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Connection Diagram of Proximity Sensor

There are two main types of 3-wire proximity sensors: PNP and NPN. PNP sensors connect their output to the positive supply when an object is sensed, acting like a switch. NPN sensors connect their output to the negative supply when an object is sensed. It is important to match the type of sensor with the PLC input card, as cards can be designed for sinking or sourcing current.

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598 views

Connection Diagram of Proximity Sensor

There are two main types of 3-wire proximity sensors: PNP and NPN. PNP sensors connect their output to the positive supply when an object is sensed, acting like a switch. NPN sensors connect their output to the negative supply when an object is sensed. It is important to match the type of sensor with the PLC input card, as cards can be designed for sinking or sourcing current.

Uploaded by

nehal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Most industrial proximity sensors (inductive,

capacitive, ultrasonic and photo electric) are solid


state.
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.

The outputs of some sensors will behave like


transistors, when a sensor senses an object it will
trigger the transistor controlling the output (which
essentially acts like a switch) and depending on its
design it’ll act as an NPN or PNP type transistor.
An NPN output is commonly called a “sinking”
output. When the sensor senses an object it will
connect the output to the negative supply. A PNP
output is commonly called a “sourcing” output.
When it senses an object it will connect the output to
the positive supply. If you’re unsure of which
output type you need, a number of manufactures
produce sensors with configurable outputs. In this
case the sensor can be configured to operate as an
NPN or PNP type. NPN, PNP, and Configurable
type sensors come in a Normally Closed and
Normally Open configurations.
Connection diagram of proximity sensor (PNP
and NPN)
Connection diagram of proximity sensor (PNP
and NPN) with magnetic contractor
Connection diagram of proximity sensor (PNP
and NPN) with 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.

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