Datasheet
Miniature Polarized Retroreflective Laser Sensors
• Visible Class 1 laser
• Narrow effective beam provides small-object detection and precise position control
• Crosstalk rejection algorithm protects against optical disturbance from adjacent
sensors
• Excellent optical performance throughout sensing range, even close up
• 10 to 30 V dc operation, with complementary (SPDT) NPN or PNP outputs, depending
on model
• Bright LED operating status indicators are visible from 360°
• Compact, rugged sealed housing, protected circuitry
• Mounting versatility – popular 18 mm threaded barrel or side-mount
• Choose 2 m (6.5 ft) or 9 m (30 ft) cable or one of four QD options
Excellent for applications where high sensing power and small beam size are important.
Uses a special filter to polarize the emitted light, filtering out unwanted reflections from
shiny objects.
P
POLAR RETRO
Models Sensing Range Spot Size at Focus Cable Output
QS18VN6LLP 650 nm Visible Red Class 1
Laser: 0.1 to 10 m (0.33 ft
to 33 ft)
Approximately 4 mm at 10 m
(0.16 in at 33 ft) 4-wire, 2 m (6.5
ft) integral cable
NPN
QS18VP6LLP PNP
Standard 2 m (6.5 ft) cable models are listed. To order a 9 m (30 ft) cable model, add the suffix “W/30” to the model
number (e.g., QS18VN6LLP W/30).
To order QD models with a 4-pin integral Euro-style QD, add suffix “Q8” (e.g., QS18VN6LLPQ8); to order a 4-pin Euro-
style 150 mm (6 in.) pigtail QD, add suffix “Q5” (e.g., QS18VN6LLPQ5); to order a 4-pin integral Pico-style QD, add suffix
“Q7” (e.g., QS18VN6LLPQ7); to order a 4-pin Pico-style 150 mm (6 in.) pigtail QD, add suffix “Q” (e.g., QS18VN6LLPQ).
Models with a QD connector requires a mating cable.
WARNING: Not To Be Used for Personnel Protection
Never use this device as a sensing device for personnel protection. Doing so could lead to
serious injury or death. This device 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
energized or de-energized sensor output condition.
Installation Notes
Conventional retroreflective photoelectric sensors are extremely easy to align. Beam angles are wide, and retro targets are
forgiving to the light beam’s angle of incidence. The beam of this laser sensor is very narrow, compared with the beam of
most retro sensors. As the figure indicates, the effect of angular misalignment can be dramatic. Alignment is critical
because the beam may miss the retroreflective target unless the target is large.
For example, with one BRT-51X51BM mounted at a distance of 6 m (20 ft) from the sensor, one degree of angular
misalignment will cause the center of the laser beam to miss the center of the target by 100 mm (4 inches).
WORLD-BEAM® QS18LLP Series
P/N 118900 Rev. D 20 November 2013
0 118900 3
Sensor-to-Target
Distance (X) Beam Displacement (Y)
for 1º of Misalignment
Sensing Distance = X
Ø = Misalignment Angle
Y = X(tan Ø)
Y
Figure 1. Beam displacement per degree of misalignment
1.5 m (5') 25 mm (1")
3 m (10') 50 mm (2")
6 m (20') 100 mm (4")
10 m (33') 150 mm (6")
Alignment Tip
When using a small retroreflective target at medium or long range, it is often useful to temporarily attach (or suspend) a
strip of retroreflective tape (e.g., BRT-THG-2) along a line that intersects the actual target. The visible red laser beam is
easily seen in normal room lighting on such tape. Sight along the beam toward the target (from behind the sensor). Move
the sensor to sweep the laser beam back and forth across the retro tape strip. Use the tape strip to guide the beam onto
the target.
Consider using sensor mounting bracket model SMB18SF or SMB3018SC. A swivel bracket can simplify multiple-axis
alignment. Alignment is complete when the visible image is centered on the retro target. The perpendicularity of the laser
beam to the face of the retro target is forgiving, just as it is with a conventional retroreflective sensor.
