Panasonic EX-13SEA Ultra-Slim Photoelectric Sensor

Technical Overview

Ultra-slim 3.5mm thick thru-beam NPN photoelectric sensor with 500mm range, 2.0mm min object detection, 0.5ms response, and IP67 rating for industrial use.

Key Features

Ultra-slim and compact design (3.5 mm thick emitter/receiver) for flexible mounting in limited spaces.
Thru-beam sensing with a narrow beam for precise object detection.
NPN open-collector transistor output with Light-ON operation mode.
Fast response time of 0.5 ms or less for high-speed applications.
Robust IP67 protection, ensuring water and dust resistance for industrial environments.
Wide supply voltage range of 12 to 24 V DC.
Detects objects as small as a 2.0 mm diameter opaque object.
Incorporated short-circuit protection for enhanced reliability.
Equipped with orange (operation) and green (stability) LED indicators for easy status monitoring.
Features an inverter countermeasure circuit for stable operation in noisy environments.

Technical Specification Matrix

Parameter	Value
Type of Sensor	Photoelectric (Thru-beam)
Sensing Range	500 mm (0.5 m)
Minimum Sensing Object	Ø2.0 mm opaque object
Supply Voltage	12 to 24 V DC ±10% (Ripple P-P 10% or less)
Current Consumption (Emitter)	10 mA or less
Current Consumption (Receiver)	10 mA or less
Output Configuration	NPN open-collector transistor
Maximum Output Current	50 mA
Applied Voltage (Output)	30 V DC or less (between output and +V)
Residual Voltage (Output)	2 V or less (at 50 mA source current), 1 V or less (at 16 mA source current)
Short-circuit Protection	Incorporated
Response Time	0.5 ms or less
Operation Mode	Light-ON
Operation Indicator	Orange LED (lights up when the output is ON)
Stability Indicator	Green LED (lights up under stable light received condition or stable dark condition)
Pollution Degree	3 (Industrial environment)
Protection Rating	IP67 (IEC)
Ambient Temperature	-25 to +55 °C (-13 to +131 °F) (No dew condensation or icing allowed)
Storage Temperature	-30 to +70 °C (-22 to +158 °F)
Ambient Humidity	35 to 85 % RH (Storage: 35 to 85 % RH)
Ambient Illuminance	Incandescent light: 3,000 lx at the light-receiving face
Voltage Withstandability	1,000 V AC for one min. between all supply terminals connected together and enclosure
Insulation Resistance	20 MΩ or more, with 250 V DC megger between all supply terminals
Body Material	Polyethylene
Connection Type	Cables
Cable Length	2 m
Physical Weight (kg)	0.04
Dimensions L x W x H (cm)	2.05 x 0.35 x 1

Industrial Applications

1. Small Part Presence Detection on Conveyor Belts

The EX-13SEA is ideal for detecting the presence or absence of small components, even those with a diameter as small as 2.0 mm, on fast-moving conveyor belts. Its 500 mm sensing range and 0.5 ms response time ensure reliable and accurate detection without missing objects at high throughputs.

Problem Solved

Ensures accurate counting and positioning of small parts, preventing jams or product shortages in high-speed assembly lines.

Small object detectionHigh-speed sensingConveyor automationQuality control2.0mm min. object0.5ms response time500mm sensing range

2. Tooling and Gripper Position Monitoring in Robotics

With its ultra-slim 3.5 mm body and robust IP67 rating, the EX-13SEA can be seamlessly integrated into robotic end-effectors, grippers, or compact tooling setups. It can precisely confirm the open/closed state of a gripper or the presence of a workpiece, even in areas prone to splashes or dust, operating reliably on a standard 12-24V DC robotic power supply.

Problem Solved

Provides critical positional feedback in tight robotic applications, enhancing operational safety and preventing collisions or incorrect material handling in harsh industrial environments.

RoboticsGripper feedbackTooling positionCompact integrationIP673.5mm thickness12-24V DC

3. Material Flow Control in Packaging Machinery

The EX-13SEA is perfectly suited for monitoring material flow in packaging lines, such as detecting bottles, cartons, or pouches. Its ability to detect opaque objects with a narrow beam over a 500 mm range, coupled with high-speed detection, allows for precise control of product accumulation and indexing, crucial for maintaining efficient packaging operations without overfills or gaps.

Problem Solved

Optimizes packaging line efficiency by accurately detecting product presence and ensuring smooth material indexing, preventing production bottlenecks and waste.

Packaging automationMaterial detectionFlow controlLine synchronizationNarrow beam500mm range0.5ms response