Optical Switches Accurately Detect Motion And Position

The EE-SX1 series of non-amplified, slotted phototransistors reside in a fixed U-shaped housing carrying both the emitter and detector. The devices promise to accurately detect the presence of an object without direct contact. They are available in three mounting styles, SMD, through-hole PCB, and panel mount with connector, and in packages as small as 3 mm x 3 mm x 3.4 mm with slots ranging from 1 mm to 5 mm. They sport a narrow aperture width of 0.15 mm to 0.5 mm. The SMD version operates over a temperature range of -30°C to +85ºC, the through-hole from -25°C to +85ºC, and the panel-mount from -20°C to +70ºC. Prices range from $0.50 to $1.10 each/10,000. OMRON ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS LLC, Schaumburg, IL. (847) 882-2288.