Miniature sensors with visible red LED or visible red laser
LASER
ADJUSTABLE-FIELD
(some models)
Features
• Exceptional optical performance, comparable to larger sensors
• Simple multi-turn screw adjustment of cutoff distance
• 10 to 30V dc operation, with complementary (SPDT) NPN or PNP outputs, depending on
model
• Less than 1 millisecond output response for excellent sensing repeatability
Laser Models:
• Narrow effective beam (approx. 1 mm spot size) for small-object detection and precise po-
sition control
• Crosstalk rejection algorithm to avoid optical disturbance from adjacent sensors
• Class 2 models have reduced excess gain within 20 mm of sensor for decreased suscepti-
bility to the effects of lens contamination and to allow use of external lens shield
Models
Models Sensing Beam Range Cordset* Supply Voltage Output Type
QS18VN6AF100 660 nm Visible
Red LED
1 mm (0.04 in) to cutoff point;
Adjustable cutoff point, 20-100
mm (0.8 in-4 in)
2 m (6.5 ft) 4-wire 10 to 30V dc
NPN
QS18VP6AF100 PNP
QS18VN6LAF 650 nm Visible
Red Class 1 Laser
1 mm (0.04 in) to cutoff point;
Adjustable cutoff point, 30-150
mm (1.2 in-6 in)
NPN
QS18VP6LAF PNP
QS18VN6LAF250 658 nm Visible
Red Class 2 Laser
20 mm (0.08 in) to cutoff point;
Adjustable cutoff point, 50-250
mm (2 in-10 in)
NPN
QS18VP6LAF250 PNP
* Only standard 2 m (6.5 ft) cable models are listed.
For 9 m (30 ft) cables: add suffix “W/30” to the model number (e.g., QS18VN6AF100 W/30).
For 4-pin Pico-style pigtail QD: add suffix “Q” to the model number (e.g., QS18VN6AF100Q); accessory mating cordset required, see
Quick-Disconnet (QD) Cordsets on page 9.
For 4-pin Euro-style pigtail QD: add suffix “Q5” to the model number (e.g., QS18VN6AF100Q5); accessory mating cordset required,
see Quick-Disconnet (QD) Cordsets on page 9.
WARNING: Not To Be Used for Personnel Protection
Never use this product as a sensing device for personnel protection. Doing so could lead to seri-
ous injury or death. This product does NOT include the self-checking redundant circuitry necessary to
allow its use in personnel safety applications. A sensor failure or malfunction can cause either an ener-
gized or de-energized sensor output condition.
Overview
The QS18 Adjustable-Field Sensors are a full-featured sensor in a miniature package. It provides background suppression sensing capa-
bility for small or difficult-to-reach areas. Models are available with a visible red LED sensing beam, or one of two visible red lasers (see
Models on page 1).
WORLD-BEAM® QS18 Adjustable-Field Sensors
P/N 66981_web
Rev. I
6/7/2012
These adjustable-field sensors are able to detect objects of relatively low reflectivity, while ignoring other objects in the background (be-
yond the cutoff point). The cutoff distance is mechanically adjustable, using the 5-turn adjustment screw on the sensor top (see Figure 1.
Sensor features on page 2). Backgrounds and background objects must always be placed beyond the cutoff distance.
Figure 1. Sensor features
1Green: Power Indicator (Flashes for Output Overload)
2Yellow: Light Sensed Indicator (Flashes for Low Gain
Conditions)
3Cutoff Point Adjustment Screw
Adjustable-Field Sensing — Theory of Operation
The sensor compares the reflections of its emitted light beam (E) from an object
back to the sensor’s two differently-aimed detectors R1 and R2 (see Figure 2.
Adustable field sensing concept on page 2). If the near detector (R1) light sig-
nal is stronger than the far detector (R2) light signal (see object A, closer than the
cutoff distance), the sensor responds to the object. If the far detector (R2) light
signal is stronger than the near detector (R1) light signal (see object B, object be-
yond the cutoff distance), the sensor ignores the object.
