The **WADS-111-R/E** is a specialized sensor assembly, primarily used in industrial and laboratory applications for liquid level detection or droplet sensing. It is frequently associated with automated clinical chemistry analyzers and medical diagnostic equipment. Below is a breakdown of its electronic components and technical specifications. --- ### 1. Core Technical Specifications The device operates as an opto-electronic sensor, utilizing infrared light to detect the presence or absence of a substance. | Parameter | Specification | | :--- | :--- | | **Sensor Type** | Optical/Infrared (IR) | | **Mounting Style** | Panel or Bracket Mount | | **Output Type** | NPN or Phototransistor Output | | **Housing Material** | Polycarbonate or PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide) | | **Connection** | Integrated Wire Leads with Connector | --- ### 2. Key Electronic Components The "R/E" designation usually refers to the **Receiver/Emitter** pair configuration. #### A. Infrared Emitter (LED) * **Function:** This is the light source of the sensor. It emits a concentrated beam of infrared light (typically around 940nm). * **Circuitry:** It usually requires a current-limiting resistor to protect the LED from burning out when connected to a power source (commonly 5V or 12V DC). #### B. Phototransistor (Receiver) * **Function:** This component acts as the detector. When the IR light from the emitter hits the phototransistor, it becomes conductive. * **Operation:** If a liquid or solid object breaks the beam (or reflects it, depending on the specific housing design), the phototransistor switches its state (On/Off), sending a signal to the main control board. #### C. Connector Interface * **Wiring:** Usually consists of 3 or 4 wires: 1. **VCC:** Power Supply (+). 2. **GND:** Ground (-). 3. **Output:** Signal wire (Digital High/Low). 4. *(Optional)* **LED Control:** To pulse the IR light for noise reduction. --- ### 3. Functional Mechanism The WADS-111-R/E typically functions via **Transmissive (Slot) Sensing**: 1. **Light Path:** The emitter and receiver are aligned across a small gap. 2. **Detection:** A tube or a mechanical flag passes through the gap. 3. **Signal Processing:** * **Beam Unbroken:** High voltage/Low voltage (depending on logic). * **Beam Broken:** State toggles, alerting the system (e.g., "Waste container full" or "Sample probe position reached"). --- ### 4. Implementation Code Example In an industrial control environment (like an Arduino or PLC), the electronic signal is handled as a digital input: ```cpp // Example: Reading the WADS-111-R/E sensor state const int sensorPin = 2; // Pin connected to sensor output int sensorState = 0; void setup() { pinMode(sensorPin, INPUT_PULLUP); // Use internal pullup if NPN Serial.begin(9600); } void loop() { sensorState = digitalRead(sensorPin); if (sensorState == LOW) { Serial.println("Object Detected / Beam Broken"); } else { Serial.println("Path Clear"); } } ```