Banner QL50 Series - Manual (Page 2)

QL50 Luminescence Sensor
2
P/N 112151 rev. C
Banner Engineering Corp. • Minneapolis, MN U.S.A.
www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: 763.544.3164
Overview
The QL50 Series Sensor is an easy-to-use, compact luminescence sensor that emits
ultraviolet light from an LED and scans for luminescence in materials. The QL50
senses luminescence that is inherent in a material, or it can sense luminophores that
have been added to a material in process to make it luminescent.
The sensor’s compact size allows it to be mounted almost anywhere. Configuration
options include teachable sensing precision and fine-detection programming for
accurate sensing of a wide range of luminescence intensities and background
conditions.
The QL50 is available with either NPN or PNP output. The sensor has one push button
for easy programming. Two LEDs provide power, error, and output information for easy
monitoring during operation. See Figure 1.
Luminescence Sensing
Luminescence sensing detects a form of electromagnetic radiation, caused by the
shining of UV light (“black” light, invisible to the human eye) on a luminescent
substrate material, such as an adhesive. When the UV light shines on the adhesive,
the light “excites” electrons in the material (effecting a change of state), causing it
to reflect visible light. Thus an invisible light source can produce a visible reflection.
Because it emits UV light but detects visible waves, the sensor can distinguish between
the fluorescent material and other highly reflective materials.
Cost Factors
When comparing luminescence sensors to make a selection, it is important to consider
whether luminophores must be added to the product sensed, in order for the sensor
to detect luminescence. Generally speaking, the more sensitive the sensor, the lower
the level of luminescence required for detection. Less sensitive (and usually less
expensive) sensors may require an additional step in the production process, and a
substantial cost over time, to add luminophores. For information on additional, more
sensitive luminescence sensor models, refer to data sheet p/n 112153, Model QL55
Luminescence Sensor, or contact a Banner applications engineer for more information.
Sensor Programming
The QL50 Sensor is pre-set to power up in RUN mode and sense a luminescent target.
Applications with varying degrees of luminescence or with background luminescence
may require additional programming:
• The Quick-Set procedure programs the sensor to detect a luminescence intensity
brighter than the background (see page 3).
• The Fine-Detect procedure increases sensing precision and programs the sensor
to detect a luminescence intensity that is either more or less luminescent than the
background (see page 4).
Programming Errors
If a programming error occurs, the bicolor Power LED flashes red and green. To
correct a programming error, reset the sensor to the factory settings as follows:
1. Remove all luminescent objects from the sensing range.
2. Press and hold the push button (approx. 2 sec.) until the green Power LED turns
OFF.
SET
Yellow Output LED
ON: Output conducting
Bicolor Power LED
ON Green: Power ON
Flashing green: Fine Mode
Flashing Red/Green: Error
Push Button
Figure 1. QL50 Luminescence Sensor
features