Slotted optical switch
Encyclopedia
The slotted optical switch, sometimes known as opto switch or optical switch but not to be confused with the optical component, is a device comprising a photoemitter (e.g. LED
) and a photodetector (e.g. photodiode
) mounted in a single package so that the photoemitter normally illuminates the photodetector, but an opaque object can be inserted in a slot between them so as to break the beam. Associated circuit
ry is provided which changes state when the beam is interrupted. For example, the carriage of a computer printer
may be fitted with a projection which interrupts the beam of a slotted switch when it reaches the end of its travel, causing circuitry to react appropriately. Another application of the slotted switch is in the type of computer mouse with a rotating ball. The ball measures distances moved by rotating orthogonal shafts which drive chopper wheels turning in the slots of slotted switches.
This device uses the same basic components as an opto-coupler, but is operated by manipulating the light path instead of the photoemitter input.
Illustrations and data on slotted optical switches are to be found in catalogues and manufacturers' data sheets.
LEd
LEd is a TeX/LaTeX editing software working under Microsoft Windows. It is a freeware product....
) and a photodetector (e.g. photodiode
Photodiode
A photodiode is a type of photodetector capable of converting light into either current or voltage, depending upon the mode of operation.The common, traditional solar cell used to generateelectric solar power is a large area photodiode....
) mounted in a single package so that the photoemitter normally illuminates the photodetector, but an opaque object can be inserted in a slot between them so as to break the beam. Associated circuit
Electronic circuit
An electronic circuit is composed of individual electronic components, such as resistors, transistors, capacitors, inductors and diodes, connected by conductive wires or traces through which electric current can flow...
ry is provided which changes state when the beam is interrupted. For example, the carriage of a computer printer
Computer printer
In computing, a printer is a peripheral which produces a text or graphics of documents stored in electronic form, usually on physical print media such as paper or transparencies. Many printers are primarily used as local peripherals, and are attached by a printer cable or, in most new printers, a...
may be fitted with a projection which interrupts the beam of a slotted switch when it reaches the end of its travel, causing circuitry to react appropriately. Another application of the slotted switch is in the type of computer mouse with a rotating ball. The ball measures distances moved by rotating orthogonal shafts which drive chopper wheels turning in the slots of slotted switches.
This device uses the same basic components as an opto-coupler, but is operated by manipulating the light path instead of the photoemitter input.
Illustrations and data on slotted optical switches are to be found in catalogues and manufacturers' data sheets.