Photoelectric Sensors Technical Guide

Explanation of Terms
Item Explanatory diagram Meaning
Sensing distance
Through-beam
Emitter Receiver The maximum sensing distance that can be set with sta-
Sensors
bility for Through-beam and Retro-reflective Sensors,
taking into account product deviations and temperature
Sensing distance fluctuations. Actual distances under standard conditions
will be longer than the rated sensing distances for both
Retro-reflective Emitter
Reflector
types of Sensor.
Sensors and
Receiver
The maximum sensing distance that can be set with sta-
Sensing distance bility for the Diffuse-reflective Sensors, taking into ac-
Diffuse-reflective Emitter count product deviations and temperature fluctuations,
Sensing
Sensors and object
using the standard sensing object (white paper). Actual
Receiver distances under standard conditions will be longer than
the rated sensing distance.
Upper end of the As shown in the diagram at left, the optical system for the
Sensing sensing distance Limited-reflective Sensors is designed so that the Emitter
distance range
Emitter axis and the Receiver axis intersect at the surface of the
Lower end of the sensing detected object at an angle θ.
Limited-reflective and distance range
Receiver Emitter beam With this optical system, the distance range in which reg-
Sensors
ular-reflective light from the object can be detected con-
θ sistently is the sensing distance. As such, the sensing
θ
distance can range from 10 to 35 mm depending on the
Reception area upper and lower limits. (See page 7.)
Sensing object
As shown in the diagram of the optical system at the left,
Emitter and a coaxial optical system is used that contains both an
Sensing range
Receiver emitter and a receiver in one lens. This optical system
provides excellent stability against fluctuations in the dis-
Mark Sensors tance between the lens and the sensing object (i.e.,
(Contrast scanner) Emitter beam marks). (With some previous models, the emitter lens
and receiver lens are separated.)
Center sensing The sensing distance is specified as the position where
distance
Sensing object the spot is smallest (i.e., the center sensing distance) and
the possible sensing range before and after that position.
Limits can be set on the sensing position of objects with
Distance-settable Sensors. The range that can be set for
Sensing range a standard sensing object (white paper) is called the "set
Set range." The range with the set position limits where a
range/ Distance-settable Sensing sensing object can be detected is called the "sensing
Sensing Sensors object range." The sensing range depends on the sensing mode
range that is selected. The BGS mode is used when the sensing
Emitter and Receiver Set range object is on the Sensor side of the set position and the
FGS mode is used when the sensing object is on the far
side of the set position. (See page 6.)
Emitter Receiver
Through-beam Sensors, Retro-reflective Sensors
Directional angle The angle where operation as a Photoelectric Sensor is
Directional angle of possible.
the Emitter

Reset distance
Operating Diffuse-reflective and Distance-settable Sensors
Emitter distance
and Sensing The difference between the operating distance and the
Differential travel Receiver object reset distance.
ON OFF Generally expressed in catalogs as a percentage of the
rated sensing distance.
Differential travel

Example for Diffuse-reflective Sensor

The dead zone outside of the emission and reception ar-
Dead zone eas near the lens surface in Mark Sensors, Distance-set-
Dead zone table Sensors, Limited-reflective Sensors,
Emission area Diffuse-reflective Sensors, and Retro-reflective Sensors.
Reception area Detection is not possible in this area.

Light input
The delay time from when the light input turns ON or OFF
Control output until the control output operates or resets. In general for
Response time
Photoelectric Sensors, the operating time (Ton) ≈ reset
Operating Reset time time (Toff).
time (Ton) (Toff)

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 Photoelectric Sensors Technical Guide

Item Explanatory diagram Meaning

Through-beam, Diffuse-reflective
Retro-reflective Sensors Sensors
Dark-ON Emitter and Receiver
Emitter Receiver
operation Sensing object Sensing object
DARK
ON The "Dark-ON" operating mode is when a Through-beam Sensor
produces an output when the light entering the Receiver is inter-
Present Operation Operation Not present rupted or decreases.

