The **M2AC-A13-R/Q** is a high-precision electromagnetic component, specifically a **Solid State Switch (Reed Switch)** often utilized in pneumatic cylinder position sensing. This part is manufactured by SMC and is designed to detect the presence of a magnet within a cylinder's piston. ### 1. Technical Specifications Below are the primary electronic and physical characteristics of the M2AC-A13-R/Q: | Feature | Specification | | :--- | :--- | | **Switch Type** | Reed Switch (Solid State output variant) | | **Output Type** | 2-wire (Polarized) | | **Load Voltage** | 24 VDC (Typical range: 10 to 28 VDC) | | **Load Current** | 5 to 40 mA | | **Internal Voltage Drop** | 4V or less | | **Indicator Light** | Red LED (illuminates when "ON") | | **Lead Wire** | Oil-resistant vinyl heavy-duty cord | | **Protection Rating** | IP67 (Dust-tight and water-resistant) | --- ### 2. Electronic Components & Internal Logic The M2AC-A13-R/Q functions as a magnetic proximity sensor. Here is a breakdown of its electronic operation: 1. **Sensing Element:** It contains a reed element or a solid-state Hall effect sensor that reacts to the magnetic field of a piston. 2. **Logic Circuit:** When the magnetic flux density reaches the threshold, the internal transistor (or reed contact) closes the circuit. 3. **The "R/Q" Designation:** * **R:** Usually refers to the specific wiring orientation or the presence of a surge suppressor. * **Q:** Often denotes compliance with specific safety standards (such as CE marking) or specific global manufacturing codes. 4. **Leakage Current:** Because it is a 2-wire sensor, a small amount of "leakage current" (typically <0.8 mA) flows through the circuit even when the switch is OFF to power the internal LED and sensor logic. --- ### 3. Wiring Configuration The device uses a standard 2-wire system. It is critical to observe polarity to avoid damaging the LED indicator. ```yaml Wire Colors: - Brown: Positive (+) Terminal (Connect to Load) - Blue: Negative (-) Terminal (Connect to 0V/Common) ``` ### 4. Application Use Cases * **Pneumatic Control:** Mounted on the exterior of an SMC cylinder to provide feedback to a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). * **End-of-Stroke Detection:** Ensuring a robotic arm has fully extended before the next step in a sequence begins. * **Safety Interlocking:** Preventing machine operation if a cylinder is not in the "home" position. ---