1479 INDUCTIVE PROXIMITY SENSORS

INTRODUCTION
TECHNICAL GUIDE

Principles of operation  rinciple of high-frequency oscillation type

P
• A proximity sensor detects the approach of an object inductive proximity sensor
without making a contact. There are three types of • The detection coil located at the front end of the sensor
proximity sensors: produces a high-frequency magnetic field as shown in
1) High-frequency oscillation type using electromagnetic the figure below. When an object (metallic) approaches
induction this magnetic field, induced currents flow in the metal,
2) Magnetic type using magnetism causing thermal loss and resulting in the reduction or
INFORMATION

3) Electrostatic capacity type which senses the changes stopping of oscillations.

in the electrostatic capacity between the sensing This change in state is detected by an oscillation state
object and the sensor. sensing circuit which then operates the output circuit.

High-frequency High-frequency magnetic field

oscillation type

Using magnetic field

Sensing object (metal)
Magnetic type
Proximity
sensor Eddy currents generate energy (thermal)
loss due to the resistance of the metal,
Electrostatic reducing the amplitude of oscillation.
Using electric field capacity type

Panasonic Industrial Devices SUNX proximity sensors are high-

frequency oscillation type inductive proximity sensors. Eddy current
Operation
indicator

Sensing Oscillation Oscillation state Output

direction circuit sensing circuit circuit

Detection coil

FEATURES
Non-contact detection * However, it also has the following disadvantages.
• Unlike a limit switch, it detects an object without any
mechanical contact. Hence, there is no likelihood of the Only metal detection
sensing object or the sensor getting damaged by contact. • It cannot detect non-metals in which current cannot flow,
since detection is based on thermal loss due to induced
Usable in severe environment current.
• Reliable sensing is possible even in adverse conditions Also, metals such as ferrite, which do not allow current
where it can come in contact with water, etc. Most flow, cannot be detected.
of the sensors have IP67 protection and oil resistant
Photoelectric construction. Short sensing range
Sensors
Pressure
Sensors High precision • Although there are several methods for improving the
Flow Sensors
sensing range, such as increasing the detection coil size,
• It is suitable for precise object positioning because of its using non-shielded sensor heads, etc., the sensing range
Inductive
Proximity Sensors very high repeatability. is still smaller than that of photoelectric sensors.
Displacement
Sensors
Electrostatic
Sensors Short response time
Static
Removers • Stable detection is possible even with fast traveling
About
Laser Beam objects because of its high response frequency (3.3 kHz
General max.).
Precautions

Long life
• Due to its non-contact output, it has a long life and
requires practically no maintenance.
 INDUCTIVE PROXIMITY SENSORS 1480

TYPES OF SENSORS

TECHNICAL GUIDE
Method of classification Classification
1 Classification by structure 1 Classification by structure
• This classification is based on whether the constituent
Type Outline and Features
circuit elements are built-in or separated. It is useful for
selecting sensors in view of the mounting space, power • Asthe amplifier is built-in, a non-contact output is
supply, and noise immunity. obtained simply by connecting a DC electric power

INFORMATION
supply.
• It
has high noise immunity because the amplifier is built-
Amplifier built-in
Inductive in.

Amplifier built-in
proximity sensor
High-frequency DC electric
oscillation type Amplifier power supply
Amplifier-separated +
Non-contact
Output circuit output

2 Classification by coil enclosure

• This classification is based on the structure surrounding
the sensor head (detection coil). It is useful for selecting
sensors in view of the mounting style, sensing range,
influence of surroundings, etc.
Amplifier-separated
Detection coil
• The sensing portion can be made small since the
detection coil is separated as the sensor head.
However, its noise immunity is less than that of
the amplifier built-in type.

Shielded • Thesensitivity setting can be done on the amplifier at a

Inductive remote place.
proximity sensor
Amplifier
High-frequency
Sensor head Amplifier
oscillation type +
DC electric
Non-shielded Output circuit power supply

Non-contact
output
3 Classification by output circuit
Detection coil
• This classification is based on the type of output circuit
and the output voltage. This classification is useful to
select sensors according to the input conditions of the
device or equipment connected to the sensor output.