The cutoff distance for these sensors is adjustable. Objects lying beyond the cut-
off distance are ignored, even if they are highly reflective. However, it is possible
to falsely detect a background object, under certain conditions (see Background
Reflectivity and Placement on page 3).
In the drawings and discussion on these pages, the letters E, R1, and R2 identify
how the sensor’s three optical elements (Emitter “E”, Near Detector “R1”, and Far
Detector “R2”) line up across the face of the sensor. The location of these ele-
ments defines the sensing axis (see Figure 3. Sensing Axis on page 3). The
sensing axis becomes important in certain situations, such as those illustrated in
Figure 7. Object beyond cutoff – problem on page 4 and Figure 8. Object be-
yond cutoff – solution on page 4.
R1
Receiver
Elements
R2
Lenses
Object
A
Object B
or
Background
Sensing
Range
Cutoff
Distance
E
Near
Detector
Far
Detector
Figure 2. Adustable field sensing concept
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Rev. I
Sensor Setup
Setting the Cutoff Distance
The cutoff distance for the QS18AF models may be adjusted between 20 mm
and 100 mm (0.8 in to 4 in); for QS18LAF models, between 30 mm and 150
mm (1.2 in to 6 in); and for QS18LAF250 models, between 50 mm and 250
mm (2 in to 10 in).
To properly set the cutoff point, position the lightest possible background to
be used, at the closest position it will come to the sensor during use. Using a
small screwdriver in the adjustment screw, adjust the cutoff distance until the
threshold is reached and the yellow Light Sensed indicator changes state. (If
the indicator never comes ON, the background is beyond the maximum sens-
ing distance and will be ignored.) Repeat the procedure, using the darkest
target, placed in its most distant position for sensing. Adjust the cutoff approx-
imately midway between the two positions (Figure 4. Set cutoff distance ap-
proximately midway between the farthest target and the closest background
on page 3).
Receiver
Elements
Sensing
Axis
Emitter
When an object approaches from the side,
the most reliable sensing usually occurs
when the line of approach is parallel to the
sensing axis.
Figure 3. Sensing Axis
Sensing Reliability
For highest sensitivity, the sensor-to-object distance should be such that the object will be sensed at or near the point of maximum ex-
cess gain. The excess gain curves show excess gain vs. sensing distance for the minimum and maximum cutoff settings. Maximum
excess gain for model QS18VN6AF100 at a 20 mm cutoff occurs at a lens-to-object distance of about 7 mm, for example. The back-
ground must be placed beyond the cutoff distance; more reflective backgrounds should be placed even farther back. Following these two
guidelines will maximize sensing reliability.
Background Reflectivity and Placement
Avoid mirror-like backgrounds that produce specular reflections. False sensor response will occur if a background surface reflects the
sensor’s light more strongly to the near detector (R1) than to the far detector (R2). The result is a false ON condition (Figure 5. Reflective
background – problem on page 4). Use of a diffusely-reflective (matte) background will cure this problem. Other possible solutions are
to angle either the sensor or the background (in any plane) so that the background does not reflect light back to the sensor (see Figure 6.
Reflective background – solution on page 4). Position the background as far beyond the cutoff distance as possible.
An object beyond the cutoff distance, either stationary (when positioned as shown in Figure 7. Object beyond cutoff – problem on page
4) or if it moves past the face of the sensor in a direction perpendicular to the sensing axis, can cause unwanted triggering of the
sensor if it reflects more light to the near detector than to the far detector. The problem is easily remedied by rotating the sensor 90°
(Figure 8. Object beyond cutoff – solution on page 4). The object then reflects the R1 and R2 fields equally, resulting in no false
triggering. A better solution, if possible, may be to reposition the object or the sensor.
