GP2D12
8 Data Sheet
NOTES
• Keep the sensor lens clean. Dust, water, oil, and
other contaminants can deteriorate the characteris-
tics of this device. Applications should be designed
to eliminate sources of lens contamination.
• When using a protective cover over the emitter
and detector, ensure the cover efficiently transmits
light throughout the wavelength range of the LED
(λ = 850 nm ± 70 nm). Both sides of the protective
cover should be highly polished. Use of a protective
cover may decrease the effective distance over
which the sensor operates. Ensure that any cover
does not negatively affect the operation over the
intended application range.
• Objects in proximity to the sensor may cause reflec-
tions that can affect the operation of the sensor.
• Sources of high ambient light (the sun or strong arti-
ficial light) may affect measurement. For best
results, the application should be designed to pre-
vent interference from direct sunlight or artificial light.
• Using the sensor with a mirror can induce measure-
ment errors. Often, changing the incident angle on
the mirror can correct this problem.
• If a prominent boundary line exists in the surface
being measured, it should be aligned vertically to
avoid measurement error. See Figure 6 for further
details.
• When measuring the distance to objects in motion,
align the sensor so that the motion is in the horizontal
direction instead of vertical. Figure 7 illustrates the
preferred alignment.
• A 10 µF (or larger) bypass capacitor between V
CC
and GND near the sensor is recommended.
• To clean the sensor, use a dry cloth. Use of any liq-
uid to clean the device may result in decreased sen-
sitivity or complete failure.
• Excessive mechanical stress can damage the
internal sensor or lens.
Figure 6. Proper Alignment to Surface Being Measured
Figure 7. Proper Alignment to Moving Surfaces
GP2D12-1
(AVOID IF POSSIBLE) (PREFERRED)
GP2D12-2
(AVOID IF POSSIBLE) (PREFERRED)
DIRECTION
OF MOVEMENT
DIRECTION
OF MOVEMENT
