Explosion-proof proximity sensor

Explosion-proof proximity sensor based on infrared reflection. This device allows you to detect objects up to 10cm.

The Ex proximity sensor is a USB proximity sensor. This device is based on a very simple principle: an infrared led emits a pulsed infrared light and a sensor detects ten times per second the reflection on surrounding objects.. Thanks to filters, ambient infrared light has very little effect on it, as long as the detector is not saturated. Beware, the sensor performance depends directly on the target color: a white object can be detected up to ~10cm, but a black and mat object can be detected up to ~2cm only.

The Ex proximity sensor can also give estimation of visible and infrared ambient light. Measurements can be read directly via USB or stored on the device internal flash for later retrieval when connected again by USB.

This device has been designed so that the sensor itself can be moved away from the USB part by a few meters: simply split the board into two parts and solder a 4-wire cable on the designated pads.

Note: If you put the sensor behind the glass, some of the infrared radiation will be reflected off the glass and disturb the sensor readings, so put the sensor right against the glass. 

Note: The minimum distance between the sensor and the object to be detected is about 1 mm, so an object touching the sensor will not be detected.

Note: To use the Ex proximity sensor in a hazardous area, the device must be protected to at least IP 65, so it must be placed inside the enclosure.

Ex proximity sensor don’t require any special drivers or software. Compatible with Windows, Mac OS, Android and Linux and easy to drive from a maximum of programming languages.

The Ex proximity sensor is connected through an industrial USB 2.0 connector to an intrinsically safe barrier Ex USB 2.0.

The Ex proximity sensor have a “hot-plug” function which allows them to be connected and disconnected without stopping, shutting down or rebooting the system.

Specifications:

USB connector: micro-B

Width: 20mm

Length: 35.5mm

Weight: 3g

Chipset: RPR-0521RS

Refresh rate: 10Hz

Measuring range: <10cm

Technology: Pulsed infrared

Protection class, according to IEC 61140: class III

Supported Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, Mac OS, Android

Сompliance: IP 65, RoHS

Electrical Data:

Uo=5 V

Io=50 mА

Ui=5 V

Ii=50 mА

Ci=10 µF

Ex marking:

Ex ib I Mb

Ex ib IIC T6...T4 Gb X

Ex tb IIIC T85°C...135°C Db

Produced in accordance with IEC 60079-0, IEC 60079-11, IEC 60079-31

Normal operating temperature: 5°C to 40°C

Extended operating temperature*: -25°C to 85°C

*Note: The extended temperature range is defined based on components specifications and has been tested during a limited duration (1h). When using the device in harsh environments for a long period of time, we strongly advise to run extensive tests before going to production.