NPN open-collector
transistor

ON / OFF output PNP open-collector

transistor
Inductive
proximity sensor DC 2-wire
High-frequency
oscillation type
Analog voltage
Photoelectric
Analog output Sensors
Pressure
Analog current Sensors
Flow Sensors
Inductive
Proximity Sensors
Displacement
Sensors
Electrostatic
Sensors
Static
Removers
About
Laser Beam
General
Precautions
1481 INDUCTIVE PROXIMITY SENSORS

TYPES OF SENSORS
TECHNICAL GUIDE

2 Classification by coil enclosure

Type Outline and Features

INFORMATION

• A metal enclosure shields the sides of the detection coil.

Shielded

• The sensor can be embedded in metal as it is less affected

by the surrounding metal.
Metal
GX-3S□, GX-4S□, GX-5S□ and GX-5SU□ require a
small clearance at the front sensor end.
Sensor head

Detection coil
Metal enclosure

• The sides of the detection coil are not shielded by a metal enclosure.
Non-shielded

[All resin-enclosed sensors (GX-F/H series, GXL series, GL series) are non-shielded types.]
• They have a longer sensing range than a shielded type of the same size.
• Sinceit is easily affected by surrounding metal, care should be taken that metal other
than the sensing object does not come near the sensor front end.

Detection coil
Metal enclosure

3 Classification by output circuit

Type Outline and Features Type Outline and Features

• Able to drive a relay, PLC, TTL logic circuit, etc. • Wire saving
• A separate power supply can be used for the load. • Low current consumption
• Long life • Long life
• High-speed response • High-speed response
• Commonly used in North America or Japan • Limitation on connectable load
NPN open-collector transistor

Bleeder resistance
D +V
ON / OFF output

Output
Load
ZD
DC 2-wire
Sensor circuit

Load
Sensor circuit

Output + DC
power + DC
– supply ZD power
Tr – supply
Tr
0V
0V
Load
Photoelectric
Sensors Internal circuit Users’ circuit
Pressure Internal circuit Users’ circuit
Sensors
Symbols ... D : Reverse supply polarity protection diode
Flow Sensors ZD: Surge absorption zener diode Symbols ... ZD: Surge absorption zener diode
ON / OFF output

Inductive (Its position differs with the model.) Tr : PNP output transistor
Proximity Sensors Tr : NPN output transistor
Displacement
Sensors
Electrostatic • Commonly used output circuit in Europe
Sensors • Power supply is not required for the load.
Static • Long life
Removers
About • High-speed response
Laser Beam
PNP open-collector transistor

General +V
Precautions
Sensor circuit

Tr ZD
Output + DC
power
– supply
Load
D 0V

Internal circuit Users’ circuit

Symbols ... D : Reverse supply polarity protection diode

(Its position differs with the model.)
ZD: Surge absorption zener diode
(Its position differs with the model.)
Tr : PNP output transistor
 INDUCTIVE PROXIMITY SENSORS 1482

GLOSSARY

TECHNICAL GUIDE
Term Description Term Description

It is the distance to the point at which the sensor For a sensor, the hysteresis is the difference
first detects the standard sensing object as it between the operation distance, when the first
slowly approaches the sensing head as shown in action is taken with the standard sensing object
the figure below. approaching along the sensing axis, and the
Example: In case of GX-12MU resumption distance, when the first action is
taken with the standard sensing object receding.

INFORMATION
Standard sensing object
It is expressed as a percentage of the operation
(Iron sheet 12 0.472 × 12 0.472 × t 1 mm t 0.039 in)
Maximum distance. Normally, a hysteresis of 10 to 20 % of
operation the maximum operation distance is incorporated
distance to prevent chattering of the output due to
Maximum vibration, etc., of the sensing object.
operation
Hysteresis
Resumption Operation distance
distance distance
Point at 3 mm 0.118 in
which the ±10 %
sensor first The maximum operation distance ranges from
turns ON. 2.7 0.106 to 3.3 mm 0.130 in due to product variation.
Sensing axis
It is the sensing range for which the sensor can
stably detect the standard sensing object even
if there is an ambient temperature drift and/or Maximum
Hysteresis operation
supply voltage fluctuation. distance
Normally, it is 70 to 80 % of the maximum
operation distance. Variation in the sensor operation point when
sensing is repeatedly done under constant
Example: In case of GX-12MU
conditions.
Standard sensing object
Stable sensing (Iron sheet 12 0.472 × 12 0.472 × t 1 mm t 0.039 in)
range Repeatability perpendicular
to sensing axis

