18 Photoelectric Element Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for photoelectric elements as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 18 photoelectric element manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked photoelectric element companies as of April, 2024: 1.Rockwell Automation, 2.Optex Fee, 3.Omron.
Table of Contents
What Is a Photoelectric Element?
A photoelectric element is the general term for electronic elements responsible for the conversion between light energy and electrical energy.
Broadly speaking, there are light emitting elements that convert electrical signals into optical signals and light receiving elements that convert optical signals into electrical signals. Light-emitting elements emit light when an electric current is applied, and light-emitting diodes are a typical example.
Light-emitting diodes are typical examples. Light bulbs and fluorescent lamps also emit light when an electric current is applied, but light-emitting elements are limited to those using semiconductors and do not include them. Photodetectors receive light and generate an electric current, of which solar cells are an example.
Uses of Photoelectric Elements
Photoelectric elements are used in a great many devices in fields that utilize light. In the case of light emitting elements, light-emitting diodes can be used in the light emitting parts of lighting equipment, photo interrupters and other sensors as light sources for object detection, semiconductor lasers as signal light sources in the field of optical communications, and many other examples can be given of their use.
In addition to the solar cells mentioned above, examples of photodetectors include illuminance meters, exposure meters for cameras, pickups for CDs and DVDs, image sensors for photographic equipment, and sensors that detect reflected light from objects in photo interrupters.
Principle of Photoelectric Elements
The principle of a light emitter and a light receiver are very different.
1. Luminous Element
The basic structure of a light-emitting diode as a representative light-emitting device is a PN junction, which consists of a P-type semiconductor (with the majority of holes as carriers) and an N-type semiconductor (with the majority of electrons as carriers).
When a forward voltage is applied to a light-emitting diode, electrons and holes move through the light-emitting diode chip, causing an electric current to flow. When the electrons and holes collide during the transfer, they recombine, but in this state, the energy of the electrons and holes is less than the combined energy they originally possessed.
This reduced energy is converted into light and emitted outside the semiconductor. This is the principle of luminescence.
2. Light Receiving Element
Photodetectors are based on the photoelectric effect. The photoelectric effect refers to what occurs at the PN junction of the semiconductor. Even if both ends of the photodiode are shorted, an electric field is formed at the PN junction and a potential gradient is generated within it.
When light is irradiated in this electric field, its energy generates electrons and holes, but the potential gradient causes the electrons to move immediately. The stronger the light (the greater the number of photons) will produce a greater current.
Applying a reverse bias voltage to the PN junction widens the electric field, resulting in the generation of electrons and holes in a wider area. Also, since the slope of the potential becomes stronger, the carriers move faster and a faster response can be expected.
Types of Photoelectric Elements
Semiconductor elements classified as photoelectric elements include the following:
1. Luminous Element
Light-Emitting Diode
Many light-emitting diodes with different emission wavelengths from the near-infrared to visible regions have been commercialized, and demand for blue LEDs, in particular, is growing very rapidly as they are used in lighting fixtures. On the other hand, light-emitting diodes emitting near-infrared light are used as devices for optical communications.
Semiconductor Laser
It can emit light that is stronger and more coherent than ordinary LEDs. Familiar applications include laser pointers that take advantage of its linearity, and light sources for projectors that take advantage of its high luminous flux and single wavelength.
OLED (Electro Luminescence)
It is used for thin and lightweight displays such as TVs and viewfinders for photographic equipment.
2. Light Receiving Element
Photodiode
There are various applications, such as sensors for illuminance meters and other measuring instruments that measure the intensity of light, and sensors for detecting objects with light.
Phototransistor
It is a sensor with higher sensitivity than a photodiode because it receives light in the base region of the transistor and the current generated there can be amplified and extracted. It is mainly used in the light receiving part of photo interrupters.
Image Sensors
A sensor used to create image data by projecting an image onto numerous photodiodes arranged in a flat pattern. They are used in the imaging section of cameras that take still and moving images.
Although they are very large and expensive as semiconductor devices, they have become widely used, replacing the imaging tubes and photographic films that were once used.
List of 18 Photoelectric Element Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
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- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- Italy
- Japan
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Banner Engineering Corporation
Photoelectric Sensors
Manufacturer Overview
Banner Engineering Corporation, established in 1966 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a manufacturer and supplier of industrial automation products. They offer an extensive range of sensors, including proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, and limit switches, for detecting object presence, position, and speed. Additionally, Banner provides a different types of switches, such as pushbuttons, toggle switches, and rotary switches, to control electricity flow and offer system feedback. Their wide array of controls includes PLCs, HMIs, and motion controllers, enabling automation of industrial processes.
