As industrial and office equipment becomes increasingly sophisticated and automated, the demand for greater accuracy in detection technology also grows. In applications such as label printers, material handling systems, and photocopiers, it is essential to have technology capable of identifying objects with greater precision. Furthermore, the increased speed driven by productivity improvements makes the introduction of high-speed, high-precision optical sensors essential.
The RPR-0730 is a compact, reflective optical sensor (photoreflector). It employs an infrared VCSEL, which offers greater directionality than LEDs, enabling the detection of thinner objects. Furthermore, by using a phototransistor with an analog output as a receiver, the sensor achieves a response time of 10 µs. This dual combination allows for the precise, high-speed identification of fine lines as thin as 0.1 mm, which were previously difficult to detect with conventional LED light sources. Complementing the existing digital output sensorRPR-0720, the RPR-0730 expands capabilities for applications requiring faster detection, such as print detection in copiers and label printers, or rotational detection in motors and gears.
The sensor is ultra-compact (2.0 mm × 1.0 mm × 0.55 mm) and uses a visible light filtering resin to suppress interference from ambient or sunlight. This enables stable detection even in environments with varying lighting conditions, such as factories or outdoors. The sensor can also be easily integrated into equipment requiring installation in confined spaces, such as inside conveyor belts or precision instruments, making it suitable for a wider range of applications.
Mass production of the new product began in October 2025. This product is available for purchase online from online retailers such as DigiKey and MOUSER.
In the future, ROHM will continue to leverage its expertise in developing light-emitting and light-receiving elements to create sensing products that meet customer needs, thereby contributing to the miniaturization and ease of use of various devices.
Application examples
• Print detection, paper feed/jam detection in label printers, photocopiers, shredders, etc.
• Object detection in packages/samples, part position detection in conveyor systems, automatic inspection equipment, etc.
• Detection of motor/gear rotation in industrial robots, etc.