Repeatability

Sensing axis

Use in the stable sensing range (0 to 2.4 mm 0.094 in). Repeatability along
sensing axis
It is the smallest size object for which the sensing
As shown in the figure below, a rotating plate
range becomes constant. The sensing range,
having the standard sensing object pasted
hysteresis, etc., are all specified for the standard
at constant intervals is placed in front of the
sensing object. The material of the standard
proximity sensor. The plate is rotated while
sensing object is iron.
observing the sensing output. The maximum
• Reference for the size of the standard sensing number of times per second at which sensing
object (a × a mm a × a in) can be done, for which the corresponding
Shielded type: Approx. equal to the size (b) of sensing output can be obtained, is the maximum
the sensing portion. response frequency.
Non-shielded type: Approx. equal to 1.5 times Maximum
response a
the size (b) of the sensing 2a Standard sensing object
portion. frequency
Correlation between sensing object size and a
sensing range
Photoelectric
Sensors
Sensing object a × a mm a × a in Inductive Pressure
t 1 mm t 0.039 in proximity Sensors
L sensor
4
Snesing range L (mm in)

0.157 50 % of maximum operation distance Flow Sensors

Standard Iron a: Side length of standard sensing object Inductive
Proximity Sensors
sensing object Stainless steel
Displacement
(SUS304) It is the change in the sensing range, with respect Sensors
2 to the sensing range at +20 °C +68 °F Electrostatic
0.079 Brass ambient temperature, when the ambient Sensors
Aluminum temperature is varied over the rated ambient Static
Removers
temperature range. About
Sensing range Laser Beam
variation Example: In case of GX-U/N series
General
0 10 20 30 40 (%) Within ±10 % of sensing range at +20 °C +68 °F Precautions
temperature
Sensing range variation

0.394 0.787 1.181 1.575 10

Sensing object side characteristics +70 °C
length a (mm in) +158 °F
0
Sensing object –25 °C +20 °C
a –13 °F +68 °F
a (Metal sheet, 1 mm 0.039 in thick) –10
Inductive
proximity sensor
Sensing range
It is the change in the sensing range with respect
variation
to the sensing range at a particular supply
voltage
L voltage when the supply voltage varies by ±10 %.
øb characteristics
1483 INDUCTIVE PROXIMITY SENSORS

GLOSSARY
TECHNICAL GUIDE

Term Description

Degree of protection against water, human body and solid foreign material.
Protection degree is specified as per IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission).
■IEC standard
IP□□
Second figure . . . Protection against water penetration
INFORMATION

First figure . . . . . . Protection against human body and solid foreign material
• Protection degree specified by the first figure • Protection degree specified by the second figure
First Second
Description Description
figure figure

0 No protection 0 No protection

Protection against contact with

No harmful effect due to vertically
1 internal live parts by a human hand ø50 1
falling water drops
(ø50 mm ø1.969 in) ø1.969

Protection against contact with No harmful effect due to water 15° 15°
2 internal live parts by a human finger ø12 2 drops falling from a range 15° wider
(ø12 mm ø0.472 in) ø0.472 than the vertical
Protection against contact with internal t 2.5 No harmful effect due to water
3 live parts by a solid object more than 3 drops falling from a range 60° wider 60° 60°
t 0.098
2.5 mm 0.098 in in thickness or diameter than the vertical
Protection against contact with internal t 1.0
Protection No harmful effect due to water
4 live parts by a solid object more than 4
t 0.039 splashes from any direction
1.0 mm 0.039 in in thickness or diameter
Protection against dust
No harmful effect due to direct
5 penetration which can affect 5
water jet from any direction
operation

Complete protection against No water penetration due to direct

6 6
dust penetration water jet from any direction

Note: The IEC standard prescribes test procedures for each No water penetration due to
protection degree given above. The protection degree 7 immersion in water under specified
specified in the product specifications has been conditions
decided according to these tests.
No water penetration during
8 immersion, even under conditions that
are more harsh than the ones in No.7

