Panasonic sensors vary considerably in their operating principles depending on the product type.
1. Photoelectric Sensors (e.g., through-beam, specular reflection): These sensors detect changes in light intensity (interruption or reflection) at the receiver by emitting a light beam (LED/laser) to determine the presence of an object. Detection of transparent objects relies on surface reflection or polarized light technology.
2. Laser Displacement Sensors (e.g., HG-C1200): Based on triangulation, a laser point illuminates the target, and the reflected light is captured by a CMOS receiver. Distance is calculated by changes in the position of the laser spot (accuracy up to ±0.2% F.S.).
3. Pressure Sensors (e.g., diffused silicon/ceramic capacitive): These sensors utilize the piezoresistive effect (resistance change) or capacitance change caused by the deformation of a diaphragm under pressure, which is converted into a voltage/current signal by a circuit.
4. Magnetoresistive Sensors (MR series): Based on the magnetoresistive effect, the resistance of a material changes in a magnetic field. A Wheatstone bridge outputs a signal proportional to the magnetic field strength. Temperature sensors (such as those used in washing machines): typically use thermistors (NTC/PTC), whose resistance changes linearly with temperature and is converted into a voltage signal by a voltage divider circuit.
