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3-wire Proximity
Sensor - How to
Read the
Datasheet
Learn how to navigate through
some important specifications on
a typical 3-wire Inductive
Proximity Sensor datasheet
3

In this article, we are going to show you how to navigate

through some important specifications on a typical 3-wire
Inductive Proximity Sensor datasheet.

We’re going to look at two 3-wire proximity sensor datasheet

from 2 different vendors, Pepperl+Fuchs and Schneider
Electric, and discuss the specifications which are common.
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Before we dive into 2 proximity sensor datasheet, we’re going

to quickly review what a 3-wire inductive proximity sensor is,
discuss the different output types, and look at the schematic
symbol of a 3-wire inductive proximity sensor.

A 3-wire inductive proximity sensor is an electronic device

that can detect ferrous (Fe) targets without any physical
contact. When it detects that target, it operates an internal
electronic switch. Because the sensor is an electronic device
it requires a DC power source.
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Proximity sensors are being used in industry today to replace

devices such as mechanical limit switches.

There are 2 different types of 3-wire Inductive Proximity

Sensors NPN and PNP.

The symbol that best illustrates the proximity sensor was

developed by the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC).
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There are a number of figures inside the symbol representing

the 3-wire inductive proximity sensor:

– The diamond indicates it is a proximity sensor

– Fe indicates that it is an inductive sensor

– The transistor indicates it is an NPN Output type

– The Normally Open Switch indicates that the internal

electronic switch closes when the proximity sensor
detects a target

Ok, let’s look at 2 typical 3-wire inductive proximity sensor

datasheet.

Inductive-sensor-XS108B3NAL2-SchneiderElectric

Inductive-sensor-NBB1.5-5GM25-E2-V3-PEPPERL_BFUCHS

Let’s discuss the Output Type specification. The output type

can be PNP or NPN which determines how the load is
i
connected to the sensor.
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Although they can both look identical physically, they are not
interchangeable.

Operating Current or Switching Capacity in mA is another

specification to discuss.

Unlike a mechanical limit switch or other similar devices, a

proximity sensor can only carry a low amount of current
before being damaged.

For these sensors, the maximum current allowed is 200 mA.

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An important specification is Operating Voltage or Supply

Voltage Limits.

As discussed earlier, the 3-wire proximity sensor is an

electronic device and requires a DC Power Supply.

Sensor datasheets will always provide a range of Power

Supply voltages in which the sensor will operate as designed.
i
Let’s look atFree
thePLC
Switching Function orSign
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Output
Function specification.

Just like any switch, proximity sensors can have Normally

Open (NO) or Normally Closed (NC) contacts.

This datasheet specification indicates the state of the switch

before it is activated.

Another important specification is the Voltage Drop or

Maximum Voltage Drop.

Most of us assume that a closed switch will have zero volts

dropped across it when it is closed. In most cases this is true.

Unfortunately, in the world of electronic proximity sensors,

this is not the case.
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This datasheet specification indicates how much voltage

could be dropped across the proximity switch when it is
closed. This may or may not be an issue, but be aware that a
voltage loss will occur.

Another specification to consider is Switching Frequency.

Every time the target gets close to the proximity sensor, the
internal switch operates and creates a voltage pulse.
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Is it possibleFree
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It is not intended for this purpose but perhaps at low speeds.

Each time a gear tooth passes the sensor, a voltage pulse is
created.

The speed or RPM of the geared wheel is determined by

converting the pulse train frequency.

A proximity sensor has a switching frequency specification

which limits its use to measure speed. There are sensors
designed for speed measurement that operate exactly as
proximity sensors.

An important specification is the Rated Operating Distance

or Nominal Sensing Distance.

Simply stated, it is the distance under ideal conditions that

the sensor can detect the target and successfully operate its
internal switch. Keep in mind that this specification does not
i
take into account external conditions such
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and temperature.

Let’s talk about the specification called Switching State

Indicator or Status LED.

Almost every vendor will have an LED indicator of some kind

as part of the physical body of the proximity sensor.

The purpose of the LED is to indicate when the proximity

sensor is activated.
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Be careful because the LED will come on even if the load is

connected incorrectly.

In review, vendors use slightly different names for proximity

sensor specifications on datasheets.

Fortunately, similarities assist us in determining the

important values we need to use and troubleshoot them
correctly.
 You might want to review 2 of our
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other articles:
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How to Wire Discrete DC Sensors to PLC – Part 1

How to Wire Discrete DC Sensors to PLC – Part 2

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