Water should not

■■Caution seep in from here
• Although the protection degree is specified for the sensor including
the cable, the cable end is not waterproof, and is not covered by
the protection specified. Hence, make sure that water does not
Photoelectric
seep in from the cable end.
Sensors
Pressure
Sensors ■■IP67G / IP68G
Flow Sensors This specifies protection against oil in addition to IP67 / IP68 protection of IEC standards. It specifies that oil drops or
bubbles should not enter from any direction.
Inductive
Proximity Sensors
Displacement
Sensors
Electrostatic
Sensors
Static
Removers
About
Laser Beam
General
Precautions
 INDUCTIVE PROXIMITY SENSORS 1484

GLOSSARY

TECHNICAL GUIDE
Term Description

The curves are plotted as a series of operating

points at which the sensor detects the standard
sensing object as it approaches from the left or
the right for different setting distances (with the
sensitivity adjuster at maximum sensitivity).

INFORMATION
The graph is useful to determine the mounting
position of the sensor with respect to the sensing
object.
The graph shows typical characteristics. There
could be slight variation depending on the
product.

Example: In case of GXL-15 (Standard) type

Sensing field
8
0.315 Standard
sensing object
Setting distance L (mm in)

6 ℓ
0.236
L
4
0.157

2
0.079
Sensor
0
10 5 0 5 10
0.394 0.197 0.197 0.394
Left Center Right
Operating point ℓ (mm in)

The graph shows the correlation between

sensing object size and sensing range.
For sensors having a sensitivity adjuster,
the graph is shown for the condition when
the sensitivity adjuster is set such that the
standard sensing object is just detectable at
the maximum sensing distance.
The graph is useful to determine the sensing
distance for which the sensor can stably detect
an object considering its size.
The graph shows typical characteristics. There
Correlation could be slight variation depending on the
between product.
sensing object
size and Example: In case of GXL-15 (Standard) type
sensing range 8
0.315 Sensing object
a × a mm a × a in
Sensing range L (mm in)

6
0.236 Iron t 1 mm
L t 0.039 in
4
0.157

2
0.079 Photoelectric
Sensor Sensors
Pressure
0 10 20 30 40 Sensors
0.394 0.787 1.181 1.575
Sensing object side Flow Sensors
length a (mm in) Inductive
Proximity Sensors
Displacement
Sensors
Electrostatic
Sensors
Static
Removers
About
Laser Beam
General
Precautions
1485 INDUCTIVE PROXIMITY SENSORS

PRECAUTIONS FOR PROPER USE

TECHNICAL GUIDE

Setting distance Mounting

Approach perpendicular to sensing axis Influence of surrounding metal

• Normally the sensor is used with the sensing object
approaching from a direction perpendicular to the
sensing axis. Adjust the distance to the sensing object to
be within the stable sensing range which is slightly less
INFORMATION
• Surrounding metal may affect the performance of the
inductive proximity sensor. Keep the specified distance
between the surrounding metal and the sensor.

For details, refer to the section “PRECAUTIONS FOR

than the maximum operation distance. PROPER USE” of each sensor.

Stable sensing <Cylindrical type and threaded (shielded) type>

range
Beware of
Approach

Background metal
perpendicular background metal a
to sensing axis Sensing axis

Sensor
Sensing object

<Threaded (non-shielded) type>

Approach along sensing axis
Beware of

Background metal
• When the sensing object approaches the sensor along background and
b
the sensing axis, it is detected at the maximum operation surrounding metal a

distance. c
However, make sure to avoid any collision between the Surrounding metal
sensing object and the sensor, which may occur due to
the sensing object speed. <Top sensing (non-shielded) type>
Beware of background and side metal

Approach Side metal

Side metal
Background metal
along sensing
axis Sensing axis b

Sensor d
Sensing object
a c
d

Type of metal objects and sensing range <Front sensing (non-shielded) type>
• The sensing range is specified for the standard sensing Beware of background and side metal
object. If the sensing object is smaller, or is non-ferrous,
the sensing range shortens. Background metal Side metal

c
a c
Correlation between sensing object size and
sensing range (In case of GXL-8 type) b

