Omron E3MC DATASHEET

Color sensor (LED type)

E3MC

E3MC

RGB Color Sensor Discriminates Delicate
Differences in Color.

Features

Double Indication ensuring high
visibilty.

• Conformity with the registered colors can
be monitored at eight levels. (Detection
level indicators)

• Allows fine adjustment between fine or
rough discrimination while monitoring the
measured results. (Threshold level indica­tors)

Stable and Powerful Detection for Inline Use

Stable detection is assured with a threshold
of ±10 mm for built-in amplifier type and
±4 mm for optical fiber type.
Fiber type and Stable detection
±4 mm.
Stable and Powerful Detection for Inline Use
Mounting is easy.

10˚

60˚

10˚

Long-distance Sensing with Built-in Amplifi­er Type

Built-in amplifier type with a sensing distance of 60±10 mm is
available for a wide range of color discriminating applications.

Highly Resistant to Changes in Sensing Ob­ject Brightness and Ambient Temperature.

• OMRON's unique Free Angle Optics (FAO: multi-layer po­larized filter) is highly resistant to changes in the tint or

brightness of sensing objects. Capable of discriminating
over 90 different colors.

• Wide temperature range from -20°C to 55°C and excellent
detection stability.

Maintenance-free LED Light Source

Incorporates RGB LED light sources with a long service life
more than several tens of thousand hours.
Great maintenance-cost saver ensuring high performance
(Halogen lamps used as light sources must be replaced or re­adjusted every nine months or so.)

Principle of Detection

The E3MC detects colors by making use of the fact that the reflec­tion ratio of a primary color (i.e. red, green or blue) reflected by an
object varies with the chromatically of the object. By using a high­tech, multi-layer polarized filter called FAO (free angle optics), the
E3MC emits red, green and blue light on a single optical axis. The
E3MC receives the light reflected by the sensing objects through
the receiver and processes the red-green-blue ratio of the light to
discriminate the color of the sensing object.

Blue LED

(B)

Monitor photodiode (see note)

Photodiode

Emitter lens

Receiver lens

Time-sharing lighting

R

G

B

BGR

Sensing object

FAO

(Blue: Reflected;

FAO

(Green: Reflected; Red: Passed)

Red LED

Red/Green: Passed)

(R)

Green LED

(G)

Note: The monitor photodiode compensates LED output deviation that may be

caused by a temperature change. (Patent pending)

A-145E3MC

Application

Detection of a Mixture
of Different
Color Parts

Extraction and Sorting by
Color

Detection of Hard-to-discriminate Marks
(Yellow Marks on a
White Background, etc.)

Detection of Directional
Alignment for Packing

Color Discrimination and Sorting of Bot­tles Using a Through-beam Optical Fiber
Type (E32-T17L)

Detection of Small Marks Using a Reflec­tive Optical Fiber
Type (E32-CC200)

Features

Excellent Protective Structure and Mainte­nance Performance

The amplifier unit uses a sturdy metal body. The unit including
the fiber head satisfies the water resistance of IEC Standard
IP66. You can use the E3MC without any problems in a wide
range of applications. In addition to this, the M12 metal con­nector has improved maintenance performance.

Discriminating Delicate Color Differences

The detection level indicators are lit according to the degree
of conformity between registered and detected colors. Deli­cate color differences are discriminated by setting the thresh­old to a superior level. (Fine discrimination is expected.)
Sensor errors that may be caused by minor tint differences or
dirt retention are prevented by setting the threshold to a lower
level. (Rough discrimination is expected)

Fine
discrimination

Rough

indicators

Detection level

discrimination

Conversion of Color Data into RGB Analog
Data

The analog output type can control the color change history
and distribution in analog form. Different type discrimination
can also be performed without bank restrictions by CPU pro­cessing.

Color Chart

Output Detected colors

Threshold value

For details, refer to the standard sensing object.

