (Normal)	960 mW or less (40 mA or less at 24 V supply voltage)
Power Consumption (ECO mode)	680 mW or less (28 mA or less at 24 V supply voltage)
Output Type	NPN open-collector transistor
Maximum Sink Current	50 mA (Note: 25 mA max if 5 or more standard types are connected together; 25 mA in case of 2-output type and cable type)
Applied Output Voltage	30 V DC or less (between output and 0 V)
Residual Output Voltage	2 V or less (at maximum sink current)
Number of Outputs	2 points
Response Time	H-SP: 25 µs or less; FAST: 60 µs or less; STD: 250 µs or less; LONG: 2 ms or less; U-LG: 4 ms or less; HYPR: 24 ms or less (selectable)
Light Source	Red LED (643nm wavelength)
IP Rating	IP40
Operating Temperature Range	-10 to 55 °C
Mounting Style	Bracket Mount / DIN rail mounting
Enclosure Material	Polycarbonate (Enclosure, Case Cover), Polyacetal (Switch)
Physical Weight (kg)	0.02
Dimensions L x W x H (cm)	7.61 x 1 x 3.2

Industrial Applications

1. High-Speed Object Counting on Conveyor Belts

The FX-502's rapid response time (down to 25 µs) enables accurate counting of small, fast-moving items on automated conveyor systems in manufacturing or packaging lines.

Problem Solved

Prevents missed counts and ensures precise inventory or production tracking where traditional sensors might fail due to high speeds.

High-speed detectionObject countingConveyor automation25 µs response timeNPN output

2. Part Presence Verification in Automated Assembly

With its ability to detect minute objects and quick response, the FX-502 is ideally suited for verifying the presence or absence of small components during automated assembly processes.

Problem Solved

Ensures all necessary parts are present before subsequent assembly steps, minimizing defects, reducing rework, and maintaining quality control in delicate assemblies.

Minute object detectionAssembly automationQuality controlNPN outputRed LED12-24V DC

3. Precision Positioning and Edge Detection for Material Handling

The sensor's precise detection capabilities and configurable teaching modes allow for accurate edge detection and positioning of materials in automated handling systems, such as for cutting, sorting, or robotic pick-and-place.

Problem Solved

Guarantees materials are correctly aligned for processing, which is critical for minimizing waste and enhancing the accuracy of various automated manufacturing operations.

Edge detectionMaterial positioningPrecision sensingTeaching modesIndustrial automation