Reliable counting across a 45 × 45 mm optical window.
CN45 is an industrial through-beam multi-channel optical matrix sensor designed for counting and passage detection of small objects. Eight infrared channels cover the sensing window so parts do not need to cross one exact single-beam point.
How the CN45 works
CN45 is a through-beam counting matrix sensor designed for small parts moving through a controlled opening. Eight infrared optical channels continuously monitor the 45 × 45 mm active area. When an object passes through the window and interrupts one or more channels, the sensor changes its digital output so the connected PLC, counter or controller can register the event.
Detection principle
The sensor uses 8 optical channels across the opening instead of a single point beam. This means the part does not need to cross one exact position. As long as the object passes through the active sensing area and is large enough to interrupt the optical field, CN45 detects it.
The specified light source is IR at 950 nm, with a 45 × 45 mm active sensing area and a minimum detectable object size of 5 × 5 × 5 mm.
What happens when a part passes?
As the part enters the sensing window, one or more beams are interrupted. The internal electronics validate that interruption and change the normally-open PNP or NPN output. The connected controller then increments a count, checks a batch quantity, confirms product flow or performs another programmed machine action.
The CN45 itself provides the detection signal; the actual accumulated count is normally handled by the PLC, counter or machine controller.
1. Guide the parts through the opening
Mount the CN45 so the complete product stream passes through the 45 × 45 mm active sensing zone. A chute, guide or feeder should keep parts away from the frame edges.
2. Separate individual objects
For one count per object, parts must pass individually. Maintain at least the specified 3 mm minimum spacing. Touching or overlapping objects may look like one continuous blockage.
3. Connect the correct output type
Select the PNP or NPN version that matches the PLC or counter input. The output is normally open and changes state when a valid object passage is detected.
4. Use the controller to count
The PLC, counter or microcontroller should count output transitions. It can then stop the feeder at a target quantity, trigger a gate, confirm a batch or monitor production flow.
5. Keep the sensing window clear
Dust, fixed obstructions or product residue inside the opening can create a constant blocked condition. Keep the optical path clean and mechanically unobstructed.
6. Validate speed and spacing
Check the real production rate against the specified 1 kHz switching frequency and 30 ms response time. Also verify that PLC input filtering does not hide short detection pulses.
Applications
CN45 is most useful where many small discrete parts move through a controlled path and a single point sensor would be easy to miss or difficult to align.
Tablets & capsules
Suitable for counting discrete pharmaceutical-style objects when the machine guides and spaces them correctly.
Screws & fasteners
Useful after a bowl feeder or chute for counting nuts, screws, washers and similar hardware.
Electronic components
Count connectors, housings or other components that are large enough to meet the minimum object-size specification.
Plastic molded parts
Monitor small caps, clips, molded pieces and assembly components exiting a feeder.
Seeds & pellets
Applicable to individually separated agricultural, food or polymer pieces where environmental conditions are suitable.
Packaging machines
Verify piece counts before sealing packets, pouches, bottles, trays or kits.
Feeder monitoring
Confirm that a vibratory bowl, linear feeder or gravity chute is continuing to deliver product.
Assembly counting
Count supplied components at a workstation or automated assembly cell to verify process quantity.
Machine cycle verification
Use part passage as a process confirmation signal before the next machine operation is allowed.
Technical specifications
The values below are captured from the supplied CN45 technical information.
| Model | CN45 |
|---|---|
| Detection principle | Through-beam multi-channel optical array |
| Active sensing area | 45 × 45 mm |
| Number of optical channels | 8 |
| Light source | IR, 950 nm |
| Minimum detectable object | 5 × 5 × 5 mm |
| Minimum object spacing | 3 mm |
| Switching frequency | 1 kHz |
| Response time | 30 ms |
| Ambient-light immunity | 10,000 lux max. |
| Status indication | Power and output LEDs |
| Supply voltage | 10–30 V DC |
|---|---|
| Current consumption | 30 mA at 24 V |
| Output type | PNP / NPN |
| Output function | Normally open |
| Short-circuit protection | Provided |
| Reverse-polarity protection | Provided |
| Housing material | Steel / ABS |
| Nominal housing size | 85 × 85 mm |
| Approx. weight | 120 g |
Mechanical dimensions
The detailed drawing gives the exact mechanical envelope and mounting geometry. The active optical area is specified separately as 45 × 45 mm.
Active area vs. physical opening
The mechanical window dimension and the optical active-area specification are not necessarily identical. For application design, use 45 × 45 mm as the specified active sensing area and use the drawing dimensions for mechanical fit.
Installation and application guidance
Good mechanical presentation of the parts is as important as the sensor itself. These points are the main things to check during machine integration.
Guide parts so they pass through the active region rather than clipping the outer frame or mounting hardware.
Keep at least 3 mm spacing when individual counting is required. Mechanical singulation is recommended.
Use objects at or above the 5 × 5 × 5 mm specification. Validate unusual shapes or orientations in the actual machine.
Match the CN45 output type to the PLC, counter or controller input architecture used by the machine.
Dust, product residue or fixed obstructions inside the optical path can appear as a constant blockage.
Check actual part velocity, spacing and PLC input filtering against the specified 1 kHz switching frequency and 30 ms response time.
Frequently asked questions
Why use eight optical channels?
Multiple channels cover more of the opening than a single point beam. This makes the sensor better suited to falling parts that may not follow one perfectly fixed path.
Does CN45 itself display the count?
The CN45 provides the detection output. A PLC, counter or other controller normally accumulates the output events and displays or acts on the final count.
Can two parts be counted if they touch?
If two objects enter together or remain optically connected, they can look like one blockage. For accurate piece counting, separate the parts mechanically.
Does object color matter?
Because CN45 uses a through-beam principle, detection is based primarily on interruption of the light path instead of light reflected from the target surface.