The "Light-ON" operating mode is when a Diffuse-reflective Sen-

Through-beam, Diffuse-reflective sor produces an output when the light entering the Receiver in-
Retro-reflective Sensors Sensors creases.
Light-on Emitter and Receiver
Emitter Receiver
operation Sensing object Sensing object
LIGHT
ON

Not present Operation Operation Present

Difference between Ambient Operating Illumination

and Operating Illumination Limit
Operation
illumination limit
Ambient
Received operating
illumination ±20%
light output
100% Received light output The ambient operating illumination is expressed in terms of the
Ambient for 200 lx Receiver surface illuminance and is defined as the illuminance
operating when there is a ±20% change with respect to the value at a light
illumination reception output of 200 lx. This is not sufficient to cause malfunc-
Operating level
tion at the operating illuminance limit.
200 1,000 10,000 100,000 Illumination (lx)

Received Illumination
White paper Reflector lamp

Emitter Receiver
Lux meter

The standard sensing object for both Through-beam Sensors

and Retro-reflective Sensors is an opaque rod with a diameter
larger than the length of a diagonal line of the optical system.
Through-beam Sensors In general, the diameter of the standard sensing object is the
Emitter Receiver length of the diagonal line of the Emitter/Receiver lens for
The length of the Through-beam Sensors, and the length of a diagonal line of the
diagonal of the Reflector for Retro-reflective Sensors.
Emitter lens or
Receiver lens Size of Standard Sensing Object Using Reflector
Diagonal line of Sensing
Reflector models
optical system object
Retro-reflective Sensors E39-R1/R1S/R1K 72.2 mm 75-mm dia.
Standard Emitter and Receiver Retroreflector E39-R2 100.58 mm 105-mm dia.
sensing The length of the E39-R3 41.44 mm 45-mm dia.
object diagonal of the
E39-R4 26.77 mm 30-mm dia.
Reflector
E39-R6 56.57 mm 60-mm dia.
E39-R9 43.7 mm 45-mm dia.
E39-R10 66.47 mm 70-mm dia.
Diffuse-reflective Sensors E39-RS1 36.4 mm 40-mm dia.
Emitter and Receiver White paper E39-RS2 53.15 mm 55-mm dia.
A bigger piece of
blank paper than
E39-RS3 106.3 mm 110-mm dia.
the diameter of E39-R37 13.4 mm 15-mm dia.
Emission beam the Emitter beam
For Diffuse-reflective Sensors, the standard sensing object is a
sheet of white paper larger than the diameter of the emitted
beam.

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 Photoelectric Sensors Technical Guide

Item Explanatory diagram Meaning

Through-beam Sensors

Emitter Receiver

Typical examples are given of the smallest object that can be de-
tected using Through-beam and Retro-reflective Sensors with
Retro-reflective Sensors the sensitivity correctly adjusted to the light-ON operation level at
Minimum
the rated sensing distance.
sensing ob- Emitter and Receiver Reflector
ject
For Diffuse-reflective Sensors, typical examples are given of the
smallest objects that can be detected with the sensitivity set to
Diffuse-reflective Sensors the highest level.

Emitter and Receiver

Through-beam Sensors
Minimum Slit Typical examples are given of the smallest object that can be de-
sensing ob- tected using Through-beam Sensors with a Slit attached to both
ject the Emitter and the Receiver as shown in the figure. The sensi-
with slit at- tivity is correctly adjusted to the Light-ON operating level at the
tached rated sensing distance and the sensing object is moved along the
Sensing object length and parallel to the slit.

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 Photoelectric Sensors Technical Guide
Application and Data
(1) Relationship of Lens Diameter and Sensitivity to the Smallest Detectable Object
• With a Through-beam Sensor, the lens diameter Maximum sensitivity Adjusted sensitivity
determines the size of the smallest object that can
be detected.
• With a Through-beam Sensor, a small object can
be more easily detected midway between the Lens Lens
Emitter and the Receiver that it can be off center diameter diameter
between the Emitter and Receiver.
• As a rule of thumb, an object 30% to 80% of the lens
diameter can be detected by varying the sensitivity
level. 80% of the 30% of
lens diameter lens diameter
• Check the Ratings and Specifications of the
Sensor for details.
The size given for the smallest object that can be
detected with a Reflective Photoelectric Sensor is
the value for detection with no objects in the
background and the sensitivity set to the maximum Detects objects 80% of the lens diameter. Detects objects up to 30% of the lens diameter.
value.

