How to adjust the amplifier fiber optic sensor

Fiber optic amplifier sensors can be adjusted using automatic or manual sensitivity settings, threshold fine-tuning, and 1-point or 2-point teaching methods depending on the model.

Automatic Sensitivity Adjustment

Most fiber optic amplifiers allow automatic sensitivity setting to quickly calibrate the sensor to the target object: Position the object in the sensing area. Press the designated button (e.g., [OUT on] for IFM OBF5 or for Keyence FS-N series) for a few seconds until the sensor registers the object. The amplifier automatically sets the sensitivity to detect the object reliably.

Remove the object and press the corresponding button (e.g., [OUT off]) to set the background or no-object reference. This ensures accurate detection without false triggers.

Manual Fine Adjustment

For precise control: Use the threshold fine adjustment function to slightly increase or decrease the detection threshold. This is useful if the object is partially reflective or if environmental factors like dust reduce light intensity. Some amplifiers allow incremental adjustments by pressing "+" or "-" buttons to modify the switching threshold until the desired detection performance is achieved.

1-Point and 2-Point Teaching1-Point Teaching: Set the sensor to detect a single reference condition, usually the presence of the object.

Press the SE

T key while the object is in place to define the threshold. 2-Point Teaching: Define both the object-present and object-absent conditions. This method sets two thresholds (e.g., 10% below and 10% above the incident light intensity) to improve detection accuracy and reduce variation due to environmental changes.

Additional Tips

Ensure the fiber optics are properly inserted into the sensor until the end stop and secured with screws; misalignment reduces sensing range. Use pulse stretching if the sensor output needs to be extended for reliable switching in fast-moving applications. If the sensor becomes contaminated or the light intensity decreases, you can slightly increase the reference value to maintain detection reliability.

For reflective models, you can set the background as a reference and adjust the threshold to a slightly higher light intensity to improve detection. By combining automatic calibration, manual fine-tuning, and proper teaching methods, you can optimize the fiber optic amplifier sensor for accurate and stable detection in your application.