Panasonic LS-401-C2 Digital Laser Sensor Amplifier

Technical Overview

NPN output digital laser sensor amplifier with dual 4-digit displays, 80μs response, 12-24VDC, IP50, and versatile sensing modes for industrial applications.

Key Features

NPN open-collector transistor output.
Multiple response time settings: H-SP (80 μs), FAST (150 μs), STD (500 μs), U-LG (4 ms) selectable.
Incorporates variable ON-delay, OFF-delay, and ONE SHOT timers.
Support for various sensing modes including hysteresis, window comparator, two independent outputs, and differential modes.
External input wire (5-core) for laser emission halt or full-auto teaching.
Two switches (MODE key and jog switch) for simple operation and programming.
Short-circuit protection incorporated in outputs.
DIN rail and bracket mountable.
ECO mode for reduced current consumption (33 mA).
Complies with UL/C-UL, CE, Korean S Mark, FDA, and EMC Directive RoHS standards.

Technical Specification Matrix

Parameter	Value
Supply Voltage	12 to 24 V DC ±10% Ripple P-P 10% or less
Current Consumption (Normal Operation)	40 mA or less at 24 V supply voltage (950 mW or less)
Current Consumption (ECO Mode)	33 mA or less at 24 V supply voltage (780 mW or less)
Output Type	NPN open-collector transistor
Maximum Sink Current	100 mA
Applied Voltage (Output)	30 V DC or less (between output and 0 V)
Residual Voltage (Output)	1.5 V or less (at 100 mA sink current)
Response Time	80 μs (H-SP), 150 μs (FAST), 500 μs (STD), 4 ms (U-LG) selectable
Operating Temperature Range	-10 to 55 °C
Storage Temperature Range	-20 to 70 °C
Relative Humidity	35 to 85 % RH (no dew condensation or icing)
Voltage Withstandability	1,000 V AC for one min.
Insulation Resistance	20 MΩ or more with 250 V DC megger
Vibration Resistance	10 to 150 Hz frequency, 0.75 mm double amplitude or max acceleration 49 m/s² in X, Y, and Z direction for 2 hours each
Shock Resistance	98 m/s² acceleration (10 G approx.) in X, Y and Z directions five times each
Enclosure Material	Heat-resistant ABS
Transparent Cover Material	Polycarbonate
IP Rating	IP50
Cable	0.15 mm² 5-core cabtyre cable, 2 m long
Cable Extension	Up to total 100 m with 0.3 mm² or more cable
Physical Weight (kg)	0.07
Dimensions L x W x H (cm)	3 x 1 x 8.1

Industrial Applications

1. High-Speed Product Counting and Position Verification

In automated packaging lines or manufacturing processes, the LS-401-C2 amplifier, combined with a suitable laser sensor head, can accurately detect the presence and position of small or fast-moving objects on a conveyor belt. Its rapid response time of 80 μs ensures that even closely spaced items are reliably counted and verified for proper alignment before subsequent processing steps.

Problem Solved

Prevents miscounts or incorrect product positioning in high-throughput environments, reducing material waste and improving production efficiency.

High-speed detectionConveyor systemsObject countingPosition sensing80 μs response timeNPN output12-24 VDC

2. Inline Dimensional Checking and Defect Detection

Utilizing its window comparator mode, the LS-401-C2 can monitor the height or thickness of manufactured parts within a specified tolerance range. If a part deviates outside the set thresholds, the sensor amplifier triggers an NPN output, signaling a defect or out-of-spec condition, ideal for quality control in assembly lines.

Problem Solved

Automates quality assurance by identifying oversized, undersized, or irregularly shaped components, reducing manual inspection time and ensuring product consistency.

Window comparatorDimensional measurementQuality controlNPN output12-24 VDCPrecision sensing

3. Non-Contact Material Level Detection in Hoppers

The LS-401-C2, coupled with a laser sensor, can be used to monitor the fill level of granular materials or powders in hoppers and bins. Its compact size and DIN rail mountability allow for easy integration into control panels. The timer functions can be used to debounce readings or provide delayed alerts, preventing false triggers from settling material. The IP50 rating indicates suitability for environments with dust.

Problem Solved

Ensures consistent material supply to processing equipment by providing accurate level feedback, preventing overfilling or underfilling, and minimizing downtime due to material shortages.

Level sensingMaterial handlingHopper monitoringIP50NPN outputTimer function12-24 VDC