OPB820S3

OPB820S3 is a slot type-transistor output photointerrupter, which is an optical sensor with a light-detecting element and a source, such as an LED. It detects the presence or absence of an object and provides electrical output signals when it detects an object. It is composed of an emitting element, such as an LED, and a light-detecting element, such as a phototransistor, slotted on a small backer.

Application Fields of OPB820S3 Photointerrupter

OPB820S3 photointerrupter has a wide range of applications in different fields. It is mostly employed in presence detection applications, such as paper flow detection, thickness detection, registration detection, gap detection, and position discrimination, and can also be used in material object detection, motion control, machine safety, and robotic applications.

OPB820S3 is also widely used information detection and optical communication applications. It is employed in printer operation and paper feed control in printing and copy equipments, roller height control in VTRs, reflex signal detection in addition to OA equipment, key presses in communications equipment, and speed measurement in automotive industries. One of the most famous application is for toys that require accurate position information, such as remote-controlled cars and video game consoles.

Working Principles of OPB820S3 Photointerrupter

The working principle of OPB820S3 photointerrupter is based on the operation of a phototransistor, which is composed of a light-emitting element and a light-detecting element. The phototransistor acts as a light-activated switch, which means that it begins operation when the light source is blocked, causing a change in the electrical current.

The OPB820S3 consists of an integrated circuit and an infrared LED light source. The current supplied to the LED light source causes it to emit a light beam, which passes through the slot and is detected by a phototransistor. The phototransistor converts this light into an electrical signal, which is then processed by the integrated circuit for a typical transistor output. When a block is placed in the slot, the current is blocked, causing the optical signal to be extinguished, and the output signal to be grounded.