E
R2
R1
Target Background
Cutoff
Distance
Figure 4. Set cutoff distance approximately midway between the farthest target and the closest background
WORLD-BEAM® QS18 Adjustable-Field Sensors
P/N 66981_web
Rev. I
www.bannerengineering.com - tel: 763-544-3164 3
E = Emitter
R1 = Near Detector
R2 = Far Detector
Cutoff
Distance
Reflective
Background
Sensing
Field
Core of
Emitted
Beam
Strong
Direct
Reflection
to R1
E
R2
R1
Figure 5. Reflective background – problem
E = Emitter
R1 = Near Detector
R2 = Far Detector
Cutoff
Distance
Reflective
Background
Sensing
Field
Core of
Emitted
Beam
Strong
Direct
Reflection
Away From
Sensor
E
R2
R1
Figure 6. Reflective background – solution
E
R2
R1
Sensing
Field
Cutoff
Distance
Figure 7. Object beyond cutoff – problem
A reflective background object in this position or moving across the
sensor face in this axis and direction may cause false sensor re-
sponse.
R1, R2,E
Sensing
Field
Figure 8. Object beyond cutoff – solution
A reflective background object in this position or moving across the
sensor face in this axis will be ignored.
Color Sensitivity
The effects of object reflectivity on cutoff distance, though small, may be important for some applications.
The excess gain curves were generated using a white test card of 90% reflectance. Objects with reflectivity of less than 90% reflect less
light back to the sensor, and thus require proportionately more excess gain in order to be sensed with the same reliability as more reflec-
tive objects. When sensing an object of very low reflectivity, it may be especially important to sense it at or near the distance of maximum
excess gain.
It is expected that at any given cutoff setting, the actual cutoff distance for lower reflectance targets will be slightly shorter than for higher
reflectance targets (see the cutoff point deviation graphs). This behavior is known as color sensitivity.
In the cutoff point deviation graphs, the percentage of deviation indicates a change in the cutoff point for either 18% gray or 6% black
targets, relative to the cutoff point set for a 90% reflectance white test card.
For example, in Figure 9. QS18AF cutoff point deviation on page 5, the cutoff point decreases 10% for a 6% reflectance black target
when the cutoff point is adjusted for 100 mm (4 in) using a 90% reflectance white test card. In other words, the cutoff point for the black
target is 90 mm (3.6 in) for this setting.
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4 www.bannerengineering.com - tel: 763-544-3164 P/N 66981_web
Rev. I
0
-2
-4
-6
-8
-10
20 35 50 75 100
Cutoff Setting in mm (90% White Card)
Percent Deviation
18% Gray Card
6% Black Card
Figure 9. QS18AF cutoff point deviation
Figure 10. QS18LAF cutoff point deviation
Figure 11. QS18LAF250 cutoff point deviation
Excess Gain
Performance based on 90% reflectance white test card
Gain at 20 mm Cutoff
1
10
100
10 mm
.4"
100 mm
4"
1000 mm
40"
1 mm
.04"
1000
E
X
C
E
S
S
G
A
I
N
DISTANCE
QS18..AF100
Gain at 100 mm Cutoff
1
10
100
10 mm
.4"
100 mm
4"
1000 mm
40"
1 mm
.04"
1000
E
X
C
E
S
S
G
A
I
N
DISTANCE
QS18..AF100
Gain at 30 mm Cutoff Gain at 150 mm Cutoff
WORLD-BEAM® QS18 Adjustable-Field Sensors
P/N 66981_web
Rev. I
www.bannerengineering.com - tel: 763-544-3164 5
1
10
100
10 mm
.4"
100 mm
4"
1000 mm
40"
1 mm
.04"
1000
E
X
C
E
S
S
G
A
I
N
DISTANCE
QS18..LAF
1
10
100
10 mm
.4"
100 mm
4"
1000 mm
40"
1 mm
.04"
1000
E
X
C
E
S
S
G
A
I
N
DISTANCE
QS18..LAF
Gain at 50 mm Cutoff
1
10
100
10 mm
.4"
100 mm
4"
1000 mm
40"
1 mm
.04"
1000
E
X
C
E
S
S
G
A
I
N
DISTANCE
QS18..LAF250
Gain at 250 mm Cutoff
1
10
100
10 mm
.4"
100 mm
4"
1000 mm
40"
1 mm
.04"
1000
E
X
C
E
S
