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This section provides an overview for photomicrosensors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 9 photomicrosensor manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked photomicrosensor companies as of January, 2025: 1.OMRON Corporation, 2.Optex Fee, 3.Capitol Area Technology.
Table of Contents
Photomicrosensors are small optical sensors with built-in amplifiers.
It can detect the presence or absence of an object and its position using light. Photomicrosensors are available in reflective and transmissive types, and are called "photointerrupters" and "photo-reflectors," respectively. These sensors are mainly used in various familiar products for built-in devices.
Photomicrosensors are classified into four types depending on the object to be detected.
This type of sensor uses a reflection of light. They are used for detecting the presence of paper in a printer and for simple barcode reading.
This simple sensor detects objects by light passing through a slit, and is used to detect IC cards, train tickets, etc.
This type of sensor allows the distance between the light-emitting and light-receiving parts to be adjusted by moving the light-emitting part. This type of sensor is used to detect the passage of an object when a person buys a product from a vending machine or wins a prize in a game machine.
This is a sensor that combines levers called actuators. It is used in ticket vending machines and vending machines to detect the passage of banknotes.
The principle of photomicrosensors varies depending on the type. It is important to select the most suitable one of these sensors depending on the object to be detected and the location where it is used.
The reflective type has a structure in which the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are installed in parallel. Light emitted from the light emitter hits an object, is reflected, and is received by the light receiver.
The object is detected by this reflected light. Although it is easy to install, the disadvantage is that the objects to be detected and the distance to be detected are limited.
Transmissive sensors have a structure in which the light emitting element and the light receiving element are installed facing each other. Light emitted from the light emitting element is directly received by the light receiving element. If there is no object, the light is received as it is, but if there is an object, the light does not reach it.
It is simple and does not require alignment of the optical axis, but its disadvantage is that the size of the object to be examined is limited.
Separated type has a structure in which the light emitting and light receiving parts face each other in a separated state. Since the light emitting and light receiving elements are separated, the position can be freely determined, but the disadvantage is that the optical axes must be aligned.
The actuator type has a structure that combines a see-through sensor and a lever that rotates. By using a lever to block light, even objects that allow light to penetrate can be detected. However, the disadvantage is that the parts around the lever have a limited life span, limiting the period of use.
Important characteristics to consider when designing are the photocurrent and resistance, which indicate how much output is available from the amount of forward current. The key point when designing is to consider and select the optimum level of forward current before designing the limiting resistance value. Also, if a reverse voltage is applied, design a diode in reverse parallel with the LED.
By designing the worst-case value, it is possible to ensure normal operation even when the characteristics are biased toward the worse side in terms of function. While considering the above points, it is necessary to supply an appropriate level of current externally. Designing while considering how much forward current is required for the photosensitive side to operate will ensure normal operation.
In the design of phototransistor output type, the temperature dependence of dark current and photocurrent must be taken into consideration. When detecting an object with high transmittance or an object smaller than the shape and dimensions of the surface to emit and receive light, the photocurrent with and without the object must be measured and their ratio must be calculated.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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J.A. King & Co. LLC, established in 1954 and headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, is a manufacturer of automation machinery. The company’s areas of expertise include robotics, pneumatics, hydraulics, automation, and precision measurement, with a product range encompassing measurement and calibration equipment, safety gear, process measurement devices, valves, hoses, and fittings. Additionally, the company offers a wide array of services, covering automation, mobile systems integration, and process solutions to multiple industries, including aerospace, chemical, consumer products, food and beverage, and life sciences, while representing brands such as Parker Hannifin, LK Metrology, Continental Disc Corporation, Enovation Control, and Doosan Robotics.
Capitol Area Technology (CAT), since 2008 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, is a distributor of semiconductors and a manufacturer of spare parts and components. The company’s portfolio features extensive products, including new, refurbished, and used semiconductors and spare parts acquired through collaboration with over 700 manufacturers and OEMs in the semiconductor industry. Additionally, the company provides consumables such as safety gear, process measurement devices including flow meters and gas pressure regulators, and services including diagnosis and troubleshooting, repairs and maintenance, testing and verification, and technical support.
