What is the difference between PNP and NPN when

describing 3 wire connection of a sensor?

Most industrial proximity sensors (inductive, capacitive, ultrasonic and photo electric) are
solid state.

The term solid state refers to the type of components used within the sensor. Solid state
electronic components such as transistors are used to switch the output of the sensor upon
detection of an object.

Two specific types of 3 wire sensors are available; PNP and NPN. The difference is a result
of the internal circuit design and type of transistors used.

A key point to observe is that PNP and NPN has nothing to do with whether the sensor
is normally open (N/O) or normally closed (N/C), i.e. a PNP sensor may be either N/O or
N/C as can an NPN be either N/O or N/C.

Why two types?

The selection of a PNP sensor verses an NPN sensor is determined by the nature of the
circuit the device is to be used in. When used in a traditional relay type control circuit, it is
normally possible to use either the PNP or the NPN type of sensor as shown below. PNP
sensors tend to be more commonly used.
Traditional relay type control circuit;
Use with a programmable logic controller (PLC).

When selecting a sensor to be used with a PLC, it is very important that the sensor matches
the type of PLC input card to be used.
Two types of input cards exist, those that 'sink' current (also known as positive logic) and
those that 'source' current (also known as negative logic). It is worth mentioning, that
whilst the terms sinking / sourcing and positive / negative logic are well known in some
industries, they are not always commonly used terms. It is therefore important to identify
the type of sensor to be used with the PLC card based on the PLC manufacturer's
documentation and / or wiring diagrams.

Most common in Europe is the 'sinking' type of input, these will be used with the PNP
sensor as shown below. Less common nowadays are input cards that 'source', these
were popular in Asia and require the NPN type of sensor in order to operate correctly. Many
modern PLC input cards can be configured and wired to be either 'sinking'
or 'sourcing' although it will usually necessitate all inputs on a particular input card being
configured the same.