Normally open, normally closed or antivalent
Which output function is required?
Which output function is required? Binary switching sensors – i.e. ones that are in either the 'switched on' or 'switched off' state – have three different output functions: 'normally open', 'normally closed' and 'antivalent'.
Normally open

If an object is present within the active zone, the output is through-connected.
Normally closed

If an object is present within the active zone, the output is blocked.
Antivalent

NC (normally closed)
Normally open and normally closed functions are available at the same time.
If additional sensor data are required, there are many sensors available that provide an analogue output or are compatible with the new IO-Link interface.

Normally closed circuits have the great advantage in sensing technology that broken contacts are reliably detected.
Patrick Targonski, Product Manager at autosen


Products with varying switching output types