(2) Detecting Height Differences Sensing Difference

Selecting Sensors Based on Detectable Height Differences and Set Distances (Typical Examples) distance in height

40

Appearance

18 40 to
20 200 mm
11
16
5 to 30 40 to
15 mm ±3mm 200 mm
7.2
±1.8mm
0.27 to 0.45 mm 2mm 0.8 to 1.0 mm 4 to 20 mm min. 0.8 to 4 mm
• Built-in Amplifier
Optical Fiber Separate Amplifier Built-in Amplifier Built-in Amplifier
Features Sensors
Sensors Sensors Sensors Sensors
• Microsensors
Model E32-L25L E3T-SL1@ E3C-LS3R E3Z-LS E3S-CL1

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 Photoelectric Sensors Technical Guide

(3) MSR (Mirror Surface Rejection) Function

[Principles] Corner Cube
This function and structure uses the characteristics of the Retroreflector and the polarizing filters built
into the Retro-reflective Sensors to receive only the light reflected from the Retroreflector.
• The waveform of the light transmitted through a polarizing filter in the Emitter changes to
polarization in a horizontal orientation.
• The orientation of the light reflected from the triangular pyramids of the Retroreflector changes from
horizontal to vertical.
• This reflected light passes through a polarizing filter in the Receiver to arrive at the Receiver.

Retroreflector
[Purpose]
This method enables stable detection of objects with a mirror-like surface. Vertically polarizing filter
Light reflected from these types of objects cannot pass through the polarizing filter on the Receiver Longitudinal
because the orientation of polarization is kept horizontal. wave
Receiver

[Examples]
A sensing object with a rough, matte surface (example (2)) can be detected even without the MSR Transverse wave
function. If the sensing object has a smooth, glossy surface on the other hand (example (3)), it cannot Emitter
Horizontally
be detected with any kind of consistency without the MSR function. polarizing filter

(1) No Object (2) Non-glossy Object (3) Object with a Smooth, Glossy Surface
The light from the Emitter hits the Reflector and Light from the Emitter is intercepted by the ob- (Example: battery, can, etc.)
returns to the Receiver. ject, does not reach the Reflector, and thus Light from the Emitter is reflected by the object
does not return to the Receiver. and returns to the Receiver.

[Caution]
Stable operation is often impossible when detecting objects with high gloss or
objects covered with glossy film. If this occurs, install the Sensor so that it is at an
angle off perpendicular to the sensing object.

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 Photoelectric Sensors Technical Guide

Retro-reflective Sensors with MSR function

Retro-reflective Sensors with MSR function
Classification by Configuration Model
Optical Fiber Sensors E32-R21, E32-R16
E3Z-R61/R66/R81/R86
E3ZM-R61/R66/R81/R86/B61/B66/B81/B86
Built-in Amplifier Sensors
E3ZM-CR61(-M1TJ)/CR81(-M1TJ)
E3S-CR11(-M1J)/CR61(-M1J)
Separate Amplifier Sensors E3C-LR11/LR12
Built-in Power Supply Sensors E3JM-R4@4(T), E3JK-R@12
Note: When using a Sensor with the MSR function, be sure to use an OMRON Reflector

Vertically polarizing filter

Vertically polarizing filter Glossy object
Reflected light OMRON
Reflected light (longitudinal wave) (transverse wave) Retroreflector

OMRON Retroreflector

Horizontally Emitted light Emitted light

(transverse wave) Horizontally
polarizing filter polarizing filter (transverse wave)

Retro-reflective Sensors without MSR Function

When detecting a glossy object using a Retro-reflective Sensor without the MSR function, mount the Sensor diagonally to the object so that
reflection is not received directly from the front surface.
Retro-reflective Sensors without MSR Function
Classification by Configuration Model
Transparent Object Sensors E3Z-B61/B62/B66/B67/B81/B82/B86/B87

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 Photoelectric Sensors Technical Guide

(4) Surface Color and Light Source Reflectance

Surface Color Reflectance
Reflectance of Various Colors at Different Wavelengths of Light
100

90

80

70
Reflectance (%)

60

50

40 Violet
Blue
30 Yellow
Red
White
20 Green
Blue LED (470 nm)
10 Green LED (565 nm)
Red LED (680 nm)
0
300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100
Wavelength (nm)
Blue LED Green LED Red LED

Identifiable Color Marks

Sensor Light Color : Blue Sensor Light Color : Green Sensor Light Color : Red
White Red Yellow Green Blue Violet Black White Red Yellow Green Blue Violet Black White Red Yellow Green Blue Violet Black

White 5 5 3 3 8 White 8 3 5 10 White 5 6 3 9

Red 5 3 2 Red 8 5 5 3 Red 4 4 2 7
Yellow 5 2 4 2 Yellow 5 3 6 Yellow 5 5 3 8
Green 3 2 2 3 Green 5 3 6 Green 5 4 5 2
Blue 3 4 2 6 Blue 3 3 4 Blue 6 4 5 2
Violet 3 2 2 4 Violet 5 3 3 3 Violet 3 2 3 2 2 4
Black 8 3 6 4 Black 10 6 6 4 3 Black 9 7 8 4
The numbers express the degree of margin (percentage of received light for typical examples).
Models with an RGB light source support all combinations.

