Many engineers reviewing Autonics BW20-16 also explore Autonics Proximity Sensor, Autonics Digital Counter and Autonics Bwp20 08P, ensuring they donβt miss strong alternatives before finalizing procurement decisions.
Autonics BW20-16 Area Sensor
The Autonics BW20-16 Area Sensor offers Through-beam type(direct beam) sensing, 0.1 to 7m sensing distance, Infrared LED(850nm modulated) light source, 12-24VDC power supply , NPN open collector output. Manufactured by Autonics under the Autonics Area Sensor category, this model belongs to the Autonics BW Series.

| Brand | Autonics |
| Product Type | Area Sensor |
| Model Number | BW20-16 |
Autonics BW20-16 Area Sensor β Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensing type | Through-beam type(direct beam) |
| Sensing distance | 0.1 to 7m |
| Light source | Infrared LED(850nm modulated) |
| Optical axis pitch | 20mm |
| Number of optical axes | 16 |
| Power supply | 12-24VDC |
| Control output | NPN open collector |
| Operation mode | Light ON |
| Environment_Ambient illumination | Ambient light: Max. 10,000lx(receiver illumination) |
| Environment_Ambient temperature | -10 to 55β, storage: -20 to 60β |
| Connection type | Cable connector type(Γ5, 300mm, M12) |
| Protection structure | IP65 |
| Environment_Ambient humidity | 35 to 85% RH, storage: 35 to 85% RH |
| Min. sensing target | Opaque material of min. Γ30mm |
| Response time | Max. 10ms |
| Material | β’ Case: Aluminum, β’ Front cover, sensing part: Acrylic |
| Cable specification | Γ5mm, 4-wire, 300mm, M12 connector |
| Sensing height/Total length | 300/320mm |
| Accessories | Bracket A: 4, Bracket B: 4, Fixing bolt: 8 |
| Weight | BW20-48: Approx. 2.1kg(approx. 1.4kg) |
The Autonics BW20-16 General Purpose Area Sensor operates on a through-beam type sensing method with a detection range of 0.1 to 7 meters. It features a 20mm optical axis pitch and 16 optical axes, offering a sensing height of 300mm, enabling precise detection of opaque targets as small as Γ30mm. The unit uses a modulated Infrared LED (850nm) light source to minimize interference from ambient light up to 10,000 lux, ensuring stable signal reception in various environments.
Powered by 12β24VDC Β±10%, the BW20-16 delivers output via an NPN open collector and supports Light ON mode for easy PLC integration. Built for demanding industrial use, it features a rugged IP65-rated aluminum housing with an acrylic front cover to protect the sensing part from dust and moisture. Its fast 10ms response time ensures accurate detection in high-speed applications, while the M12, Γ5mm, 4-wire connector cable provides secure and simple installation. Learn more about the complete Autonics lineup at Autonics Sensors & Controllers.
The BW20-16 Area Sensor is well-suited for conveyor positioning, pallet detection, and safety monitoring in automated systems. In manufacturing plants, it helps verify component presence before assembly. In logistics, it ensures accurate package detection for sorting and tracking. Its combination of compact design, quick response, and robust construction makes it a dependable choice for engineers seeking long-term reliability in varied industrial settings. For mid-range detection with high accuracy, the Autonics BW20-16 is a trusted solution.







