The Square D / Telemecanique XUB2APAWM12R is a tubular through-beam photoelectric sensor from the XUB Series, rated for a 15 m sensing range with a PNP normally open output. It operates on 12 to 24 VDC and switches in 1 millisecond on and off, making it suited for fast object detection across moderate gaps. The M12 4-pin DC micro connector keeps wiring consistent with common industrial quick-disconnect standards.
If you are comparing this to the miniature XUAH0224S — also a through-beam PNP but with a 2 m range, M8 3-pin connector, and NC output — the XUB2APAWM12R gives you a substantially longer beam (15 m vs 2 m) and a faster response (1 ms vs 0.25 ms for off? Actually the XUA is 0.25 ms on/off, so the XUB is slower, but 1 ms is still fast for most lines). The M12 connector is more rugged than the M8 and shares a connector family with many photoeyes and proximity sensors. The main cross-shop point: the XUB's PBT housing is lighter and corrosion-resistant vs the nickel-plated brass of the XUA, and the XUB includes a mounting nut in the box.
Environmental rating: IP65 and IP67 plus NEMA 4X/12, so it handles washdown, dust, and corrosive environments common in food or chemical plants. The PBT construction and PMMA lens hold up well in those settings. The sensing position is 90 degrees side, which means the optical axis is perpendicular to the barrel axis — mount accordingly if you need a right-angle beam path.