EX-21A Panasonic Ultra-Compact Thru-Beam Photoelectric Sensor – 1 m, NPN, EX-20 Series
The Panasonic EX-21A is a thru-beam photoelectric sensor from the EX-20 Ver.2 ultra-compact range, with front sensing, a 1 m sensing range and an NPN open-collector output. It is a separate emitter and receiver pair, each weighing about 20 g, with built-in amplifiers. It fits into small assembly machines, feeders and conveyors without a separate controller. A modulated red LED beam at 640 nm makes alignment easy and detects opaque objects down to ø2.6 mm at full range. A 0.5 ms response time keeps up with fast-moving parts.
Key Features of the Panasonic EX-21A
- Thru-beam type, front sensing, 1 m sensing range
- Detects opaque objects from ø2.6 mm at 1 m
- 0.05 mm repeatability perpendicular to the sensing axis
- 0.5 ms response time
- NPN open-collector output, 50 mA max., short-circuit protected
- Orange operation LED and green stability LED on the receiver
- Visible red LED beam (640 nm) for easy alignment
- IP67 protection
- CE and UKCA marked, UL Recognized
Technical Specifications – EX-21A
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Panasonic |
| Part number | EX-21A |
| Series | Ultra-compact Photoelectric Sensor EX-20 Ver.2 |
| Sensing type | Thru-beam, front sensing |
| Sensing range | 1 m |
| Sensing object | Min. ø2.6 mm opaque object (at 1 m) |
| Repeatability | 0.05 mm or less |
| Supply voltage | 12–24 V DC ±10 %, ripple P-P 10 % or less |
| Current consumption | Emitter 10 mA or less; receiver 10 mA or less |
| Output | NPN open-collector, max. sink current 50 mA, 30 V DC or less |
| Residual voltage | 2 V or less at 50 mA; 1 V or less at 16 mA |
| Utilization category | DC-12 or DC-13 |
| Response time | 0.5 ms or less |
| Indicators | Orange operation LED; green stability LED (receiver) |
| Emitting element | Red LED, modulated, 640 nm |
| Protection | IP67 (IEC) |
| Ambient temperature | −25 to +55 °C (storage −30 to +70 °C) |
| Ambient humidity | 35–85 % RH |
| Ambient illuminance | Incandescent light, 3,000 lx or less |
| Vibration / shock | 10–500 Hz, 3 mm double amplitude (20 G max.) / 500 m/s² |
| Material | Enclosure PET; lens polyarylate |
| Cable | 0.1 mm² cabtyre, 3-core receiver / 2-core emitter, 2 m |
| Cable extension | Up to 50 m total with 0.3 mm² or thicker |
| Weight | Approx. 20 g each head; approx. 60 g gross |
Choosing Between EX-20 and EX-10
The EX-21A from the EX-20 series offers a longer 1 m range in an ultra-compact body. For the slimmest possible installation, Panasonic’s EX-10 series sensors such as the EX-13A cover up to 500 mm.
Buy Panasonic EX-21A from Atlantech Drives
Order the Panasonic EX-21A with fast worldwide shipping, in single pairs or volume for OEM machine builds. Our commercial team responds quickly with price and lead time. Request your quote today.
