LEUZE ET318B.3/2N-M12 ENERGETIC DIFFUSE PHOTOELECTRIC SENSOR (PART NUMBER: 50122564)

DEEP PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The Leuze ET318B.3/2N-M12 (Order Part Number: 50122564) is a premium-tier energetic diffuse reflection photoelectric sensor belonging to the cutting-edge 318B Series generation developed by the world-renowned automation expert Leuze electronic (Germany). Engineered with a standard industrial M18 cylindrical threaded body pattern, this advanced device encapsulates both the light-emitting diode transmitter and the light-receiving microelectronic circuit inside a single structural housing. The defining engineering improvement and core differentiator of this "-M12" suffix model compared to traditional pre-molded cable variants is the integration of a ruggedized, standard M18/M12 industrial 4-pin male quick disconnect plug. This modular interconnect layout drastically maximizes field deployment flexibility, slashes field replacement downtime via rapid plug-and-play swapping, and completely eliminates the physical risk of cable shearing caused by heavy mechanical torsional stress on the production line. Operating on a standalone reflection loop directly off the object, the ET318B.3/2N-M12 bypasses any requirement for separate external mirrors, retro-reflective reflectors, or dedicated receiver blocks on the opposite side, standing as a highly optimized and space-saving layout solution for high-volume automated conveyor systems, packaging tracking, and product profiling networks.

OPERATING PRINCIPLE & REMISSION-DRIVEN COLOR PROFILING
The sensor operates on the specialized energetic diffuse reflection principle, where the internal transmitter continuously projects a highly stable, high-frequency pulsed red LED beam into the active scanning field.
- When the scanning zone is clear and unobstructed, the light beam scatters freely into the surrounding atmosphere.
- The instant any target object enters the active optical path, its surface acts as a reflective medium, bouncing a specific portion of the light energy back toward the sensor's optical receiver lens array. The integrated microelectronic board continuously gauges the amplitude of this returned light energy; the moment the energy crosses the pre-set safety threshold, the internal transistor circuit switches its electrical output state to transmit a reliable digital control signal to the master PLC input module.
Because the tracking performance is governed by the energetic remission properties of the target material, the functional operating range adapts dynamically across various color profiles. Against standard high-reflectivity white targets (90% remission), the sensor yields a guaranteed operating distance spanning from 0.001 meters up to 0.7 meters, with a theoretical maximum sensing range limit extending to 1.0 meter. The tracking threshold tapers down deterministically based on material light absorption characteristics: gray targets with 50% remission sustain a steady range of 0.59 meters (0.85m limit), standard 18% gray profiles secure 0.39 meters (0.55m limit), and challenging light-absorbing matte black 6% profiles manage 0.28 meters (0.40m limit). This predictable remission separation allows controls engineers to calculate precise sensor positioning for multi-colored packaging and diverse carton variants moving across the same processing track.

THE POWER OF A²LS OPTICAL NOISE SUPPRESSION & BRIGHTVISION ALIGNMENT
On modern factory floors, foreign optical noise emitted by high-output fluorescent lamps, high-power overhead LED lighting grids, or raw natural sunlight piercing through factory bays constantly poses a severe risk of triggering false outputs in traditional photoelectric sensors. To decisively conquer this operational challenge, Leuze has hard-coded its proprietary A²LS (Active Ambient Light Suppression) technology directly into the ET318B.3/2N-M12 core logic. The A²LS micro-algorithm continuously monitors, syncs, and authenticates the specific pulse pattern of the emitted light beam, causing the receiver to systematically isolate and reject any ambient wavelengths, acknowledging only the specific light signature generated by the sensor itself. Supplementing this protection is the advanced brightVision engineering suite, which shapes a razor-sharp, highly concentrated 620 nm red LED beam spot that retains crisp structural boundaries over distance. This enables field technicians to visually check target alignment instantly with the naked eye during on-site installation, significantly slashing setup times. Furthermore, it complies with the EN 62471 Exempt Group photobiological safety rating, guaranteeing total safety for operators' vision during direct exposure.

SMART ELECTRONIC TEACH-IN INTERFACE & DUAL NPN OUTPUT ARCHITECTURE
- Electronic Tactile Teach-In Button: Departing from obsolete mechanical rotary potentiometers that degrade due to fine dust particle penetration, fluid moisture ingress, or contact oxidation under heavy vibration, the sensor features an intuitive electronic Teach-In button at the rear shell. This button triggers automated contrast mapping for both Object Teach and Background Teach modes within seconds, optimizing setup times during production product changeovers.
- Rapid Industrial Switching Frequency: The device operates at a robust switching frequency of up to 500 Hz, enabling it to process up to 500 state transitions per second with an ultra-short 1 ms response time. Operating on a wide 10-30 VDC supply rail, the sensor simultaneously outputs two discrete NPN transistor logic channels. Output 1 handles Light Switching mode (Light ON - closes output when target reflection is registered), and Output 2 drives Dark Switching mode (Dark ON - closes output when light path remains unobstructed), allowing direct wiring to PLC input cards without additional inversion hardware.

