Difference between infrared switch and photoelectric switch

Infrared switch is a type of photoelectric switch. Below, we will introduce the differences and connections between the two from the aspects of concept, principle, and application scenarios:
concept
Infrared switch: also known as infrared photoelectric switch, is an automatic control device that uses infrared light for photoelectric conversion. It uses near-infrared and infrared light that are invisible to the human eye (wavelength of 780nm-1mm) to detect and distinguish objects.
Photoelectric switch: also known as photoelectric sensor, converts optical signals into electrical signals based on the principle of wave particle duality. It can detect non electric quantities that directly cause changes in light intensity, such as light intensity, illuminance, etc; It can also detect other non electric quantities that can be converted into changes in light intensity, such as part diameter, surface roughness, etc.
principle
Infrared switch: It consists of three parts: transmitter, receiver, and detection circuit. The emitter is aimed at the target and emits a beam of light (usually from light-emitting diodes and laser diodes), which is continuously emitted or changes the pulse width. The radiation intensity of the pulse modulated beam is selected multiple times during emission before being directed towards the target. Optical components such as lenses and apertures are installed in front of the receiver, followed by a detection circuit that can filter out effective signals and apply them. According to the propagation mode of infrared light, it can be divided into infrared incidence and infrared reflection modes; There are AD sampling and square wave modulation methods for detection.
Infrared pairing method: The infrared emitter emits infrared radiation, and if there are no obstacles in between, the infrared receiver can receive the infrared radiation; If there are obstacles, the receiving tube will not receive infrared radiation, thus achieving obstacle detection.
Infrared reflection method: The infrared emitter emits infrared radiation, which is reflected back by the receiver when there is an obstacle in front of it
Photoelectric switch: Control is achieved by converting changes in light intensity into changes in electrical signals. The emitted light beam has a wider range of sources, not limited to infrared, but also including visible red light, laser, etc
Application scenarios
Infrared switch: Due to its characteristics of not being affected by color and being able to penetrate dust, mist, steam, etc., infrared has many applications in many scenarios. In material cutting control, it can ensure that the material is accurately cut; It can also be used for household hand dryers, fully automatic faucets, anti-theft alarms, automatic unit switches, automatic control of public toilet water tanks, and other occasions; It is also used for pyroelectric infrared photoelectric sensor corridor lighting switch, which automatically controls the lighting switch by detecting human infrared radiation.
Photoelectric switch: Different types of photoelectric switches have different applications.
Visible red light photoelectric switch: widely used, can be used in various production scenarios, with sensitive response for close range detection, cheap price, can be used as a setting auxiliary tool, but not suitable for long-distance detection, easily affected by background color and other factors
Laser photoelectric switch: With strong penetration and long sensing distance, it can support the detection conditions of small targets at long distances. The small beam spot can ensure the switch point, but the cost is relatively high