Effective Beam Size
Unlike conventional retroreflective sensors, the retroreflective laser has the ability to sense relatively small profiles. The
table indicates the diameter of the smallest opaque rod which will reliably break the laser beam at several sensor-to-object
distances. These minimum object sizes were measured with the sensor aligned to a BRT-51X51BM reflector and with the
sensor set for an excess gain of about 10X. Flooding effects are possible when the gain is much higher. This means that
sensor gain may have to be reduced in some situations in order to reliably detect these minimum object sizes.
Table 1: Minimum object detection size vs distance from sensor
Distance from Sensor to Object Minimum Object Detection Size
0.3 m (1 ft) 2.5 mm (0.10 in)
1.5 m (5 ft) 5.0 mm (0.20 in)
3 m (10 ft) 6.5 mm (0.26 in)
6 m (20 ft) 10 mm (0.40 in)
10 m (33 ft) 13 mm (0.52 in)
CAUTION: Never stare directly into the sensor lens. Laser light can damage your eyes. Avoid
placing any mirror-like object in the beam. Never use a mirror as a retroreflective target.
Note that the shape of the beam is elliptical. The minimum object sizes listed assume passage of the rod across the major
diameter of the ellipse (worst case). It may be possible to detect objects smaller than the sizes listed if the direction in
which the objects pass through the beam can be controlled.
Retroreflector Recommendations
•BRT-51X51BM recommended for beam-block applications up to 10 m range.
•BRT-TVHG-2X2 recommended for applications up to 1.5 m range. (This retroreflector is an adhesive-backed
sealed tape with micro-prism geometry.)
Both reflectors are included with the sensor. See Accessories for information about ordering replacements or other
reflector options.
NOTE: When sensing objects with specular reflections, use the sensor’s side-mounting option to
optimize sensing performance.
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Specifications
Supply Voltage
10 to 30 V dc (10% maximum ripple) at less than 15
mA, exclusive of load
Sensing Beam
Visible red LED, 650 nm
Laser Characteristics
Wavelength: 650 nm visible red Class 1 laser
Pulse Width: 7 microseconds
Rep Rate: 130 microseconds
Average Output Power: 0.065 mW
Supply Protection Circuitry
Protected against reverse polarity and transient
voltages
Output Configuration
Solid-state complementary (SPDT): NPN or PNP
(current sinking or sourcing), depending on model;
Rating: 100 mA maximum each output at 25 °C
Off-state leakage current:
NPN: less than 200 µA @ 30 V dc (See Application
Note 1)
PNP: less than 10 µA @ 30 V dc
ON-state saturation voltage:
NPN: less than 1.6 V @ 100 mA
PNP: less than 3.0 V @ 100 mA
Output Protection Circuitry
Protected against false pulse on power-up and
continuous overload or short circuit of outputs
Output Response
NOTE: 200 millisecond delay on power-up; outputs do
not conduct during this time
700 microseconds ON/OFF
Repeatability
130 microseconds
Sensing Hysteresis
12% of range typical
Adjustments
Single-turn sensitivity (Gain) adjustment
potentiometer
Indicators
2 LED indicators on sensor top:
Green solid: Power ON
Amber solid: Light sensed
Amber flashing: Marginal excess gain (1 to 1.5x
excess gain)
Construction
ABS housing, acrylic lens cover, 3 mm mounting
hardware included
Connections
2 m (6.5 ft) 4-wire PVC cable, 9 m (30 ft) 4-wire PVC
cable, 4-pin Pico-style or Euro-style QD, 4-pin Pico-
style or Euro-style 150 mm (6 in) pigtail QD,
depending on model
Operating Conditions
Relative Humidity: 90% @ 50 °C (non-condensing)
Temperature: –10 °C to 50 °C (14 °F to 122 °F)
Laser Classification
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
Application Notes
NPN off-state leakage current is < 200 µA for load
resistances > 3 kΩ or optically isolated loads. For load
current of 100 mA, leakage is < 1% of load current.