A-146 Standard Photoelectric Sensors

Ordering Information

Sensors

ON/OFF type

Structure

Built-in Amplifier
Type

No. of

outputs

1

4

Shape Connection method Sensing distance

60±10mm

NPN output PNP output

E3MC-A11 E3MC-A41

E3MC-MA11 E3MC-MA41

Red light, Green light, Blue light

Model

E3MC

1
Optical Fiber
Type

General-pur­pose Optical Fi­ber Type

* Distance where 11 colors of standard sensing objects can be discriminated. As a typical example, 9 colors can be discriminated when 12 mm is set. Please contact

us since the sensing distance should be defined.

4

1

4

Connector type

Sensor I/O connec­tor (cable length 2
m) is supplied.

20±4mm

E32-CC200

5mm

E32-T16

*

200mm

E3MC-X11 E3MC-X41

E3MC-MX11 E3MC-MX41

E3MC-Y11 E3MC-Y41

E3MC-MY11 E3MC-MY41

Analog output type

Structure Shape Sensing distance Model

Built-in Amplifier
Type

Optical Fiber Type E3MC-X81

60

±10mm

20±4mm

E3MC-A81

General-purpose
Optical Fiber Type

Using E32-CC200

5±1mm

Accessories (Order Separately)

Sensor I/O Connectors

Shape Model Quantity Remarks

E39-C1 2M (2 m) 1 pc. Supplied with the product.

Please place an order
when extending the cable.

Mounting Brackets

Shape Model

E39-C1 5M (5 m) 1 pc.

Quanti-

E39-L114 2

E39-L115 1 For DIN track installation.

For E3MC installation.
(Can be inclined to 15°)

E3MC-Y81

Remarks

A-147E3MC

Rating/performance

ON/OFF type

Structure Built-in Amplifier Type Optical Fiber Type General-purpose Optical Fiber

Item Model

E3MC

-A#1

Sensing distance 60±10 mm*1 20±4 mm

Standard sensing object *2
Spot diameter 12 dia. 3-mm dia. ­Light source (wave length) Red LED (680 mm), green LED (525 mm), blue LED (450 mm)
Power supply voltage 12 to 24 VDC ±10%, ripple (p-p) : 10% max.
Current consumption 100 mA max.

Control output

Load supply voltage 24 VDC max., load current 100 mA max. (residual voltage NPN output: 1.2 V max.,
PNP output: 2.0 V max.) Open collector output type

Color discrimination mode Mode C: RGB ratio detection, Mode I: RGB light intensity detection Switch selectable

Conformity output: Output is ON when the detected color coincides with the registered color.

Output type

Non-conformity output: Output is ON when the detected color does not coincide with the registered color.
Switch selectable

E3MC-#11/-#41
Mode A (Factory-set) Mode B (for remote teaching)

Mode selection

Remote control input
(B mode only)

Answer-back output
(B mode only)

Bank selection input
(1 output only)

#

E3MC-M
Mode A (Factory-set) Mode B (for remote teaching)

11/-M#41

The following control is performed according to the control signal input.

E3MC-#11/-#41# Bank selection, remote teaching, or threshold selection

E3MC-M#11/-M#41# channel selection, remote teaching, threshold changing

Load current: 100 mA max.

NPN open collector output with a residual voltage of 1.2 V max.
PNP open collector output with residual voltage 2.0 V max. (E3MC-(M)A41/-(M)X41/-(M)Y41)

Selected between 4 banks (switching with the bank selection input and select button) Bank selection input

response time: 50 ms max.
External synchronous input Response time: 1 ms max. (Note that the 4 output type cannot be used when the B mode is selected)
Protective circuits Protection from load short-circuit and reversed power supply connection

Response time

Discriminating color
registration

1 output type: Standard mode: 3 ms max., high-speed mode: 1 ms max. (switch selectable) 4 output type:

Standard mode: 6 ms max., high-speed mode: 2 ms max. (switch selectable)

4 colors can be registered, teaching system (threshold permits fine adjustment)

