The **FT-R40** is a specific diffuse reflective photoelectric sensor head from Keyence’s **Tuff-Sensor** fiber optic series. It is not an active electronic device on its own; rather, it is a passive optical component designed to work in conjunction with a separate fiber optic amplifier (such as the FS-N series). Below is a breakdown of its electronic and structural components. ### 1. Technical Specifications The FT-R40 is categorized as a **Threaded Fiber Unit**. Its electronic performance depends heavily on the amplifier it is paired with. | Feature | Specification | | :--- | :--- | | **Fiber Type** | Diffuse Reflective (Emitter and Receiver in one head) | | **Housing Material** | Stainless Steel (SUS303) | | **Minimum Bend Radius** | R1 mm (High-flexibility fiber) | | **Fiber Diameter** | ø1.0 mm × 2 | | **Detection Distance** | Varies by amplifier (e.g., 20mm to 120mm typical) | | **Ambient Temperature** | -40 to +70 °C | --- ### 2. Core Electronic Components & Structure Since the FT-R40 is a fiber optic sensor head, its "electronics" are primarily focused on light transmission rather than integrated circuitry. #### A. The Optical Fibers (Cores) Inside the protective cladding, there are two distinct plastic fiber cores: * **Transmitting Fiber:** Carries the modulated light (usually red LED or Laser) from the amplifier to the target. * **Receiving Fiber:** Captures the light reflected off the object and returns it to the amplifier's photodiode. #### B. The Sensor Head (Tip) The tip is a threaded stainless steel bolt (M4 size). This housing ensures: * **Precision Alignment:** The two fibers are held at a fixed distance and angle to optimize the "sensing spot." * **Durability:** Protects the delicate fiber ends from mechanical stress and industrial environments. #### C. The Fiber Optic Interface The end of the cable that plugs into the amplifier is polished to ensure maximum light coupling. The electronic signal conversion (Light $\rightarrow$ Voltage) happens inside the **Amplifier Unit**, not the FT-R40 head itself. --- ### 3. Compatible Amplifier Units To make the FT-R40 functional, it must be connected to an electronic amplifier. These units handle the logic and output: 1. **FS-N40 Series:** Digital CMOS amplifiers. 2. **FS-V30 Series:** High-speed dual-digital display amplifiers. 3. **Output Logic:** These amplifiers provide the NPN or PNP transistor outputs based on the light intensity received back through the FT-R40. --- ### 4. Installation Considerations * **Cutting the Fiber:** The FT-R40 comes with a specific fiber cutter. Because the electronic accuracy depends on light transmission, a jagged cut at the amplifier end will cause "light leakage" and signal instability. * **Bend Radius:** While it features a "Tuff-Flex" R1 mm radius, repeated bending beyond its limits will fracture the internal plastic cores, leading to a permanent loss of signal.