Sensor light color Product classification Model

E3X-HD
E3X-SD
Optical Fiber Sensors E3X-NA
Red light source
E3X-DA-S
E3X-MDA
E3C-VS3R
Separate Amplifier Sensors E3C-VM35R
E3C-VS7R
Blue light source
Optical Fiber Sensors E3X-DAB-S

Green light source E3X-DAG-S

Optical Fiber Sensors
E3X-NAG
Separate Amplifier Sensors E3C-VS1G
White light source
Optical Fiber Sensors E3X-DAC-S

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 Photoelectric Sensors Technical Guide

(5) Self-diagnosis Functions

The self-diagnosis function checks for margin with respect to environmental changes after installation, especially temperature, and informs the
operator of the result through indicators and outputs. This function is an effective means of early detection of product failure, optical axis displace-
ment, and accumulation of dirt on the lens over time.
[Principles] Incident light (Operating level)
These functions alert the operator when the Sensor changes from a stable 1.1 to 1.2 × 1.1 to 1.2
state to an unstable state. The functions can be broadly classified into display 1 Operating level
functions and output functions.
0.8 to 0.9 (Operating level)
× 0.8 to 0.9
Display function
• Stability Indicator (green LED)
The amount of margin with respect to environmental changes (temperature, Control output ON
voltage, dust, etc.) after installation is monitored by the self-diagnosis (L ON) OFF
0.3 s 0.3 s
function and indicated by an indicator. (Illuminates steadily when there are min.* min.*
Self-diagnosis ON
no problems.)
output OFF
• Operation Indicator (Orange LED)
Indicates the output status.
Orange
Indicator (L ON)
Output function Green Green Green

The margin is indicated by an indicator light, and the state is output to alert the * If the moving speed of sensing object is slow, the Sensor
may output a self-diagnosis output. When using the
operator.
Photoelectric sensor, please install an ON-delay timer
circuit etc..
[Purpose]
Self-diagnosis functions are effective in maintaining stable operation, alerting
the operator to displacement of the optical axis, dirt on the lens (Sensor
surface), the influence from the floor and background, external noise, and
other potential failures of the Sensor. Operation Indicator*: Orange

Stability Indicator: Green

* Some Sensors may have an incident light
indicator (red or orange), but it depends on
the model.

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 Photoelectric Sensors Technical Guide

Example: Light-ON Operation

Light-ON/Dark- Degree of margin with
ON indicated by respect to temperature Self-diagno-
Indicator state Example of diagnosed condition
the orange indi- changes indicated by sis output
cator the green indicator

Stability Operation
indicator indicator Stable use is possible.
(Margin of 10% to 20%
--- ---
Green Orange or higher)
(Stability indicator: ON)

Operating level Light Incident

x 1.1 to 1.2 orange • Example: Incident light becomes unstable.
indicator ON (1) When the optical axis shifts slightly due to vibration.
Stability Operation
indicator indicator

Green Orange
(2) When the lens became dirty
from adhesion of dust. Dirt
Operating level
• Example: Operation is unstable when light is interrupted.
(1) Light has leaked around the sensing object
(Through-beam Sensors or Retro-reflective Sensors).
When this state
Sensing object
continues for a
The margin is not suffi-
certain period
cient.
of time, an out-
(Green indicator: OFF)
put alerts the
operator.
Stability Operation (2) Reflected light from the floor or the background has been
indicator indicator received (Diffuse-reflective Sensor).
Sensing
Green Orange object
Light
Interrupted
orange
indicator OFF (3) External noise has influenced operation.

Operating level Noise

x 0.8 to 0.9

Stability Operation
indicator indicator Stable use is possible.
(Margin of 10% to 20%
--- ---
or higher)
Green Orange
(Stability indicator: ON)

<Applicable Models>
Classification by Self-diagnosis function
Models
Configuration Display function Output function
E3X-DA-S Digital display ●
Optical Fiber Sen-
E3X-MDA Digital display ---
sors
E3X-NA ● ---
Separate Amplifi- E3C-LDA Digital display ●
er Sensors E3C ● ●(E3C-JC4P)
E3Z ● ---
E3ZM(-C) ● ---
Built-in Amplifier
E3T ● ---
Sensors
E3S-C ● ---
E3S-CL ● ---

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