HEAVY-DUTY M18 HARDWARE FOOTPRINT & SEVERE TEMPERATURE RESISTANCE
- Industrial M18 Threaded Form Factor: Molded from high-grade ABS engineering plastic, the housing resists heavy mechanical impacts, structural cracking, and chemical cleaner exposure. With a minimalist total body length of 46 mm and an M18 threaded exterior, it can be passed straight through narrow machine panel walls or locked into standard factory brackets without retrofitting.
- Severe IP67 Ingress Protection Rating: Guarantees that the interior microelectronics are completely dust-tight and fully shielded against water spray down during routine line sanitation. Matched with an extended temperature tolerance ranging from deep-freeze conditions at -40°C up to high-heat thresholds of +60°C, the Leuze ET318B.3/2N-M12 runs flawlessly across extreme operational nodes, including industrial cold storage chains, food and beverage processing centers, high-precision electronics manufacturing clean rooms, and automated logistics centers.

OPTICAL DATA & TRACKING CAPACITY
- Operating Principle: Energetic Diffuse Reflection Principle
- Light Emitting Source: Red LED (Visible pulsed light)
- Light Wavelength: 620 nm
- Photobiological Safety Level: EN 62471 Exempt Group (100% eye-safe compliance)
- Reliable Operating Sensing Ranges (Operating range):
  + White Target (90% remission): 0.001 m to 0.7 m
  + Grey Target (50% remission): 0.001 m to 0.59 m
  + Grey Target (18% remission): 0.003 m to 0.39 m
  + Black Target (6% remission): 0.005 m to 0.28 m
- Maximum Sensing Range Limits (Sensing range limit):
  + White Target (90% remission): 1.0 m
  + Grey Target (50% remission): 0.85 m
  + Grey Target (18% remission): 0.55 m
  + Black Target (6% remission): 0.40 m

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS & SIGNAL OUTPUT
- Operating Supply Voltage: 10 ... 30 VDC
- Residual Ripple Allowed: 0 ... 15%
- Open-Circuit Current Consumption: ≤ 20 mA
- Total Output Channels: 2 Independent Digital Outputs
- Digital Output Type: NPN Transistor configuration
- Output Switching Configuration:
  + Output 1: Light Switching (Light ON - Closes output when light reflection from an object is received)
  + Output 2: Dark Switching (Dark ON - Closes output when light path is unobstructed/no object)
- Switching Frequency: 500 Hz
- Signal Response Time: 1 ms
- Initialization Startup Delay (Delay before availability): 300 ms

CONNECTION INTERFACE & FIELD CALIBRATION
- Electrical Connection Type: Standard M12 Male Connector, quick disconnect layout, 4-pin configuration, A-coded alignment.
- Connector Material: Specialized high-grade impact-resistant plastic.
- Standard Pin Assignment Layout:
  + Pin 1: Positive Supply Rail (+24VDC)
  + Pin 2: Output 2 Signal Lead (NPN Dark ON)
  + Pin 3: Negative Supply Rail (0V)
  + Pin 4: Output 1 Signal Lead (NPN Light ON)
- Calibration Control Interface: Integrated microelectronic Teach-In tactile push-button supporting automated Object Teach and Background Teach profiling.

MECHANICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, & SAFETY RATINGS
- Physical Enclosure Style: Cylindrical threaded barrel body (Cylindrical M18)
- Physical Housing Dimensions: M18 Threaded Diameter × 46 mm Total Length (M18 × 1)
- Structural Housing Material: Heavy-duty engineering ABS plastic (Red/Black)
- Lens Material: Optical-grade high-transmittance Plastic
- Net Device Weight: 20 g
- Ingress Protection Rating: IP67 (Completely dust-tight and temporary water immersion proof)
- Electrical Safety Class: Class III
- Ambient Operating Temperature: -40°C to +60°C
- Ambient Storage Temperature: -40°C to +70°C
- Circuit Protection Array: Polarity reversal protection, short-circuit output protection.
- Compliance Certifications: cULus, IEC 60947-5-2 (Full industrial standard alignment).