Panasonic EX-L211 Ultra-compact Amplifier Built-in Laser Sensor

Technical Overview

Ultra-compact amplifier built-in laser sensor for minute object detection. Features 1m thru-beam sensing, 0.01mm repeatability, NPN output, and IP67 protection.

Key Features

Amplifier Built-in ultra-compact design.
Class 1 Red Semiconductor Laser (655 nm) for safe operation.
IP67 protection for water and dust resistance.
12 to 24 V DC supply voltage.
NPN open-collector transistor output (max. 50 mA sink current).
0.5 ms or less response time.
Easy beam-axis alignment with red spot and green stability indicator.
M3 screw mounting with metal sleeves for secure tightening (0.5 N·m).
0.15 mm² conductor thickness for improved wiring and tensile strength.
Low current consumption.
Selectable Light-ON/Dark-ON output operation.
Incorporated short-circuit protection and inverse polarity protection.
Repeatability of 0.01 mm (0.0004 in) or less.
Molded aspheric glass lens for high-definition laser spot.
Small ø0.5 mm receiver aperture for errant beam elimination.

Technical Specification Matrix

Parameter	Value
Sensing Type	Thru-beam, Minute Object Detection
Sensing Range	1 m (3.281 ft)
Emission Spot Size (Typical)	Approx. 6 x 4 mm (0.236 x 0.157 in) at 1 m sensing distance
Sensing Object	Opaque object of ø2 mm (0.079 in) or more
Minimum Sensing Object (Typical)	Opaque object of ø0.3 mm (0.012 in)
Hysteresis	Perpendicular to sensing axis: 0.05 mm (0.0020 in) or less
Repeatability (Typical)	0.01 mm (0.0004 in) or less (all area)
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 Type	NPN open-collector transistor
Maximum Sink Current	50 mA
Applied Output Voltage	26.4 V DC or less (between output and 0 V)
Residual Output Voltage	2 V or less (at 50 mA sink current); 1 V or less (at 16 mA sink current)
Output Operation	Light-ON / Dark-ON selectable by output operation switching input
Short-circuit Protection	Incorporated (short-circuit protection / inverse polarity protection)
Response Time	0.5 ms or less
Operation Indicator	Orange LED (lights up when output is ON) on receiver
Stability Indicator	Green LED (lights up under stable light received condition or stable dark condition) on receiver
Power Indicator	Green LED (lights up when power is ON) on emitter
Automatic Interference Prevention	Incorporated (Two sensors can be mounted close together)
Sensitivity Adjuster	Continuously variable adjuster
Protection Structure	IP67 (IEC)
Ambient Temperature	Operating: -10 to +55 °C (+14 to +131 °F); Storage: -30 to +70 °C (-22 to +158 °F)
Ambient Humidity	Operating/Storage: 35 to 85% RH
Ambient Illuminance	Incandescent light: 3,000 lx or less at 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)
Vibration Resistance	10 to 500 Hz frequency, 1.5 mm double amplitude (10 G max.) in X, Y and Z for two hours each
Shock Resistance	500 m/s² acceleration (50 G approx.) in X, Y and Z three times each
Emitting Element	Red semiconductor laser Class 1 (IEC / EN / JIS / GB / KS / FDA), Peak emission wavelength: 655 nm
Enclosure Material	Polybutylene terephthalate
Front Cover Material	Acylic
Lens Material	Glass
Indicator Part Material	Polyarylate
Cable	0.15 mm² 4-core cabtyre cable, 2 m (6.562 ft) long (thru-beam emitter: 2-core)
Cable Extension	Up to total 50 m (164.042 ft) with 0.3 mm² or more cable (Total 100 m with both emitter and receiver)
Physical Weight (kg)	0.04
Dimensions L x W x H (cm)	1.2 x 0.82 x 2.34

Industrial Applications

1. Precision Component Alignment in Micro-assembly

The EX-L211's minute object detection and high repeatability (0.01 mm) make it ideal for precisely confirming the position and alignment of small components, such as ICs on multiple palettes or optical elements.

Problem Solved

Prevents misplacement and damage to delicate, small-scale industrial components during automated assembly processes, ensuring high manufacturing quality and reducing rework.

Micro-assemblycomponent alignmentprecision positioningminute object detection0.01mm repeatability

2. Detection of Small Irregular Objects on Conveyors

With its 1 m sensing range and capability to detect opaque objects as small as ø0.3 mm, the EX-L211 can reliably identify small, irregularly shaped items or defects on a production line conveyor, even those with varying surface conditions.

Problem Solved

Ensures reliable detection of tiny foreign particles, broken parts, or misplaced items on fast-moving conveyor belts, improving product quality control and preventing downstream equipment damage.

Small object detectionconveyor belt monitoringquality controldefect detectionthru-beam sensing

3. Liquid Level Monitoring in Harsh Environments

The IP67 protection rating allows the EX-L211 to operate in environments exposed to water or dust. Its ultra-compact size and precise detection capabilities can be used to monitor specific liquid levels through transparent or translucent containers by detecting a small float or the liquid surface itself.

Problem Solved

Provides robust and accurate liquid level sensing in wet or dusty industrial settings without requiring direct contact with the liquid, thus preventing spills, ensuring proper filling, or protecting equipment from overfill/underfill conditions.

Liquid level sensingIP67harsh environmentnon-contact detectiontransparent container detection