What the EE-SX673 is and where it fits
The Omron EE-SX673 is a through-beam optical sensor with a 5 mm slot — a compact, fixed-gap photomicrosensor for detecting objects that break the light path between the emitter and receiver inside the slot. Its NPN open collector output sinks current to ground when the beam is interrupted, which is the standard interface for PLC digital inputs, counter modules, and industrial control logic. The 5 V supply rail matches common logic and I/O power buses in factory automation panels. With a 1 ms response time, it handles edge counting on moderate-speed conveyor lines and rotary indexing tables. The operating temperature range of -25°C to 55°C keeps it inside conditioned enclosures or sheltered machine bays — not for outdoor or high-heat zones.
5 mm slot — what the sensing distance means for your machine
The 5 mm slot width (0.197 in) sets the maximum object thickness that can pass through the gap. This is a fixed-gap through-beam, not a diffuse or retroreflective sensor with a variable range. If your application needs to detect parts thicker than 5 mm, or requires a longer sensing distance through a larger opening, this part won't fit. For objects that fit within the slot, the through-beam design gives reliable detection regardless of surface color or reflectivity — a clean break of the beam triggers the output.
NPN open collector — wiring it to your control system
The NPN open collector output is a sinking type: when the beam is interrupted, the output transistor pulls the load to ground. This matches the majority of PLC sourcing input modules (sink inputs) and DC logic families. The switching current is rated at 12 mA, which is sufficient to drive a small relay or optocoupler directly, but not a high-current load. For higher loads, use the sensor to switch an interposing relay or transistor buffer.
Temperature range and environment
Rated for -25°C to 55°C ambient, the EE-SX673 is suited for indoor industrial environments — control cabinets, packaging machinery, and assembly stations — but not for freezers, ovens, or outdoor exposure. The chassis-mount package with bulk packaging is typical for panel builders who integrate the sensor into a machine frame with a bracket or DIN-rail adapter.
Lifecycle and sourcing
The EE-SX673 is listed as Active in production, so it remains a standard catalog item from Omron. For BOM planning, this part is sourced through independent distribution and quoted to order — no last-time-buy or obsolescence concerns at this time. Availability and current pricing are confirmed at quote time against an RFQ.