The flagship series of infrared beam sensors TAKEX QUAD PXB

Perimeter protection of critical infrastructure requires precision that is difficult to achieve with traditional solutions. The flagship TAKEX QUAD PXB series includes three specialized models: PXB-HF for standard applications, PXB-100ATC with crawl detection, and PXB-100SW for remote and autonomous installations. Each model uses a four-beam synchronized infrared architecture that operates simultaneously. This virtually eliminates false alarms caused by birds, small animals, or falling leaves.

Operating principle and detection modes

To trigger an alarm in PXB-HF sensors, all four beams must be interrupted simultaneously. This provides up to a 90 percent reduction in false alarms compared to two-beam systems.

PXB-100ATC features a unique setting that allows independent adjustment of the crossing time for the upper and lower beam pairs. This enables the system to ignore small animals (fast crossing of lower beams) while accurately detecting a person moving more slowly through the detection zone. The lower beams are set to 500 ms for crawl detection, while the upper beams are configured with shorter response times to ignore birds. This function is especially effective when mounted in towers, while other models lack such a mode.

PXB-100SW uses the standard four-beam logic but is optimized for autonomous operation with minimal power consumption.

Power supply and cable run distances

The basic PXB-HF series includes three models for distances of 50, 100, and 200 meters, powered by 12–30 V DC. PXB-100ATC is designed for ranges of 100 meters outdoors and 200 meters indoors, with the same power requirements.

PXB-100SW features ultra-low power consumption of 3.7–5.2 mA compared to 30–34 mA in the other models. Thanks to its minimal current draw, the sensor can be installed at distances of up to 2–4 kilometers using standard cable. Accurate calculations based on cable cross-section help determine the allowable cable length without voltage drop. For example, with AWG 18 cable and 12 V supply, the range reaches up to 6 km, and up to 16 km at 24 V, which is not possible for high-consumption models without significantly increasing the cable diameter.

This energy efficiency enables long-distance connections as the main advantage of the model. BA-6SLA solar panels and battery power are available as additional options for fully autonomous installations.

Beam power and environmental adaptation

The nominal transmitter power is 100 times higher than the minimum required. This significant reserve is critical for stable device operation under harsh weather conditions such as heavy fog or rain. Thanks to this margin, the automatic gain control (AGC) system can increase output power to compensate for signal degradation.

For comparison, lower-cost alternatives, including some Chinese models, operate at the limit of their capabilities, while this device maintains stable performance even at minimal power levels due to the available reserve. In addition, the nominal detection range of this model is ten times greater than the minimum allowable distance. This means the device remains effective at up to 90 percent of its rated range even in adverse conditions.

At the same time, it is important to consider that the recommended installation distances are 50, 100, or 200 meters depending on the model. These values must not be exceeded despite the technical reserve. This limitation is due to the specific configuration of detection zones and the need to ensure reliable system performance.

Dual modulation technology enables the sensor to distinguish its own signal from ambient light of up to 50,000 lux. In practice, this means that direct exposure to car headlights, floodlights, or sunlight does not affect sensor operation.

Installation and configuration

The extended vertical adjustment range of ±20° allows better sensor alignment on uneven terrain, while the horizontal range remains within ±90°. The improved optical viewfinder ensures a faster and easier alignment process with these enhanced capabilities.

A convenient design feature is the color-coded housing differentiation. It is implemented as colored stickers, which may appear as molded plastic elements in images, but they are in fact labels. This seemingly simple detail significantly simplifies installation. Once the cover is removed, the installer can immediately identify by color where and which component should be placed. This implementation is unique and not available in any competing models.

Using the ER-02 tool, the installer can precisely align sensors at distances up to 200 meters. Essentially, ER-02 is a remote screwdriver that allows configuration without physical access to the sensor. The installer can adjust parameters from one end of the line, and the signal is transmitted to the other end. This is especially useful for large installations or hard-to-reach locations.

Operational features

The polycarbonate housing withstands temperatures from -35°C to +66°C and has an IP65 protection rating. The shape and material of the cover ensure water drainage and UV resistance. The anti-perch design prevents glare and deters birds. Crows often damage the reflective surfaces of conventional sensors.

The chemical composition of the plastic ensures up to 20 years of operation without discoloration, unlike Chinese counterparts that lose transparency within 3 to 6 months.

The sensors are equipped with lightning protection that withstands induced surges of up to 15 kV.

Model-specific applications

PXB-HF (50/100/200m): standard perimeter protection with a maximum segment length of 200 meters. Three models cover different distances with an optimal price-to-performance ratio.

PXB-100ATC: specifically designed for towers and sites with a risk of crawling intrusion. The mode with separate crossing time settings makes it indispensable for critical infrastructure.

PXB-100SW: for remote sites without centralized power supply. Installation distance up to 40 km from the power unit or complete autonomy using solar panels.

Conclusion

The QUAD PXB series is built on an analog architecture without digital processing. This approach ensures maximum reliability as all sensor advantages are implemented in hardware from lenses to enclosure. No firmware updates or digital filtering are required. The solution is designed correctly from the start to deliver stable performance for decades.