Pantron Infrared Photolectric Multiplexers         

Pantron multiplexers are multi-channel infrared photoelectric amplifiers designed to control two, four, or eight sets of photo eyes. The two-channel IMX series multiplexer uses the same 11-pin socket as the single-channel amplifiers, but the four and eight channel IMX series multiplexers snap onto a DIN rail and all wiring is connected to the unit itself using terminal screws.

There are several benefits to using a multiplexer in an application which requires more than one set of photo eyes. The power supply only needs to be wired to one device and the space required in the control panel to set up multiple photo eyes is greatly reduced. Also, the multiplexer eliminates crosstalk between the photo eyes by rapidly turning ON each set of photo eyes one at a time. The four and eight channel multiplexers have a master-slave mode that allows additional multiplexers to be connected together. This coordinates the timing ON and OFF of the photo eyes so that only the same channel of both devices is ON at the same time.

The New ISM Series

The first noticeable difference between the new ISM series and the older style is that the appearance of the amplifiers and multiplexers has completely changed. They are designed using all of the strengths of the existing devices, but with some new and improved features that make them even easier to use.

The one and two channel amplifiers no longer use the 11-pin socket. The amplifier attaches directly to a DIN rail and all of the connections are made to the device itself. The DIPswitches for all of the new ISM amplifiers and multiplexers that use them are accessible from the front, allowing the presets to be easily changed. All of the new ISM devices are powered by 24VDC. The ISM 1220 series is also available in 24VAC and 115VAC. The mechanical relays have been replaced in all ISM devices to new semiconductor relays, which operate faster and last a very long time.

The ISM-1000 and 1100 are standard manual amplifiers. The ISM-1200 and 1220 amplifiers offer a feature that was not previously available, selectable manual or automatic operation from the same device. This feature allows one device to be used for a wider range of applications and reduces the need to have both manual and automatic devices available separately from inventory. The ISM-2000 adds another channel to the ISM-1220, which means that it can control two sets of photo eyes. All ISM amplifiers and multiplexers from the 1200 series up have the built-in diagnostic features.

The ISM-4000 and 8000 series multiplexers are the next generation four and eight channel multiplexers. Both have LCD screens and a pushbutton interface that is used to program each channel independently (automatic or manual function) and to perform diagnostics for each channel. During setup, a bar graph may be referenced on-screen that reports in real time, the quality of the signal between each channel of photo eyes. An analog output is now available that may be set for any one of the channel outputs. There are special modes that will enable the analog output to report how many photo eyes see or don’t see each other. On one setting, 4VDC means that 4 sets of photo eyes are interrupted. On the other setting 8 VDC means that 8 sets of photo eyes have visual contact. The new “curtain mode” allows all channels to report to a single output.

The master-slave function has been improved in the four and eight channel ISM series and may be set so that no two channels of any connected ISM multiplexer are ON at the same time. This completely eliminates the possibility of crosstalk between the photo eyes.

Perhaps the most impressive new feature is the ability of the four and eight channel ISM multiplexers to interface with a computer using an RS232 communications cable and software that is available for download free from the Pantron website. This software allows the user to program all adjustments, check the status of every channel, and perform diagnostics from any location on site using a PC with the Windows operating system.

Settings for the ISM series device may be configured, saved to a file, and then loaded when necessary to this or another ISM device of the same type. All settings are saved on the ISM device itself, but this feature allows the user the ability to set the ISM device in a number of configurations with a separate file for each one. If the user chooses a setting that is perfect for the application and the device is accidentally reprogrammed, the desired configuration may be instantly loaded, saving the downtime of having to reprogram the device.


Multiplexer Selection Guide

Part number
Number of Channels
Switching mode
Number of frequencies
Built-in diagnostics
Switching delay
Test input
Transistor output
Relay output
Alarm output
Basic transmit levels
Automatic gain control
Teach function
Analog output
IMX-A2034 2 Both 1 4
IMX-A830 8 Both 1 2
IMX-A831 8 Both 1 2
IMX-A832 8 Both 1 4
IMX-A832i 8 Both 1 2
IMX-A840 8 Both 1 2
IMX-A841 8 Both 1 2
IMX-A842 8 Both 1 4
IMX-N23 2 Both 1 2
IMX-N24 2 Both 1 2
IMX-N33 2 Both 1 2
IMX-N34 2 Both 1 2
IMX-N430 4 Both 1 2
IMX-N440 4 Both 1 2
IMX-N830 8 Both 1 2
IMX-N840 8 Both 1 2
ISM-2000 2 Both 1 2
ISM-4000 4 Both 1 4
ISM-8000 8 Both 1 4