The Leuze HT46CI/2N-M12 infrared diffuse reflection sensor with background suppression is a high-performance, long-range optical sensing device belonging to the renowned Series 46C engineered by Leuze (Germany) – a world-leading manufacturer of smart optical sensor and safety systems for industrial automation. This sensor is specifically engineered to deliver maximum detection reliability over large distances up to 3 meters, tailored for automated control architectures utilizing NPN sinking logic.

The core technological strength of the Leuze HT46CI/2N-M12 combines state-of-the-art optical background suppression (BGS) triangulation with an 860 nm infrared LED emitter capable of penetrating dusty, misty, and humid ambient factory conditions. The sensor achieves an exceptionally low black-white error of less than 10% across scanning ranges up to 1,200 mm. This guarantees absolute detection consistency across dark-colored objects, matte black rubber parts, and coarse metallic workpieces independent of color or gloss variations. It provides an impressive guaranteed operating range from 0.005 m to 3.0 m (on 90% white surfaces) and 0.05 m to 1.5 m (on 6% black surfaces), with smooth calibration from 120 mm to 3,000 mm via a precise multiturn potentiometer.

Constructed for harsh industrial environments, the HT46CI/2N-M12 is encased in a rugged PC-PBT plastic housing with a scratch-resistant PMMA lens cover, achieving IP67 and IP69K ingress protection alongside stringent ECOLAB chemical resistance certification. It operates reliably within extreme temperature conditions from -40°C to +60°C. The electronics feature dual complementary NPN transistor switching outputs (Light switching on Output 1 / Dark switching on Output 2) with a 250 Hz switching frequency (2 ms response time), backed by full short-circuit and reverse polarity protection. Its standardized M12 4-pin connector enables seamless, plug-and-play integration into automated conveyor networks, packaging machinery, and high-bay intralogistics systems.

• Brand: Leuze (Germany)
• Product Series: Series 46C
• Part Number: HT46CI/2N-M12
• Operating Principle: Diffuse reflection principle with background suppression (BGS)
• Special Application: Long-range object detection, reliable switching in dusty environments, NPN systems
• Light Source: Infrared LED
• Wavelength: 860 nm
• Light Spot Geometry: Rectangular
• LED Risk Group: Exempt group (acc. to EN 62471)
• Operating Range (White 90%): 0.005 ... 3.0 m (5 ... 3000 mm)
• Operating Range (Gray 18%): 0.02 ... 2.0 m (20 ... 2000 mm)
• Operating Range (Black 6%): 0.05 ... 1.5 m (50 ... 1500 mm)
• Adjustment Range: 120 ... 3000 mm
• Black-White Error: < 10% (up to 1200 mm scanning distance)
• Operating Supply Voltage (UB): 10 ... 30 V DC (incl. residual ripple 0 ... 15%)
• Open-Circuit Current: 0 ... 30 mA
• Number of Digital Outputs: 2 outputs
• Switching Element: NPN Transistors
• Switching Principle: Output 1: Light switching, Output 2: Dark switching
• Maximum Output Load Current: 100 mA
• Switching Frequency: 250 Hz
• Response Time: 2 ms
• Readiness Delay: 300 ms
• Protective Circuits: Short-circuit protection & Polarity reversal protection
• Sensitivity Adjustment: Multiturn rotary potentiometer
• Status Display: Yellow LED (switching output status), Green LED (operating voltage ready)
• Electrical Connection: Connector M12, 4-pin, A-coded, metal thread
• Housing Construction: Cubic industrial design
• Housing Dimensions (W x H x L): 20.5 mm x 76.3 mm x 44 mm
• Housing Material: Plastic (PC-PBT, Industrial Red)
• Lens Cover Material: Plastic (PMMA)
• Net Weight: 60 g
• Degree of Protection: IP67, IP69K
• Chemical Resistance: ECOLAB certified
• Protection Class: Class III
• Standards & Certifications: cULus, IEC 60947-5-2
• Ambient Operating Temperature: -40 °C to +60 °C
• Storage Temperature: -40 °C to +70 °C