What Is a Sensor Fiber Optic Cable? Types and Selection Criteria
A sensor fiber optic cable is a light guide with a threaded end that carries a fiber optic amplifier's light to the sensing point and the returning light back.
A sensor fiber optic cable is a light guide with a threaded end that carries the light produced by a fiber optic amplifier to the sensing point and brings the light returning from the object or the opposite end back to the amplifier. Because there are no electronics at the sensing end and the cable is thin, it is used where a photoelectric sensor does not fit, such as feeder outlets, assembly stations and narrow machine gaps. It is not a data-carrying communication fiber cable; it works only together with a compatible fiber optic amplifier.
Types of sensor fiber cables
| Type | Construction | When to choose it | Model in the catalogue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through-beam | Two separate fiber arms for emitter and receiver; the ends face each other on either side of the object | If ends can be placed on both sides of the object; small, dark or shiny objects | Isıso SGRS-410 (M4), SGRS-610 (M6) |
| Diffuse reflective | Emitter and receiver fibers at the same end; the light returning from the object is evaluated | If there is access from one side only | Isıso SGT-410 (M4), SGT-610 (M6) |
A through-beam fiber detects when the object interrupts the beam and, with the same amplifier, works over a longer distance than a diffuse reflective fiber. With a diffuse reflective fiber the sensing distance changes with the colour and surface of the object.
Selection criteria
- Sensing type: Check whether both sides of the object can be reached at the mounting point; if so choose through-beam, if not diffuse reflective.
- End thread size: The fiber end is fixed into the mounting hole or bracket by its thread. In the names of the catalogue models, 410 stands for an M4 end and 610 for an M6 end; the M4 end fits narrower spaces.
- Amplifier compatibility: The amplifier end of the fiber must fit the amplifier socket. Choose the fiber and amplifier from the same manufacturer's system; the fibers and amplifiers in the catalogue are from Isıso.
- Cable length and routing: Measure the route from the amplifier to the sensing point. The fiber length, the permitted bending radius and whether it can be cut to length are given in the product data sheet; some fibers come cut at the factory and must not be shortened.
- Sensing distance: The distance is a value given for the fiber and amplifier together. Compare values given for the same amplifier.
Common mistakes
- Bending the fiber sharply or squeezing it with cable ties: A crushed or tightly bent fiber weakens the light and the sensing distance drops.
- Mixing up the arms of a through-beam fiber: The emitter arm goes into the amplifier's emitter socket and the receiver arm into the receiver socket.
- Locking the fiber before it is fully seated: Light is lost and sensing becomes unstable.
- Pointing a diffuse end at a shiny background: Light reflected from a shiny surface behind can trigger the output even when there is no object.
- Confusing it with communication fiber: Fiber cables used in network and data lines do not fit a sensor amplifier.
Sensor fiber cables in the Welibaba catalogue
All 4 active products in the Sensor Fiber Optic Cables category are from Isıso and are sold per piece: through-beam SGRS-410 and SGRS-610, diffuse reflective SGT-410 and SGT-610. The standard and digital Isıso amplifiers used with these fibers are in the Fiber Optic Amplifiers category. For choosing amplifier and fiber together, see the Fiber Optic Sensors and Accessories category.
Frequently asked questions
Does a sensor fiber cable work on its own?
No. The fiber only carries the light; the fiber optic amplifier produces and evaluates the light and switches the output. The two are ordered together.
What is the difference between an M4 and an M6 fiber end?
The difference is the size of the thread on the end. Choose by the hole or bracket in which the end will be fixed; the M4 end is smaller and fits narrower spaces.
Does a through-beam fiber cable need two amplifiers?
No. The emitter and receiver arms of a through-beam fiber plug into the two sockets of the same amplifier; one amplifier is enough.
Can a sensor fiber cable be used instead of a network cable?
No. A sensor fiber carries light for sensing; for data transmission, the communication fibers in the Fiber Optic Cables category under Cables are used.