Technical FAQs
What is the difference between PNP and NPN when describing 3
wire connection of a sensor?
are solid state,
Most industrial proximity sensors (inductive, capacitive, ultrasonic and photo elec
The term solid state refers to the type of components used within the sensor. Solid state electronic components such as transistors
are used to switch the output of the sensor upon detection of an object.
‘Two specific types of 3 wire sensors are available; PNP and NPN. The difference is a result of the internal circuit design and type
of transistors used
‘A key point to observe is that PNP and NPN has nothing to do with whether the sensor is normally open (N/O) or normally |
(NIC), i.e. a PNP sensor may be either N/O or N/C as can an NPN be either NiO or NIC.
Why two types?
The selection of a PNP sensor verses an NPN sensor is determined by the nature of the circuit the device is to be used in. When
used in a traditional relay type control circuit, itis normally possible to use either the PNP or the NPN type of sensor as shown,
below. PNP sensors tend to be more commonly used.
Traditional relay type control circuit;
3 wire PNP wiring
+24 Vde
3 wire PNP
sensor
Relay or
contactor with
low power
consumption
2aV de call
OVde
3 wire NPN wiring
+24 Vde
Relay or 3 wire NPN
contactor with sensor
low power
consumption
2aVde coil
OVdeUse with a programmable logic controller (PLC).
When selecting a sensor to be used with a PLC, itis very important that the sensor matches the type of PLC input card to be used,
‘Two types of input cards exist, those that ‘sink’ current (also known as positive logic) and those that ‘source’ current (also known
as negative logic). It is worth mentioning, that whilst the terms sinking / sourcing and positive / negative logic are well known in
some industries, they ere nol always commonly used terms. It's therefore important to identify the type of sensor to be used with
the PLC card based on the PLC manufacturer's documentation and / or wiring diagrams,
Most common in Europe is the ‘sinking’ type of input, these will be used with the PNP sensor as shown below. Less common
nowadays are input cards that ‘source’, these were popular in Asia and require the NPN type of sensor in order to operate
correcily. Many modern PLC input cards can be configured and wired to be either ‘sinking’ or ‘sourcing’ although it will usually
necessitate all puts on a particular input card being configured the same.
PNP wiring
+ 24Vde 3 wire PNP
sensor
24¥ de ‘sinking’
PLC Input card
0 Vde
NPN wiring
+24 Vde
3 wire NEN
sensor
2aVde ‘sourcing’
PLC input care
OVde