Overview
The Allen-Bradley 42EF-B1MPBE-F4 is a compact photoelectric sensor from the RightSight product family, designed for light- to medium-level industrial automation applications. This sensor uses infrared background suppression technology to deliver accurate object detection while filtering out ambient light interference. The 42EF-B1MPBE-F4 is configured as a PNP source output device with complementary light-operate and dark-operate outputs, making it suitable for flexible logic integration in control systems.
Key Features
- Background suppression sensing mode reduces false triggers from surrounding reflective surfaces
- Infrared light source operates reliably in varied lighting conditions
- 18 mm cylindrical form factor with front through-hole mounting for space-constrained applications
- Dual complementary outputs (light-operate and dark-operate) enable multiple control logic configurations
- 1 ms typical response time for fast object detection
- 4-pin DC micro quick-disconnect connector on 152 mm (6 inch) pigtail for simplified wiring
- Output short-circuit protection (SCP) to 100 mA
- Input over-voltage and reverse-polarity protection
Technical Specifications
- Operating Voltage: 10.8 to 30V DC
- Power Consumption: 35 mA maximum (1 W maximum)
- Output Configuration: PNP source, complementary light-operate and dark-operate
- Output Rating: 30V DC @ 100 mA maximum (SCP protected)
- Output Leakage Current: 0.1 mA maximum
- Sensing Distance: 3 to 100 mm (0.12 to 3.9 inches)
- Response Time: 1 ms typical
- Light Source: Infrared (880 nm)
- Sensing Mode: Background suppression
- Sensitivity: Not adjustable
- Housing Material: 18 mm cylindrical, impact-resistant plastic
- Connection Type: 4-pin DC micro quick-disconnect on pigtail
- Cable Length: 152 mm (6 inches)
- Weight: 0.11 lbs
- Protection Features: Input reverse polarity, over-voltage, false-pulse protection; output short-circuit protection to 100 mA
Typical Applications
The 42EF-B1MPBE-F4 is ideal for packaging machinery, conveyors, assembly lines, and material handling systems where reliable object presence detection is required. Its background suppression capability makes it particularly valuable in applications with reflective backgrounds or uneven lighting. Common uses include:
- Part presence detection on automated assembly lines
- Container counting and positioning on conveyors
- Machine tool workpiece detection with background suppression
- Position verification in packaging and labeling systems
- Object edge detection in light- to medium-duty applications
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- Allen-Bradley CompactLogix and ControlLogix PLCs (via discrete DC input modules)
- Siemens S7-1200 and S7-1500 systems (via 24V DC input terminals)
- Mitsubishi FX series controllers
- Omron CP and CJ series PLCs
- Any industrial controller with 10.8–30V DC discrete input capability
- Studio 5000 for PLC program development
- EtherNet/IP and PROFINET networks (via appropriate gateways or I/O modules)
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
- 42EF-B1MNBE-F4 (NPN version; electrical and mechanical compatibility confirmed)
- Earlier 42EF series background suppression sensors with equivalent DC voltage ratings
- General-purpose photoelectric sensors in 18 mm form factor with similar sensing distance
Works With
- Studio 5000 (discrete DC input modules)
- TIA Portal (Siemens systems with 24V DC input terminals)
- GX Works3 (Mitsubishi platforms)
- CX-One (Omron programming environments)
- EtherCAT, PROFINET, and EtherNet/IP (via appropriate master modules)
- IO-Link gateways (for diagnostics and advanced configuration on newer platforms)