4
0.157
Sensing object Mutual interference
a × a mm a × a in
t 1 mm
Snesing range L (mm in)

3 L t 0.039 in • When several inductive proximity sensors are mounted

Photoelectric 0.118 Front sensing Iron
Sensors Stainless steel
close together, the high frequency magnetic field
Pressure 2
(SUS304) emanating from one sensor exerts an electromagnetic
Sensors 0.079 Brass influence on the other sensors, mutually causing
Flow Sensors
Aluminum Sensing object their operation to become unstable (called mutual
Inductive 1 a × a mm a × a in
Proximity Sensors 0.039 t 1 mm interference). In this case, the following countermeasures
L
Displacement
Sensors Top sensing
t 0.039 in
are necessary.
Electrostatic
Sensors 0 5 10 15 20 Countermeasures 1 : Keep sufficient spacing.
0.197 0.394 0.591 0.787
Static
Sensing object side
Removers Face to face mounting Parallel mounting
About length a (mm in)
Laser Beam
General A
Precautions B
Correction coefficient for different sensing object
materials (In case of GXL-8 type)
For details, refer to the section “PRECAUTIONS FOR
Sensing object Correction coefficient PROPER USE” of each sensor.

Iron 1 Countermeasures 2 :
When used along with a different frequency
Stainless steel (SUS304) 0.82 approx. type (I type), in which the oscillation
Brass 0.59 approx. frequency is different, two sensors can be GXL-8F GXL-8FI
parallely mounted next to each other.
Aluminum 0.57 approx. Different
frequency
Note: The sensing range also changes if the sensing object is plated. type sensor
(I type)
 INDUCTIVE PROXIMITY SENSORS 1486

PRECAUTIONS FOR PROPER USE

TECHNICAL GUIDE
Bleeder resistance setting procedures
• The DC 2-wire type inductive proximity sensors manufactured by Panasonic Industrial Devices SUNX do not normally
function in the case where the load current is under 3 mA when the load is connected to the output. In that case, it is
necessary for a load current of 3 mA or more to flow by connecting the load to the resistance in parallel. This resistance is
called “bleeder resistance”.
The I/O circuit diagram of the DC 2-wire type inductive proximity sensors is described as below.

INFORMATION
I/O circuit of DC-2 wire type ● Examine the necessity for bleeder resistance
Color code First, examine if bleeder resistance is necessary when
Bleeder resistance connecting the load to the output.
(Brown)
Output
Load Output R Provided that
load is “R”,
Sensor circuit

3 to 70 mA in ON state (Note)
Tr 0.8 mA in OFF state I + load current is “I”,
ZD + 12 to 24 V DC 3 V in ON state V
3 V in
ON state – ±10 % – supply voltage is “V”, and output
residual voltage is 3 V,
0V
Load
(Blue) 0 V you can calculate the load current “I” when output is in the
ON state using the following formula.
Internal circuit Users’ circuit
V – 3 [V]
I = [mA]
Symbols … ZD : Surge absorption zener diode R [kΩ]
Tr : PNP output transistor
The DC 2-wire type inductive proximity sensors manufactured
Note: The maximum load current varies depending on the ambient by Panasonic Industrial Devices SUNX do not need bleeder
temperature. resistance when I ≥ 3 mA, but need it when I < 3 mA.

Conditions for the load

1) The load should not be actuated by the leakage current
(0.8 mA) in the OFF state.
2) The load should be actuated by (supply voltage – 3 V) in the ON state.
3) The current in the ON state should be between 3 to 70 mA DC.
In case the current is less than 3 mA, connect a bleeder resistance
in parallel to the load so that a current of 3 mA, or more, flows.