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SICK AG
Photoelectric sensors
Manufacturer Overview
Sick AG, founded in 1946 and headquartered in Waldkirch, Germany, is a manufacturer of sensor and sensor solutions that aid in in production, logistics, and processes automation. The company’s expansive product portfolio includes industrial sensors, encoders, and analyzers. It has over 50 subsidiaries and equity investments as well as several agencies worldwide, and in the 2022 fiscal year, it generated around €2.2 billion. The company established the first subsidiary in France in 1972 and opened another subsidiary in USA in 1975. It changed to a joint stock company in 1996 and the first employee shares were issued in 1999.
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Omron Microscan
Photoelectric Sensors
Manufacturer Overview
Omron Automation was originally established in 1933. Omron Automation is a producer and manufacturer for industrial automation solutions including robotics, sensing, motion, logic, and safety. Industries include automotive automation, electric vehicle manufacturing, food and beverage packaging, semiconductor and manufacturing electronics, life sciences automation, logistics & warehouse automation, machine tool, oil and gas, water and wastewater, entertainment, security and detention, and other industries. Some of Omron Automation’s product categories include machine automated controllers, RFID solutions, safety laser scanners, safety outputs, smart cameras, vision sensors, machine vision software, servo systems, articulated robots, parallel robots, SCARA robots, photoelectric sensors, and rotary encoders along with many software-based solutions.
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Advance Electrical & Automation
Photoelectric Sensors
Manufacturer Overview
Advance Electrical & Automation is a supplier and a manufacturer, a company specializing in providing electrical and automation solutions for industrial applications. Established in 2013, offering a wide range of products and services, including oil and gas, power generation, water treatment, and manufacturing. AEA's product includes electrical components such as transformers, circuit breakers, and control panels, as well as automation systems and software for process control and monitoring. One example of their product is the AEA-5000 series PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), it enables seamless integration and precise control in industrial applications, ensuring optimal performance and productivity.
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Pepperl+Fuchs Inc.
Photoelectric Sensors
Manufacturer Overview
Pepperl+Fuchs, Inc. was founded in Mannheim, Germany in 1945 developing the forerunner of the proximity switch. Pepperl+Fuchs continues to develop proximity sensors as well as other industrial sensors including ultrasonic sensors, rotary encoders, positioning systems, display and signal processing, vibration monitoring, industrial communication, and signal processing as well as related accessories and software. Explosive protection products include safety barriers, surge protection, wireless solutions, HMI systems, power supplies, electrical explosion protection equipment, level measurement, and related software.
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ifm efector, inc.
Photoelectric Sensors
Manufacturer Overview
ifm efector (ifm) is a subsidiary of ifm electronic, founded in Germany in 1969. ifm has developed, manufactured and marketed sensors and controls technology to industries that include assembly and robotics, automotive, material handling, metal forming, mobile equipment, plastics, and food and beverage. Ifm produces sensors, condition monitoring equipment, image processing, safety technology, industrial communication, IO-link, systems for mobile machines, displays, software, connection technology, voltage supplies, as well as other accessories.
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E-Motion, Inc.
Photoelectric Sensors
Distributor Overview
E-Motion Inc. is a distributor for electric automation based in Eugene, Orgeon. The company is a distributor of many electric automation parts, with additional offerings in pneumatic, modular aluminum framing, and instrumentation products. The company’s two primary segments are electric actuators and pneumatic automation. The electric actuator segment includes rack and pinion linear actuators, rod type electric actuators, rodless actuators, actuator controls, and lift kits. The pneumatic automation segment includes standard air cylinders, rodless cylinders, guided cylinders, and rotary actuators.
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Optex Fee
Photoelectric Sensors
Manufacturer Overview
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.
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Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
Optical sensors
Manufacturer Overview
Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., established in 1953 and headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a manufacturer of sensors and emitters for both visible and invisible light. It stocks products like LEDs, lamps, and photodiodes used in several industries, including consumer electronics, dental imaging, and environmental monitoring. The sensor and light source components are also available as modules and units that can be incorporated into systems the company develops, like optical measurement systems or imaging systems. The ISO 9001-certified company stocks over 15,000 devices, units, and systems that ship to over 100 destinations worldwide, and it has ten research and production bases.
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OPTIKA S.r.l.
Photoelectric effect
Manufacturer Overview
Optika Italy, established in 1971 and headquartered in Ponteranica, Italy, is a manufacturer and supplier of microscopes and microscopy accessories. The company offers a range of products, including biological microscopes, stereo microscopes, polarizing microscopes, inverted microscopes, and digital cameras with software. These tools find application across diverse sectors such as education, research, industry, and medicine. All of its processes adhere to the Quality Management System, following the UNI EN ISO 9001 standard.
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SENSATEC Co., Ltd.
