Optoelectronic Sensor Having Plug-in Unit for Providing Extended Functionality

An optoelectronic sensor for monitoring a sensing field, said optoelectronic sensor comprising:

• at least one first optical unit comprising at least one radiation emitting element and at least one radiation receiving element,
• a control unit for processing an output signal generated by said radiation receiving element and for generating a defined sensor signal based on the output signal,
• wherein the at least one first optical unit has a diagnostic unit, wherein the diagnostic unit comprises a monitoring unit that is operable to monitor at least one parameter indicative of an operational status of the optical unit, and wherein the diagnostic unit comprises a processing unit that is operable to generate a communication signal indicative of said operational status, and
• wherein said diagnostic unit is arranged in a separately housed, detachable plug-in module and wherein said processing unit comprises a wireless communication interface for wirelessly receiving and transmitting communication signals.