Timer function OFF delay fixed at40 ms (ON/OFF switch selectable)
Ambient illuminance Incandescent lamp: 3,000 lux max. Sunlight 10,000 lux max.
Ambient temperature Operating: -20 to 55°C, Storage: -30 to 70°C (with no icing)
Ambient humidity Operating: 35% to 85% RH, Storage: 35% to 95% RH (with no icing or condensation)
Permissible fiber bending

radius
Insulation resistance 20 M min. at 500 VDC
Dielectric strength

1,000 VAC at 50/60 Hz for 1 minute
Vibration (resistance) *3 Destruction: 10 to 55 Hz, 1.0 mm double amplitude or 150 m/s2 for 2 hrs each in X, Y, and Z directions
Shock (resistance) *4 Destruction: 500 m/s2 for 3 times each in X, Y, and Z directions

Protective structure IEC 60529 IP66 (with Protective Cover attached)
Connection method Connector type [sensor I/O connector (cable length 2 m)]

E3MC

-MA#1

Control output (white)
Not used (gray)
Bank selection input 1 (yellow)
Bank selection input 2 (green)
External synchronous inputs (pink)
Vcc (Brown)
0 V (Blue)
Colors in parentheses are lead wire colors.

Control output 1 (white)
Control output 2 (gray)
Control output 3 (yellow)
Control output 4 (green)
External synchronous inputs (pink)
Vcc (Brown)
0 V (Blue)
Colors in parentheses are lead wire colors.

E3MC

-X#1

- 10 mm min.

E3MC

-MX#1

Control output (white)
Answer-back output (gray)
Remote control input (yellow)
Not used
External synchronous inputs (pink)
Vcc (Brown)
0 V (Blue)
Colors in parentheses are lead wire colors.

Control output 1 (white)
Control output 2 (gray)
Control output 3 (yellow)
Answer-back output (green)
Remote control input (pink)
Vcc (Brown)
0 V (Blue)
Colors in parentheses are lead wire colors.

3 outputs

E3MC

-Y#1

E3MC

-MY#1

Depends on the recommended fi­ber. Refer to page AB- for details.

Varies with the type of recom­mended fiber

A-148 Standard Photoelectric Sensors

Structure Built-in Amplifier Type Optical Fiber Type General-purpose Optical Fiber

Item Model

E3MC

-A#1

E3MC

-MA#1

E3MC

-X#1

E3MC

-MX#1

E3MC

-Y#1

Weight (Packed state) Approx. 350 g Approx. 400 g Approx. 350 g

Case Zinc die-cast

Material

Accessories

*1. C mode, standard mode (response time), threshold: Distance range where 11 colors of standard sensing objects can be discriminated when

Operation panel
cover

Fiber head -

PES

ABS

Cross-shaped recess screw M5x6 (with spring washer), sensor I/O connector (cable length 2 m),
instruction manual

= 15° (E3MC-(M) A##) or = 10° (E3MC-(M) X##) in the following figure in the standard mode.

E3MC

-MY#1

E3MC

-

E3MC-(M)A##

±

10

60

˚

= 15

q

*2. Standard Sensing Objects

Color (11

standard colors)

mm

= 10˚

q

Munsell color notation

White
Red
Yellow/

red
Yellow
Yellow/

green
Green
Blue/

green
Blue
Blue/

purple
Purple
Red/

purple

E3MC-(M)X##
Fiber Head

±

4

mm

20

Sensing objectSensing object

N9.5
4R 4.5/12.0

4YR 6.0/11.5

5Y 8.5/11.0

3GY 6.5/10.0

3G 6.5/9.0

5BG 4.5/10.0

3PB 5.0/10.0

9PB 5.0/10.0

7P 5.0/10.0

6RP 4.5/12.5

*3. 0.75-mm double amplitude or 100 m/s2 when using a mounting bracket
*4. 300 m/s

2

when using a mounting bracket

A-149E3MC

Rating/Performance

Analog output type

Structure Built-in Amplifier Type Optical Fiber Type
Item Model E3MC-A81 E3MC-X81 E3MC-Y81
Sensing distance *1