● Calculation method of the necessary bleeder Bleeder resistance that is necessary for the DC 2-wire type
resistance
Color code
Vb Provided that Bleeder resistance Rb
Ib bleeder resistance is “Rb”, (Brown)
electric current flowing to “Rb” is Output
Load
I Rb “Ib”, voltage within Rb is “Vb”,
electric current flowing to R is “IR”,
Sensor circuit

3 to 70 mA in ON state
Output R Tr 0.8 mA in OFF state
load current to the sensor is “I”, ZD + 12 to 24 V DC
3 V in
IR + and supply voltage is “V”; ON state – ±10 %
3 V in ON state V
– I = IR + Ib = 3 [mA] or more
Vb = Rb × Ib = R × IR Load
0V = V – 3 [V] (Blue) 0 V Photoelectric
Sensors
the relational expression above is Internal circuit Users’ circuit Pressure
Sensors
formulated.
In the case that load current is under 3 mA when Flow Sensors
The bleeder resistance Rb and bleeder resistance power Pb can the output is in the ON state Inductive
Proximity Sensors
be calculated using the formula below. Displacement
The bleeder resistance Rb and bleeder resistance power Pb Sensors
Vb V – 3 [V] V – 3 [V] can be calculated using the formula below. Electrostatic
Rb = = = [kΩ] or less Sensors
Ib I – IR [mA] 3 – IR [mA] Static
Supply voltage – 3 [V] Removers
Rb ≤ [kΩ] About
Vb [V]
2
(V – 3) [V] 2 3 – Load current [mA] Laser Beam
Pb = Vb × Ib = = [W] or more General
Rb [kΩ] Rb × 1000 [Ω] Precautions
(Supply voltage)2 [V]
Simplifies to Pb > [W]
Rb × 1000 [Ω]
V2 [V] * In actuality, select a wattage that is a few times greater
Pb = [W] or more
Rb × 1000 [Ω] than Pb.
* In actuality, select a wattage that is a few times
greater than Pb.
1487 INDUCTIVE PROXIMITY SENSORS

PRECAUTIONS FOR PROPER USE

TECHNICAL GUIDE

Other precautions
• Our products have been developed / produced for
industrial use only.
• Although the protection degree is specified for the sensor
including the cable, the cable end is not waterproof and
is not covered by the protection specified. Hence, make
sure that water does not seep in from the cable end.
INFORMATION
• Using wireless devices around sensors and wires may
cause a malfunction. So make sure not to approach
those.
• Take care that the sensor does not come in direct contact
with organic solvents, such as, thinner, etc.
• Make sure that the sensing end is not covered with metal

Water should not seep in from here dust, scrap or spatter. It will result in malfunction.

• Make sure that the power supply is off while wiring.

• Verify that the supply voltage variation is within the rating.
• If power is supplied from a commercial switching
regulator, ensure that the frame ground (F.G.) terminal of
the power supply is connected to an actual ground. Metal dust / scrap

The spatter-resistant type GX-F□U-J, GH-F8SE prevents

Switching
regulator
sticking of spatter due to its fluorine resin coating.

• These sensors are only for indoor use.

• Make sure that stress by forcible bend or pulling is not
Sensor
applied directly to the sensor cable joint.
AC
F.G
.
• The usage environment should be within the ranges
described in the specifications.
Ground Use sensors within the range shown in the white part of
the ambient temperature / humidity graph below and also
• If using electromagnetic valves, magnet switches, within the certified ambient temperature and humidity
motors, etc. simultaneously in your system, control range of each product. When using sensors within the
surges with a surge killer. Not doing so will cause range shown in the diagonal line shaded part of the
chattering and other malfunctions. graph, there is a possibility that condensation may occur
depending on changes in the ambient temperature.
• In case noise generating equipment (switching regulator,
Please be careful not to let this happen.
inverter motor, etc.) is used in the vicinity of this
Furthermore, pay attention that freezing does not
product, connect the frame ground (F.G.) terminal of the
occur when using below 0 °C +32°F. Please avoid
equipment to an actual ground.
condensation and freezing when storing the product as
• Do not run the wires together with high-voltage lines or well.
power lines or put them in the same raceway. This can
cause malfunction due to induction.
High-voltage line 90
Ambient humidity (% RH)

or power line 80
Photoelectric
Sensors 70
Pressure
Sensors 60
Flow Sensors 50
Inductive 40
Proximity Sensors 30
Displacement
Sensors 20 Avoid condensation.
Electrostatic Be careful about freezing
Sensors 10 when using below 0 °C +32 °F.
Static
Removers 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
About 50 68 86 104122 140 158
Laser Beam
Ambient temperature (°C °F)
General
Precautions