Relay Specialties, Inc. is a distributor of industrial electronic components specializing in relays, switches, and other related products, located in New Jersey, United States. The company offers various kinds of relays, breakers and fuses, connectors, racks and cabinets, and fans and blowers. It also distributes power supplies, sensors, solenoids, and switches. The variants of its relays, alternating sequencing relays, have long mechanical and electrical durability and are suitable for separated extra low voltage applications.
Optex Fee Co., Ltd., was established in 2002 and based in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of factory automation sensors and solutions. The company offers an extensive and diversified product portfolio including photoelectric sensors, fiber-optic sensors, displacement sensors, non-contact thermometers, vision sensors, and other industrial automation products. These sensors and solutions play a pivotal role in enhancing manufacturing processes across a spectrum of industries, including automotive, electronics, and packaging.
Omron Corporation, started in 1933 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of automation components, equipment, and systems, and it developed the first contactless proximity switch in 1960. It has four domains, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare, and social systems, and it provides products and services in around 120 countries and regions. Some of its products include microsensing devices, access control systems, industrial robots, surveillance cameras, and blood pressure monitors. In 1971, it developed the first online cash machine, and in 1972, it established Japan’s first welfare factory.
Kempston Controls, based in Rushden, Northants, with a history dating back to 1940, is a technical distributor of electrical components. Originally an American-manufactured components distributor, it is now a national specialist distributor of control equipment and a manufacturer specializing in supply monitoring equipment and electronic sub-assembly. The company’s specialities encompass a wide array of electrical processes, electrical automation products, electronic components, proximity and motion sensors, and humidity and temperature sensors. The company has built partnerships with suppliers, including Pepperl+Fuchs, SICK, ecom (a P+F Brand), Pizzato & Rechner, among others.
Kodenshi Corp. is an ISO 14001 and IATF 16949-certified manufacturer of optical devices that was established in 1972 in Kyoto, Japan. The company’s product lineup includes photointerrupters for sensing motion or positioning, photodiodes for converting light into electrical currents, and phototransistors for amplifying currents generated by photodiodes. It also offers encoders for converting motion into digital signals, and photo couplers for noise reduction or signal isolation. The company’s products are commonly used within the private security and transportation sectors, and have additional applications in the automotive industry.
OMRON Corporation is a Kyoto based electrical equipment manufacturing company founded by Kazuma Tateisi in 1933. OMRON’s product portfolio includes medical equipment like nebulizers and digital thermometers, automated teller machines for the finance industry to AC, DC and custom control systems for the oil and gas industries. The company has over 30,000 employees and offers its products and services in 120 countries. It primarily serves the healthcare, energy, casino, and automated test equipment industries.
Ranking as of January 2025
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | OMRON Corporation |
18.2%
|
| 2 | Optex Fee |
18.2%
|
| 3 | Capitol Area Technology |
9.1%
|
| 4 | Kempston Controls |
9.1%
|
| 5 | Relay Specialties, Inc. |
9.1%
|
| 6 | Mindman Industrial Co. Ltd. |
9.1%
|
| 7 | J.A. King & Co. LLC |
9.1%
|
| 8 | KODENSHI CORP. |
9.1%
|
| 9 | Omron |
9.1%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the photomicrosensor page as of January 2025. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
3 | 42.9% |
|
Japan
|
2 | 28.6% |
|
United Kingdom
|
1 | 14.3% |
Taiwan
|
1 | 14.3% |
143 products found
143 products
Stanley Electric
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Reflective sensor combining infrared LED and light receiving IC ■ Features ･ By changing the resistance value of the external circuit, the detecti...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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UR1000 is a long-range reflective photosensor that uses an infrared light-emitting diode and a high-sensitivity phototransistor. ■Features ・Long ...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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UR1002 is a reflective photosensor that uses an infrared light emitting diode and photo IC. ■Features ・Long distance detection possible L=50mm ・...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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UR1003 is a reflective photosensor that uses an infrared light emitting diode and photo IC. ■Features ・Long distance detection possible L=50mm ・...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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UR1600 is a reflective photosensor that uses an infrared light-emitting diode and a high-sensitivity phototransistor. ■Features ・Ultra small, lea...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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UR1606 is a reflective photosensor that uses a red light emitting diode and a high sensitivity phototransistor. ■Features ・Ultra small, lead type...
