Editorial Technical Reference

Receiver Unit

This page explains how Receiver Unit is classified within Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

The detection component of a safety light curtain that receives the optical beam from the transmitter unit.

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Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Receiver Unit

Definition
In a safety light curtain system, the receiver unit is the critical component that detects the presence or interruption of the infrared light beam emitted by the transmitter unit. It houses photoelectric sensors that convert the received light signal into an electrical signal. When an object or person breaks the beam, the receiver unit sends a stop signal to the connected machinery's control system to initiate a safety shutdown, preventing access to hazardous areas. The receiver unit is designed for integration into industrial machinery and equipment, serving as a part of a safety system. It is typically mounted opposite the transmitter, with alignment ensured for proper operation. The unit's housing is made of anodized aluminum, with front windows of polycarbonate or ABS plastic, providing durability and protection. The receiver unit operates on a supply voltage of 24 V DC ±10%, with reverse polarity protection. Current consumption ranges from 0.1 to 0.3 A without load. Response time varies from 5 to 30 ms, depending on the number of beams. Protection class ranges from IP54 to IP65 (per IEC 60529), with IP65 suitable for washdown environments. Operating temperature is -10 to 55 °C (non-condensing), and storage temperature is -20 to 70 °C. Humidity range is 15 to 85% RH (non-condensing). The connection type is a 5-pin M12 connector. Cable length can be up to 30 m, with a standard range of 0.3 to 30 m. Weight varies from 0.5 to 2.5 kg, depending on length. Dimensions (W x H x D) are 30 x 30 x 100 to 1000 mm, with length varying by beam count. These specifications are reference ranges; verify model-specific values with the legal manufacturer or supplier before procurement.
Working Principle
The receiver unit contains an array of photodiodes or phototransistors aligned with the transmitter's LEDs. It continuously monitors the intensity of the received infrared light. A built-in control circuit processes this signal. If the received light level falls below a set threshold (indicating beam interruption), the unit's output relay changes state, signaling the machine's safety controller to halt operation. The response time is typically 5–30 ms, depending on beam count. The unit is designed to operate in industrial environments, with protection classes up to IP65 for washdown. The receiver unit must be correctly aligned and configured to ensure reliable detection. Regular cleaning of the optical surfaces is necessary to maintain performance. If the unit fails to detect interruptions or sends false signals, check alignment, cleanliness, and electrical connections. The unit is not a standalone safety device; it must be integrated into a complete safety system that meets applicable standards.
Common Materials
ABS Plastic, Polycarbonate, Aluminum Alloy
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Supply Voltage24 ±10% V DCReverse polarity protected
Current Consumption0.1–0.3 AWithout load
Response Time5–30 msDepends on beam count
Protection ClassIP54–IP65IP65 for washdownIEC 60529
Operating Temperature-10–55 °CNon-condensing
Storage Temperature-20–70 °C
Humidity15–85 % RHNon-condensing
Housing MaterialAluminumAnodized
Connection TypeM125-pin
Cable Length0.3–30 mMax 30 m
Weight0.5–2.5 kgDepends on length
Dimensions (W x H x D)30 x 30 x 100–1000 mmLength varies with beam count

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM
  • Sensor Array
    Contains the aligned photoelectric sensors (photodiodes/transistors) that detect the infrared light beam.
    Material: Silicon, Epoxy
  • Control Circuit Board
    Processes the sensor signals, monitors beam integrity, and controls the safety output relay.
    Material: FR-4, Copper, Electronic Components
  • Housing Part
    Provides physical protection (IP rating) for internal components and mounts the unit.
    Material: ABS Plastic, Polycarbonate
  • Connection Port Part
    Interface for power supply, communication with the transmitter, and safety signal output.
    Material: Plastic, Metal Contacts
  • Safety Output Relay
    Changes state the moment a beam is broken, and that contact is what the machine's safety controller watches.

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Safety Light Curtain
View system integration details
Safety Light Curtains
View system integration details
Safety Sensors
View system integration details
Remote Control System
View system integration details
Photo-eye Sensors
View system integration details

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: N/A (non-contact optical device)
other spec: Protection rating: IP67, Response time: <20ms
temperature: -10°C to +55°C
Media Compatibility
✓ Factory automation environments ✓ Clean manufacturing areas ✓ Packaging machinery zones
Unsuitable: High particulate/dust environments without protective enclosures
Sizing Data Required
  • Required detection distance (range)
  • Required resolution (beam spacing)
  • Required safety category (e.g., Type 4 per IEC 61496)

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Corrosion and pitting
Cause: Exposure to moisture, corrosive fluids, or environmental contaminants leading to material degradation and loss of structural integrity.
Fatigue cracking at weld joints or connections
Cause: Cyclic pressure fluctuations, vibration, or thermal expansion/contraction stresses exceeding material endurance limits over time.
Maintenance Indicators
  • Audible hissing or whistling indicating air/gas leaks at connections or seams
  • Visible external corrosion, weeping moisture, or oil stains on the receiver shell
Engineering Tips
  • Implement routine internal inspection and ultrasonic thickness testing to monitor wall thinning before critical failure
  • Install vibration dampeners and ensure proper support mounting to reduce stress concentrations at connection points

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
ANSI/ASME B46.1 Surface Texture DIN 7172 Geometrical Tolerances

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Bore Diameter: +/-0.01mm
  • Surface Flatness: 0.05mm
Quality Inspection
  • Dimensional Verification with CMM
  • Leak Test (Pressure Decay Method)

Manufacturers of Receiver Unit

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the function of the receiver unit in a safety light curtain?

The receiver unit detects the infrared beam from the transmitter. If the beam is interrupted, it sends a stop signal to the machine's safety controller, initiating a safety shutdown to prevent access to hazardous areas.

What are the typical electrical specifications?

Supply voltage is 24 V DC ±10% with reverse polarity protection. Current consumption is 0.1–0.3 A without load. Response time is 5–30 ms depending on beam count.

What environmental conditions can the receiver unit withstand?

Operating temperature is -10 to 55 °C (non-condensing), storage -20 to 70 °C, humidity 15–85% RH. Protection class is IP54 to IP65 per IEC 60529, with IP65 for washdown.

How should I verify the receiver unit's compatibility with my machinery?

Check the receiver unit's dimensions, connection type (M12 5-pin), cable length, and response time against your system requirements. Always confirm model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier.
Data basis: editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records. See the editorial policy.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

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