S
G
A
I
N
DISTANCE
QS18..LAF250
Specifications
Supply Voltage
QS18AF Models: 10 to 30V dc (10% maximum ripple)
at less than 25 mA, exclusive of load;
QS18LAF / QS18LAF250 Models: 10 to 30V dc (10%
maximum ripple) at less than 15 mA, exclusive of load
Sensing Beam
QS18AF Models: Visible red LED, 660 nm
QS18LAF / QS18LAF250 Models: Visible red laser
(see below)
Laser Characteristics - QS18AF Models
N/A
Laser Characteristics - QS18LAF Models
Wavelength: 650 nm visible red Class 1 laser
Pulse Width: 7 microseconds
Rep Rate: 130 microseconds
Average Output Power: 0.065 mW
Laser Characteristics - QS18LAF250 Models
Wavelength: 658 nm visible red Class 2 laser
Sensing Hysteresis
QS18AF Models: 0.5% of range typical at 20 mm cut-
off; 1% of range typical at 50 mm cutoff; 3% of range
typical at 100 mm cutoff
QS18LAF250 Models: 1% of range typical at 30 mm
cutoff; 2% of range typical at 75 mm cutoff; 5% of
range typical at 150 mm cutoff
QS18LAF250 Models: 1% of range typical at 50 mm
cutoff; 2% of range typical at 150 mm cutoff; 5% of
range typical at 250 mm cutoff
Adjustments
Five-turn adjustment screw sets cutoff distance be-
tween min. and max. positions, clutched at both ends
of travel
Indicators
2 LED indicators on sensor top:
Green ON steady: Power ON
Yellow ON steady: Light sensed
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Rev. I
Pulse Width: 7 microseconds
Rep Rate: 130 microseconds
Average Output Power: 0.2 mW
Supply Protection Circuitry
Protected against reverse polarity and transient voltag-
es
Output Configuration - All Models
Solid-state complementary (SPDT): NPN or PNP
(current sinking or sourcing), depending on model;
Rating: 100 mA maximum each output at 25°C
Protected against false pulse on power-up and continu-
ous overload or short circuit of outputs
Output Configuration - QS18AF Models
Off-state leakage current: less than 50 µA @ 30V dc
ON-state saturation voltage: less than 1V @ 10 mA;
less than 1.5V @ 100 mA
Output Configuration - QS18LAF / QS18LAF250 Mod-
els
Off-state leakage current: NPN: less than 200 µA @
30V dc (See Application Note 1); PNP: less than 10 µA
@ 30V dc
ON-state saturation voltage: NPN: less than 1.6V @
100 mA; PNP: less than 3.0V @ 100 mA
Output Response
QS18AF Models: 700 microseconds ON/OFF; 100 ms
delay on power-up; outputs do not conduct during this
time
QS18LAF / QS18LAF250 Models: 700 microseconds
ON/OFF; 200 ms delay on power-up; outputs do not
conduct during this time
Repeatability
QS18AF Models: 175 microseconds
QS18LAF / QS18LAF250 Models: 130 microseconds
Yellow flashing: Marginal excess gain (1 to 1.5x ex-
cess gain)
Construction
ABS housing, acrylic lens cover, 2.5 mm and 3 mm
mounting hardware included
Environmental Rating
Rated IEC IP67; NEMA 6; UL Type 1
Connections
2 m (6.5 ft) 4-wire PVC cable, 9 m (30 ft) PVC cable, 4-
pin Pico-style or Euro-style 150 mm (6 in) pigtail QD,
depending on model
Operating Conditions
Relative Humidity: 95% @ 50° C (non-condensing)
QS18AF Models: Temperature: 0° to +55° C (+32° to
131° F)
QS18LAF / QS18LAF250 Models: Temperature: -10°
to +50° C (+14° to 122° F)
Laser Classification
QS18AF Models: N/A
QS18LAF Models: Class 1 laser product; Complies
with IEC 60825-1:2001 and 21 CFR 1040.10, except
for deviations pursuant to Laser Notice 50, dated
7-26-01
QS18LAF250 Models: Class 2 laser product; Com-
plies with IEC 60825-1:2001 and 21 CFR 1040.10, ex-
cept for deviations pursuant to Laser Notice 50, dated
7-26-01
Application Notes
NPN off-state leakage current is < 200 µA for load re-
sistances > 3 kΩ or optically isolated loads. For load
current of 100 mA, leakage is < 1% of load current.