Photoelectric sensor
Manufacturer Overview
SENSATEC Co. Ltd., established in 1988 and based in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of OEM sensors. The company specializes in crafting electronic detection and control devices, medical tools, and beauty equipment, including various sensors, A/D/D/A converters, and optical fiber data systems. Its diverse product range also includes cable and coil winding processing, and it provides support for metal mask manufacturing. The company also offers tailored designs emphasizing miniaturization and handles everything from standard strips to soldering and assembly.
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Autonics Corporation
photoelectric sensor
Manufacturer Overview
Autonics Corporation, established in 1977 and based in Busan, South Korea, is a developer and manufacturer of automation products, which are marketed worldwide. Some of its products include sensors, peripheral connection equipment, motion devices, control devices, and process automation instruments. The automation products are used in various industries, including automotive, packaging, machine tools, metal, and marine. The company has 12 international offices spanning over 100 countries, a fully automated warehouse system, and various international quality certifications, including RoHS, CE, UL, and EAC. Its safety products meet the functional safety standards IEC 61508 and mechanical safety standards ISO 13849.
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Omron
Photoelectric Sensors
Manufacturer Overview
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.
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Balluff
Photoelectric Sensors
Manufacturer Overview
Balluff was founded in 1921 and is headquartered in Neuhausen, near Stuttgart, Germany. Balluff is a manufacturer of sensor and automation solutions for customers globally. Balluff serves many industries including life sciences, semiconductors, metalworking, fluid power, and mobile equipment. Balluff’s product line consists of sensors and connectivity components, accessories, complete systems, and software. Balluff offers services to assist customers across the range of finding solutions, deploying solutions, training, as well as support.
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SensoPart Inc.
Photoelectric Sensors
Manufacturer Overview
SensoPart, Inc. was founded in 1994 and headquartered in Germany with US operations based out of Bingham Farms, Michigan. The ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing company serves the automotive, robotics, plastics, solar, and other industries with photoelectric sensors and image processing products. The company’s products include optical sensors, vision sensors, ultrasonic sensors, inductive sensors, and accessories. Together they are used in manufacturing detection & inspection, product identification, a diverse array of measuring tasks, product positioning, and color detection.
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Rockwell Automation
Photoelectric Sensors
Company Overview
Rockwell Automation, Inc. was founded in 1903 and is headquartered in Milwakee, WI. Rockwell Automation provides industrial automation and digital transformation solutions around the world. Rockwell Automation operates through their intelligent devices, software & control, and lifecycle services segments with both hardware and software products and services. The Intelligent Devices segment offers drives, motion, safety, sensing, industrial components, and configured-to-order products. The Software & Control segment provides control and visualization software and hardware, information software, and network and security infrastructure solutions. The Lifecycle Services segment provides consulting, professional services and solutions, and connected and maintenance services through independent distributors.
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Fargo Controls, Inc.
Photoelectric Sensors
Distributor Overview
Fargo Controls, Inc. was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Eatontown, New Jersey. The company is a distributor of proximity sensors and other industrial controls for both consumer and industrial customers. The company categorizes proximity sensors by four principles: inductive for detecting metallic objects, capacitive for detecting both metallic and non-metallic objects, photoelectric for detecting light, and magnetic for detecting the presence of permanent magnets. Other product offerings include counters, rate meters, timers, and controls.
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AutomationDirect Inc.
Photoelectric Sensors
Distributor Overview
AutomationDirect.com was founded in 1994 to provide solutions for the industrial automation market and has been growing its list of offerings ever since. AutomationDirects’ extensive catalog includes individual components such as cables, various controls, I/O devices, relays, gauges, fittings, and sensors to complete systems. Many parts and devices, especially PLC units are customizable. AutomationDirect.com also provides support via video instructions, online manuals, a learning library, an active community forum to further assist customers.
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Photoelectric Element Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of April 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rockwell Automation |
33.3%
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| 2 | Optex Fee |
33.3%
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| 3 | Omron |
33.3%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the photoelectric element page as of April 2024. 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
- Pepperl+Fuchs Inc.: 7,100
- Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.: 3,766
- Balluff: 3,600
Newly Established Company
- Optex Fee: 2002 (22 years ago)
- SensoPart Inc.: 1994 (30 years ago)
- OPTIKA S.r.l.: 1971 (53 years ago)
Company with a History
- Balluff: 1921 (103 years ago)
- Pepperl+Fuchs Inc.: 1945 (79 years ago)
- SICK AG: 1946 (78 years ago)
Photoelectric Element Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
- Banner Engineering Corporation
- SICK AG
- Omron Microscan
- Advance Electrical & Automation
- Pepperl+Fuchs Inc.
- ifm efector, inc.
- E-Motion, Inc.
Global Distribution of Photoelectric Element Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
|
7 | 70.0% |
Japan
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2 | 20.0% |
Italy
|
1 | 10.0% |
List of Photoelectric Element Products
2 products are listed.
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Inspector SPS Series
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