Certifications
Description of Laser Classes
Class 1 Lasers
Class 1 lasers are 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 Characteristics: See Specifications.
CAUTION: Do Not Disassemble for Repair
This device contains no user-serviceable components. Do
not attempt to disassemble for repair. Use of controls or
adjustments or performance of procedures other than
those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation
exposure. A defective unit must be returned to the
manufacturer.
WORLD-BEAM® QS18LLP Series
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For Safe Laser Use (Class 1 or Class 2):
• Do not stare at the laser.
• Do not point the laser at a person’s eye.
• Mount open laser beam paths either above or below eye level, where practical.
• Terminate the beam emitted by the laser product at the end of its useful path.
Dimensions
Cabled Models Pico-Style QD Models Euro-Style QD Models
15.0 mm
(0.59")
33.5 mm
(1.32")
3 mm
(0.12")
17.1 mm
(0.67")
24.1 mm
(0.95")
35.0 mm
(1.38")
M18 x 1 Thread
Max. Torque 2.3 Nm (20 in-lbs)
ø 3.3 mm (0.13")
Max. Torque 0.6 Nm (5 in-lbs)
150 mm (6")
Pico-style
Pigtail
41.5 mm
(1.63")
Integral
4-pin
Pico-Style QD
150 mm (6")
Euro-style
Pigtail
49 mm
(1.93")
Integral
4-pin
Euro-Style QD
Locknut (included with all models) Washer (included with all models)
8.0 mm
(0.32")
24.2 mm
(0.95")
M3 Hardware Packet Contents:
• 2 – M3 x 0.5 x 20 mm SS
Screw
• 2 – M3 x 0.5 SS Hex Nut
• 2 – M3 SS Washer
Wiring Diagrams
NPN (Sinking) Outputs
3
1
4
2
10-30V dc
–
+
Load
Load
PNP (Sourcing) Outputs
3
1
4
2
10-30V dc
–
+
Load
Load
Wiring Key
1 = Brown
2 = White
3 = Blue
4 = Black
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Accessories
4-Pin Snap-on M8/Pico-Style Cordsets
Model Length Style Dimensions Pinout
PKG4-2 2.00 m (6.56
ft) Straight
ø 9.0
32 Typ.
4
31
2
1 = Brown
2 = White
3 = Blue
4 = Black
PKW4Z-2 2.00 m (6.56
ft) Right-Angle
ø 10.9
29 Typ.
15 Typ.
4-Pin Threaded M12/Euro-Style Cordsets
Model Length Style Dimensions Pinout
MQDC-406 1.83 m (6 ft)
Straight
44 Typ.
ø 14.5
M12 x 1
2
3
4
1
1 = Brown
2 = White
3 = Blue
4 = Black
MQDC-415 4.57 m (15 ft)
MQDC-430 9.14 m (30 ft)
MQDC-450 15.2 m (50 ft)
MQDC-406RA 1.83 m (6 ft)
Right-Angle
32 Typ.
[1.26"]
30 Typ.
[1.18"]
ø 14.5 [0.57"]
M12 x 1
MQDC-415RA 4.57 m (15 ft)
MQDC-430RA 9.14 m (30 ft)
MQDC-450RA 15.2 m (50 ft)
Brackets
SMB18A
• Right-angle mounting
bracket with a curved
slot for versatile
orientation
• 12-ga. stainless steel
• 18 mm sensor mounting
hole
• Clearance for M4 (#8)
hardware
30
41
46
AB
C
Hole center spacing: A to B = 24.2
Hole size: A = ø 4.6, B = 17.0 × 4.6, C = ø 18.5
SMBQS18RA
• Right-angle mounting
bracket
• 14-ga. 304 stainless
steel
42
17
32
A
B
Hole center spacing: A to B=20.3
Hole size: A =4.3 × 9.3, B=ø 4.3
WORLD-BEAM® QS18LLP Series
P/N 118900 Rev. D www.bannerengineering.com - tel: 763-544-3164 5
Brackets
SMB312S
• Stainless steel 2-axis,
side-mount bracket
46
B
C
A
32 20
A = 4.3 x 7.5, B = diam. 3, C = 3
x 15.3
SMB18FA..
