The Datalogic S5N is a cylindrical M18 photoelectric sensor used on conveyors, packaging machines and material handling systems. It is one of the most common sensors in Indian factories because it fits a standard 18 mm hole and is available in many sensing modes. The model code tells you almost everything about the sensor once you know how to read it.
Reading the code: S5N-PA-5-C21-PP
| Part | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Series | S5N | M18 cylindrical photoelectric sensor |
| Housing and optic | PA | PA = plastic, axial optic; PR = plastic, radial (90°) optic; PL = plastic, laser; MA = metal (nickel-plated brass), axial |
| Connection | 5 | 5 = M12 connector; 2 = 2 m cable |
| Sensing mode | C21 | Optical function, for example C21 diffuse proximity, B01 polarized retroreflective, M03 background suppression |
| Output | PP | PP = PNP; NN = NPN; PK / NK = PNP or NPN with light/dark input |
So the S5N-PA-5-C21-PP is a plastic M18 sensor with straight optics, an M12 connector, diffuse proximity sensing and a PNP output.
Popular S5N models and their range
| Model | Sensing mode | Range | Light |
|---|---|---|---|
| S5N-PA-5-C21-PP | Diffuse proximity | 0 … 400 mm | Infrared 880 nm |
| S5N-PA-5-B01-PP | Polarized retroreflective | 0.1 … 4 m (R2 reflector) | Red 660 nm |
| S5N-PR-5-B01-PP | Polarized retroreflective, 90° optic | 0.1 … 4 m (R2 reflector) | Red 660 nm |
| S5N-PL-5-B01-PP | Polarized retroreflective, laser | 0.1 … 16 m (R2 reflector) | Red laser 650 nm, class 1 |
All of these run on 10 to 30 Vdc and are IP67 rated. The LED versions respond in 0.5 ms and switch up to 1 kHz, which is fast enough for most conveyor and packaging applications.
Plastic or metal housing?
Plastic (PBT) housings are light, cost-effective and suit most general machines. Metal (MA) housings in nickel-plated brass are stronger and are preferred where the sensor can be hit, or where there is more heat, vibration or mechanical stress.
Axial or radial optic?
An axial (PA) sensor looks straight out of the front. A radial (PR) sensor looks out of the side at 90°. Radial versions help when there is no space behind the sensor, for example inside narrow conveyor frames.
Buying a replacement
When replacing a sensor, copy the full code from the label. The most common mistakes are ordering PNP instead of NPN, or a cable version instead of a connector version. If the label is unreadable, send us a photo of the sensor and the wiring, and we will identify it.
Get the right sensor from VXT Sensor
VXT Sensor, Noida, supplies genuine Datalogic sensors across India. Send us your machine details, the object or mark you want to detect and the distance, and we will suggest the right model, share the datasheet and confirm price and delivery. Contact VXT Sensor or browse the full Datalogic product range.
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