Omron E3S-DCN21 Photoelectric Sensor
Omron E3S-DCN21 is an NPN color-mark photoelectric sensor using diffuse-reflective sensing across a specified distance of 10 ±3 mm. Red at 635 nm, green at 525 nm, and blue at 465 nm provide three optical sources for identifying printed marks and contrast changes. The NPN output switches ON when the selected mark condition is recognized, while teaching supports adjustment for the intended target. The sensor operates from 10 to 30 VDC, uses an M12 4-pin connector, and supports load current up to 100 mA. Response is specified at 50 μs in 2-point teaching mode. Within the E3S Series, the E3S-DCN21 provides the NPN mark-sensing option. Explore color mark photoelectric sensors across Omron Industrial Sensors.

| Brand | Omron |
| Product | Photoelectric Sensors |
| Model Number | E3S-DCN21 |
Omron E3S-DCN21 Photoelectric Sensor – Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensing Method | Diffuse-reflective (mark detection) |
| Sensing Distance | 10 ±3 mm (White paper 10 ×10 mm) |
| Light Source | Red LED (635 nm), Green LED (525 nm), Blue LED (465 nm) |
| Power Supply Voltage | 10 to 30 VDC (Ripple (p-p) 10% max.) |
| Output Configuration | NPN |
| Connection Method | M12, 4-pin connector |
| Control Output | Load current: 100 mA max. (30 VDC max.) |
| Operation Mode | ON when mark is detected. |
| Response Time | Operate or reset: 50 μs max. for each (2-point teaching mode), 150 μs max. for each (1-point teaching mode) |
| Sensitivity Adjustment | Teaching method |
| Ambient Illumination | Incandescent lamp: 3,000 lx max. |
| Ambient Temperature Range | Operating: −10 to 55°C; Storage: −25 to 70°C (with no icing or condensation) |
| Ambient Humidity Range | Operation: 35% to 85%, Storage: 35% to 95% (with no condensation) |
| Insulation Resistance | 20 MΩ min. (at 500 VDC) |
| Dielectric Strength | 1,000 VAC, 50/60 Hz for 1 min |
| Vibration Resistance | Destruction: 10 to 55 Hz with double amplitude of 1.5 mm for 2 hours each in X, Y, and Z directions |
| Shock Resistance | Destruction: 500 m/s2 3 times each in X, Y, and Z directions |
| Protection Circuits | Power supply reverse polarity protection, output short-circuit protection and output incorrect connection protection |
| Degree Of Protection | IEC 60529 IP67 |
| Material | Diecast zinc (nickel-plated brass), Methacrylic resin (PMMA), ABS, Elastomers, Diecast zinc (nickel-plated brass) |
| Weight | Approx. 370 g/approx. 320 g |
The Omron E3S-DCN21 Photoelectric Sensor uses diffuse-reflective color-mark sensing across a specified working distance of 10 ±3 mm with a 10 × 10 mm white-paper reference. Red at 635 nm, green at 525 nm, and blue at 465 nm provide the optical sources used to evaluate printed marks and contrast differences. The NPN output switches ON when the configured mark condition is recognized and transfers the state to compatible industrial control circuitry. The sensor operates from 10 to 30 VDC and uses an M12 4-pin connector. Load current is rated at 100 mA maximum with a maximum load supply voltage of 30 VDC. Operate or reset time is 50 μs maximum in 2-point teaching mode and 150 μs maximum in 1-point teaching mode.
For an Omron NPN color mark photoelectric sensor requiring RGB light sources and high-speed teaching, the applicable model is the E3S-DCN21. Incandescent-light resistance is specified at 3,000 lx maximum. Operating temperature extends from -10 to 55°C, while storage ranges from -25 to 70°C without icing or condensation. Power-supply reverse polarity, output short-circuit, and incorrect output connection protection are listed. Diecast zinc, PMMA, ABS, and elastomers are among the stated materials. Its specification also aligns with searches for an Omron RGB mark sensor and Omron 50 microsecond photoelectric sensor. For a push-pull E3S mark-sensing configuration using the same 10 ±3 mm working distance, see E3S-DCP21-IL2.


