What the EE-SX870 is and where it fits
The Omron EE-SX870 is a U-slot through-beam photoelectric sensor from the SX87 series, built for compact edge detection and position sensing in tight spaces—think paper path, small-part presence, or end-of-travel on a mini linear stage. Sensing distance is 5 mm maximum, so this is strictly a short-range, high-speed detector: 3 kHz switching and a 0.17 msec response time let it catch fast-moving targets that a longer-range photoelectric would miss. Supply voltage spans 5-24 VDC, which makes it compatible with both 5 V logic and 24 V industrial PLC inputs without a separate level shifter. Output is NPN open-collector, rated to 100 mA maximum load current—fit into a standard sinking input module with no modification.
How it compares to the larger through-beam sensors
Against Omron's E3Z-T61K 2M (15 m range, rectangular body), the EE-SX870 differs in every mounting dimension: 18 mm wide, 31 mm tall, and only 4 mm deep, with a fork-style slot vs a rectangular housing with through-hole brackets. For a PNP version of this form factor, see the Omron EE-SX870- or similar, but this order code is strictly NPN.
Sourcing and lifecycle
Specify into your BOM with confidence for new designs or line-down replacements. Quoted to order against an RFQ; no minimum quantity restrictions beyond the manufacturer's MOQ.
Integration notes
Body is PBT with a sealed electrical connection: 2 m prewired cable, bare wires (no connector). IP64 means dust-tight and splash-resistant—suited for cabinet interior or light industrial washdown, but not submersion. Switching mode is fixed Light-On; no dark-on option built in. If you need dark-on operation, an external inversion circuit or a different sensor is required.