Certifications - QS18AF and QS18LAF Models
Certifications - QS18LAF250 Models
Approvals pending
Description of Laser Classes
Class 1 Lasers
Lasers that are safe under reasonably foreseeable conditions of operation, including the use of optical instruments for intrabeam viewing.
Reference IEC 60825-1:2001, Section 8.2.
Class 1 Laser Characterstics: See Specifications on page 6.
WORLD-BEAM® QS18 Adjustable-Field Sensors
P/N 66981_web
Rev. I
www.bannerengineering.com - tel: 763-544-3164 7
Optical Power 0.2 mW, 650 - 670nm,7.7kHz,
7 uS Pulse. Complies TO 21 CFR 1040.10 &
EN60825-1:2001 except for deviations pursuant to
laser notice No. 50, dated 7-26-01.
Class 2 Lasers
Lasers that emit visible radiation in the wavelength range from 400 nm to 700 nm, where eye protection is normally afforded by aversion
responses, including the blink reflex. This reaction may be expected to provide adequate protection under reasonably foreseeable condi-
tions of operation, including the use of optical instruments for intrabeam viewing.
Reference IEC 60825-1:2001, Section 8.2.
Class 2 Laser Characteristics: See Specifications on page 6.
For Safe Laser Use (Class 1 or Class 2):
• Do not permit a person to stare at the laser from within the beam.
• Do not point the laser at a person’s eye at close range.
• Terminate the beam emitted by a Class 2 laser product at the end of its useful path. Locate open laser beam paths either above or
below eye level, where practical.
CAUTION: Do Not Disassemble for Repair
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result
in hazardous radiation exposure. Do NOT attempt to disassemble this sensor for repair. A defective unit
must be returned to the manufacturer.
Dimensions
QS18AF
5.5 mm
(0.22")
7.5 mm
(0.30")
9.0 mm
(0.35")
12.0 mm
(0.47")
3.0 mm
(0.12")
21.0 mm
(0.83")
3.8 mm
(0.15")
34.5 mm
(1.36")
13.4 mm
(0.53")
24.1 mm
(0.95")
5.2 mm
(0.20")
3.8 mm
(0.15")
15.0 mm
(0.59")
M3 Hardware
Included*
M2.5
Hardware
Included*
*M3 Hardware for Sidemount
M2.5 Hardware for Mounting
to Threaded Inserts
(2) M3 x 0.5 x 20 mm ss screw
(2) M3 x 0.5 ss hex nut
(2) M3 ss washer
(2) M2.5 x 0.45 x 5 mm ss screw
(2) M2.5 ss washer
QS18LAF and QS18LAF250
6.5 mm
(0.26")
7.5 mm
(0.30")
9.0 mm
(0.35")
12.0 mm
(0.47")
3.0 mm
(0.12")
22.0 mm
(0.87")
3.8 mm
(0.15")
34.5 mm
(1.36")
13.4 mm
(0.53")
24.1 mm
(0.95")
5.2 mm
(0.20")
4.8 mm
(0.19")
15.0 mm
(0.59")
M3 Hardware
Included*
M2.5
Hardware
Included*
*M3 Hardware for Sidemount
M2.5 Hardware for Mounting
to Threaded Inserts
(2) M3 x 0.5 x 20 mm ss screw
(2) M3 x 0.5 ss hex nut
(2) M3 ss washer
(2) M2.5 x 0.45 x 5 mm ss screw
(2) M2.5 ss washer
23.2 mm
(0.91")
7.5 mm
(0.30")
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Rev. I
Wiring
NPN (Sinking) Outputs PNP (Sourcing) Outputs
3
1
4
2
10-30V dc
–
+
Load
Load
3
1
4
2
10-30V dc
–
+
Load
Load
Wiring Key
1 = Brown
2 = White
3 = Blue
4 = Black
Quick-Disconnet (QD) Cordsets
Use the Pico-style cordsets with QS18 with Q suffix; use the Euro-style cordsets with QS18 with Q% suffix.