• Swivel bracket with tilt and
pan movement for precision
adjustment
• Easy sensor mounting to
extruded rail T-slots
• Metric and inch size bolts
available
• 18 mm sensor mounting
hole
66
69
A
B
Hole size: B=ø 18.1
Model Bolt Thread (A)
SMB18FA 3/8 - 16 × 2 in
SMB18FAM10 M10 - 1.5 × 50
SMB46A
• 2-piece 12-ga. stainless
steel bracket assembly
with precision sensor
alignment adjustment
• 2 mm hex key included
Hole center spacing: A to B = 18.5, B = 30.5
Hole size: A = ø 6.6, B = 7.1 x 20.3
SMBQS18Y
• Die-cast bracket for 18
mm holes
• Includes metal hex nut
and lock washer
• Allows ± 8° for cabled
sensors
Hole size: A = ø 15.3
SMB18SF
• 18 mm swivel bracket with
M18 × 1 internal thread
• Black thermoplastic
polyester
• Stainless steel swivel
locking hardware included
B
A
51
42
25
Hole center spacing: A = 36.0
Hole size: A = ø 5.3, B = ø 18.0
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
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6 www.bannerengineering.com - tel: 763-544-3164 P/N 118900 Rev. D
Brackets
SMB3018SC
• 18 mm swivel side or
barrel-mount bracket
• Black reinforced
thermoplastic polyester
• Stainless steel swivel
locking hardware
included
B
A
67
59
29
Hole center spacing: A = 50.8
Hole size: A = ø 7.0, B = ø 18.0
Banner offers a wide selection of high-quality retroreflective targets. See the Accessories section of the current Banner
catalog for complete information. NOTE: Polarized sensors require corner cube type retroreflective targets only. Reflectivity
factor when compared with the standard BRT-3 reflector.
Retroreflective Targets
BRT-51X51BM
• Square, acrylic target
• Reflectivity Factor: 1.5
• Max. Temperature: +50 °C (+122
°F)
• Micro-prism geometry
• Optional brackets are available
• Approximate size: 51 mm x 51 mm
1
10
100
100 mm
(4.0")
1000 mm
(40")
10000 mm
(400")
100000 mm
(4000")
10 mm
(0.4")
1000
E
X
C
E
S
S
G
A
I
N
DISTANCE
with BRT-51X51BM
BRT-35X35BM
• Square, acrylic target
• Reflectivity Factor: 1.2
• Temperature: –20 °C to +60 °C
(−4 °F to +140 °F)
• Approximate size: 35 mm x 35 mm
• Micro-prism geometry
35 mm
(1.4)"
25 mm
(0.98") Clearance
for M3
8.4 mm
(0.33")
42 mm
(1.7")
34 mm
(1.3")
Model Reflectivity Factor Maximum
Temperature Size
BRT-TVHG-2X2 0.8 +60 °C (+140 °F) 50 × 50 mm
1
10
100
100 mm
(4.0")
1000 mm
(40")
10000 mm
(400")
100000 mm
(4000")
10 mm
(0.4")
1000
E
X
C
E
S
S
G
A
I
N
DISTANCE
with BRT-TVHG-2X2
WORLD-BEAM® QS18LLP Series
P/N 118900 Rev. D www.bannerengineering.com - tel: 763-544-3164 7
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 (INCLUDING, 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, EXPENSES, 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 WARRANTY, 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® QS18LLP Series
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