ASIC Co., Ltd.
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■Summary A sensor that consists of a package of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element arranged in pairs, and when an object passes...
3 models listed
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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UR1620 is a reflective photosensor that uses an infrared light emitting diode and a high sensitivity phototransistor. ■Features ・Focal length 2.5...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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UR1626 is a reflective photosensor that uses an infrared light emitting diode and a high sensitivity phototransistor. ■Features ・Small board-in t...
Nimatsu Electric Co., Ltd.
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Very Fast Response
RODAN is a Taiwanese LED manufacturer founded in 1974. The main products are infrared LED, phototransistor, photodiode, photointerrupter, visible L...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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UR1700 is a reflective photosensor that uses an infrared light-emitting diode and a high-sensitivity phototransistor. ■Features - Resistant to cha...
Nimatsu Electric Co., Ltd.
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Letex Technology is a manufacturer of Photo DMOS-FET relays, optocouplers, and other Photo related products, founded in Taiwan in 2001. Obtained IS...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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The UR1710 is a reflective photosensor that uses an infrared light-emitting diode and a high-sensitivity phototransistor. ■Features - Resistant to...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
60+ people viewing
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The UR1730 is a 3-wavelength reflective photosensor that uses red, green, and blue light emitting diodes and phototransistors. ■Applications ・Sim...
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■Output PNP transistor open collector
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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The UR1826 is a long-range, ultra-high resolution reflective photosensor that uses an infrared light-emitting diode and a high-sensitivity phototra...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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UB1201 is a separate photosensor that uses an infrared light-emitting diode and a high-sensitivity phototransistor. ■Features ・Ultra-compact and ...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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UI2030 is a general-purpose transmissive photosensor that uses an infrared light emitting diode and a phototransistor. ■Features ・3mm gap general...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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UI1493-04 is a small transmission type photosensor with a flat detection slit and dust-proof structure. ■Features ・Dustproof structure that is le...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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The UI2488 is a dust-proof transparent photo IC sensor with a flat detection slit and an operation indicator that lights up when an object is detec...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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UR1703 is a reflective photosensor that uses an ultraviolet light emitting diode and digital light reception. ■Features ・Digital output (voltage...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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UB1210 is a separate photosensor that uses an infrared light-emitting diode and a high-sensitivity phototransistor. ■Features ・Small and long-dis...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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UI2032 is a general-purpose transmissive photosensor that uses an infrared light emitting diode and photo IC. ■Features ・3mm gap general-purpose ...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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UI1502-04 is a small transmission type photosensor with a flat detection slit and dust-proof structure. ■Features ・Dustproof structure that is le...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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UR1706 is a reflective photosensor that uses an ultraviolet light emitting diode and a photodiode. ■Features ・Connector 3 pin type ・Ultraviolet ...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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UB1211 is a separate photosensor that uses an infrared light-emitting diode and a high-sensitivity phototransistor. ■Features ・Small and long-dis...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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UI2033 is a general-purpose transmissive photosensor that uses an infrared light emitting diode and photo IC. ■Features ・3mm gap general-purpose ...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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UI1503-04 is a small transmission type photosensor with a flat detection slit and dust-proof structure. ■Features ・Dustproof structure that is le...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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UR1706-01 is a reflective photosensor that uses an ultraviolet light emitting diode and a photodiode. ■Features ・Connector 3 pin type ・Using ult...
Unitech Co., Ltd.
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UB1212 is a separate photo sensor that uses an infrared light emitting diode and a photo IC. ■Features ・Long distance detection possible (1-100mm...
