Providing design engineers a flexible optical device with multiple output configurations, TT electronics OPTEK Technology has developed a Photologic® slotted optical switch in a right angle package.  Designated the OPB920xZ Series, the non-contact switch consists of an infrared LED mounted on the tower and a Photologic sensor mounted on the base of a right angle shaped package. The OPB920 Series digital switches complement OPTEK’s proven OPB420 Series analog slotted optical switches, which utilize a phototransistor output.

“The OPB920 Series switches provide maximum flexibility, as the design engineer can specify the type of TTL output configuration,” said Roland Chapa, vice president of optoelectronic integrated solutions for TT electronics OPTEK Technology.  “Additionally, the right angle package configuration allows for an opaque object to block the light beam from multiple directions, including the X, Y and Z axes.”

The OPB920 Series optical switches are ideal for use in non-contact interruptive object sensing, tray-out and low paper tray sensing, paper sorting equipment, amusement/gaming equipment, corner and door sensing, printers and copy machine applications.

The OPB920 Series switch features an 890nm wavelength infrared LED with a power dissipation of 100mW.  Maximum forward current is 40mA and maximum forward voltage is 1.7V (If=20mA).  Reverse DC voltage is 2V, with reverse current of 100A (Vr=2.0V). The output Photologic® sensor features a supply voltage (VCC) of 18V and power dissipation of 200mW.  Operating temperature for the optical switches ranges from -40C to +70C.  Custom electrical, wire and cabling, and connectors are also available.

Output configurations for the OPB920 Series switches include TTL totem pole and TTL open collector, both of which can be buffered or inverted. All versions of the switch include hysteresis built into the circuitry. The optical center line between the emitter and photosensor is at 45° from the mounting base of the device.