Panasonic FX-501P Digital Fiber Sensor Amplifier

Technical Overview

PNP digital fiber sensor amplifier with 12-24VDC input, 25µs response, and IP40 protection. Compact 10x76.1x32mm, 15g design for precise industrial sensing.

Key Features

PNP open-collector transistor output with 100 mA maximum source current.
Wide supply voltage range of 12 to 24 V DC.
Selectable response times: H-SP (25 µs), FAST (60 µs), STD (250 µs), LONG (2 ms), U-LG (4 ms), HYPR (24 ms).
Digital LED display with dual 4-digit red/green indicators for clear status.
IP40 protection rating (IEC).
Pushbutton teaching and programming with fine adjustment capability.
Incorporated timer function (OFF-delay, ON-delay, One-shot, ON-delay OFF-delay, ON-delay One-shot) and short-circuit protection.
Cross-talk prevention function allowing up to 3 units to be mounted closely.
Operates in temperatures from -10 to 55 °C.
Constructed with polycarbonate (enclosure, case cover) and polyacetal (switch).

Technical Specification Matrix

Parameter	Value
Supply Voltage	12 to 24 V DC +10/-15% Ripple P-P 10% or less
Power Consumption (Normal Operation)	960 mW or less (40 mA or less at 24 V)
Power Consumption (ECO Mode)	680 mW or less (28 mA or less at 24 V)
Output Type	PNP open-collector transistor
Output Points	1 point
Max. Source Current	100 mA (50 mA max. if 5 or more standard types are connected)
Applied Voltage	30 V DC or less
Residual Voltage	2 V or less
Response Time (H-SP)	25 µs or less
Response Time (FAST)	60 µs or less
Response Time (STD)	250 µs or less
Response Time (LONG)	2 ms or less
Response Time (U-LG)	4 ms or less
Response Time (HYPR)	24 ms or less
IP Rating	IP40 (IEC)
Operating Temperature Range	-10 to 55 °C
Enclosure Material	Polycarbonate
Switch Material	Polyacetal
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 Detection on Conveyor Belts

Utilizing the FX-501P's ultra-fast 25 µs response time for accurate detection of small or rapidly moving components on automated conveyor systems in manufacturing and packaging lines.

Problem Solved

Prevents errors such as miscounts or missed objects at high production speeds, ensuring consistent product flow and precise inventory management. Its compact size allows for integration into tight spaces on existing machinery.

High-speed detectionConveyor automationObject countingProduction line25 µs response timeCompact form factor

2. Precise Component Placement Verification in Electronics Assembly

Leveraging the sensor's ability to detect minute objects and its high-intensity beam for verifying the presence, orientation, or correct assembly of small electronic components on printed circuit boards or during robotic pick-and-place operations.

Problem Solved

Enhances quality control by ensuring that all components are correctly placed, reducing defects and rework in electronics manufacturing. The fast response time supports rapid inspection cycles.

Micro-object detectionElectronics manufacturingQuality controlRobotic assemblyPrecise positioningPNP output

3. End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT) Sensing for Robotic Grippers

Integrating the lightweight (15g) and compact FX-501P into robotic gripper designs to provide real-time feedback on part presence, confirming successful pick-up or release of objects.

Problem Solved

Increases the reliability of robotic tasks by providing immediate feedback to the robot controller, preventing damage to parts or tooling due to improper gripping or dropped components. The minimal added weight is critical for maintaining gripper payload capacity.

Robotic automationEnd-of-arm toolingPart presence detectionGripper feedbackCompact sensorLow weight