Description Dimensions Pinouts
4-Pin Pico-Style Cordsets
(straight, snap-on, connector)
PKG4-2, 2 m (6.5 ft)
ø 8.4 mm max.
[0.33"]
31.2 mm max.
[1.20"]
4
31
2
1 = Brown
2 = White
3 = Blue
4 = Black
4-Pin M12/Euro-Style Cordsets
(straight connector)
MQDC-406, 2 m (6.5 ft)
MQDC-415, 5 m (15 ft)
MQDC-430, 9 m (30 ft)
ø 15 [0.59"]
M12 x 1
42 Typ.
[1.65"]
2
3
4
1
Mounting Brackets
SMBQS18A
• Wrap-around protection bracket
• Die-cast bracket
• Base fits 18 mm threaded hole
• Metal hex nut, lock washer and grommet included
• Mounting holes specially designed for QS18AF sensors
Hole size: A = ø 15.3
62
25
19
A
SMBQS18AF
• Right-angle mounting bracket
• 14-ga. 304 stainless steel
Hole center spacing: A to B = 20.3
Hole size: A = 4.3 x 9.4, B = ø 4.3
44
32
15
A
B
WORLD-BEAM® QS18 Adjustable-Field Sensors
P/N 66981_web
Rev. I
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SMBQS18YL
• Heavy-duty die-cast bracket for industrial protection
• Replaceable window (A)
• M18 vertical mount-option
• Nut and lock washer included
Hole size: B = ø 15.3
55
41
16
B
A
Banner Engineering Corp Limited Warranty
Banner Engineering Corp. warrants its products to be free from defects in material and workmanship for one year following the date of
shipment. Banner Engineering Corp. will repair or replace, free of charge, any product of its manufacture which, at the time it is returned
to the factory, is found to have been defective during the warranty period. This warranty does not cover damage or liability for misuse,
abuse, or the improper application or installation of the Banner product.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED (IN-
CLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE), AND
WHETHER ARISING UNDER COURSE OF PERFORMANCE, COURSE OF DEALING OR TRADE USAGE.
This Warranty is exclusive and limited to repair or, at the discretion of Banner Engineering Corp., replacement. IN NO EVENT SHALL
BANNER ENGINEERING CORP. BE LIABLE TO BUYER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR ANY EXTRA COSTS, EXPEN-
SES, LOSSES, LOSS OF PROFITS, OR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY
PRODUCT DEFECT OR FROM THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT, WHETHER ARISING IN CONTRACT OR WAR-
RANTY, STATUTE, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, NEGLIGENCE, OR OTHERWISE.
Banner Engineering Corp. reserves the right to change, modify or improve the design of the product without assuming any obligations or
liabilities relating to any product previously manufactured by Banner Engineering Corp.
WORLD-BEAM® QS18 Adjustable-Field Sensors