60±10 mm 20±4 mm
Spot diameter 12 dia. 3-mm dia.
Light source (wave length) Red LED (680 mm), green LED (525 mm), blue LED (450 mm)
Power supply voltage 24 V DC ±10%, ripple (p-p) 10% or less
Power consumption 100 mA max.
Control output 3 analog independent outputs (RGB) 0 to 10 VDC without output short-circuit protection

Resolution 300 mV max.
Load current 5 mA max.
Response speed 1.7 ms max.
Temperature drift ±0.3% FS/°C max.
Power restoration

time

Calibration input A, B

100 ms max. after power-on

24 VDC

Signal 1 ms (24 VDC, HIGH active)
Response time 600 ms max.
Calibration value

Terminal A: 10±0.2V Terminal B: 7±0.2V
Protective circuits Reverse polarity protection
Ambient illuminance Incandescent lamp: Illumination on optical spot: 1,000 lux max.
Ambient temperature Operating: 0°C to 50°C, Storage: -30°C to 70°C (with no icing or condensation)
Ambient humidity Operating: 35% to 85%RH, Storage: 35% to 95%RH (with no condensation)
Permissible fiber bending

radius

--- 10 mm min.

Insulation resistance 20 M min. at 500 VDC
Dielectric strength 1,000 VAC at 50/60 Hz for 1 minute
Vibration (resistance) *2
Shock (resistance) *3

Destruction: 10 to 55 Hz, 1.0 mm double amplitude or 150 m/s2 for 2 hrs each in X, Y, and Z directions

Destruction: 500 m/s2 for 3 times each in X, Y, and Z directions
Protective structure IEC 60529 IP66 (with Protective Cover attached)
Connection method M12 dedicated connector type
Weight (Packed state) Approx. 300 g Approx. 350 g Approx. 300 g

Case Zinc die-cast

Ma­terial

Cover
Fiber head

PES

ABS
Accessories Connection cable 2 m (E39-C1), instruction manual

*1. Distance range where calibration can be made with standard white paper (N9.5).
*2. 0.75 mm double amplitude or 100 m/s2 when using a mounting bracket
*3. 300 m/s2 when using a mounting bracket

General-purpose Optical Fiber Type

5 ±1mm (When using the E32-CC200)
Varies with the recommended fiber.

Varies with the type of
recommended fiber

Use (Typical)

Detection of work color

R: 0 to 10 V

Head

E3MC-81

G: 0 to 10 V

B: 0 to 10 V

Terminal for calibration
A: A81, X81, B: Y81

A-150 Standard Photoelectric Sensors

DC
24V

Output Circuit Diagram

NPN model
E3MC-#11 (1 output type) E3MC-M#11 (4 output type)

Operation indicator

8-level
detection
indicator
(green)

4-level
bank
indicator
(green)

(orange)

7-level
threshold
indicator
(red)

Main
circuit

Brown

2

Load

White

1

Control
output

Gray

5

Not used/
Answer-back output

Yellow

4

Green

3

Pink

6

Blue

7

Load

Bank selection
input 1/Remote
control input

Bank selection
input 2/Not used

External
synchronous
input

12 to 24
VDC

Operation indicator

8-level
detection
indicator
(green)

4-level
channel
indicator
(orange)

(orange)

7-level
threshold
indicator
(red)

Main
circuit

PNP type
E3MC-#41 (1 output type) E3MC-M#41 (4 output type)

Operation indicator

8-level
detection
indicator
(green)

4-level
bank
indicator
(green)

(orange)

7-level
threshold
indicator
(red)

Main
circuit

Brown

2

Pink

6

Green

3

Yellow

4

Not used/
Answer-back output

Gray

5

Control
output

White

1

Load

Blue

7

External
synchronous
input

Bank selection
input 2/Not used

Bank selection
input 1/Remote
control input

Load

12 to 24
VDC

Operation indicator

8-level
detection
indicator
(green)

4-level
channel
indicator
(orange)

(orange)

7-level
threshold
indicator
(red)

Main
circuit

CH1 CH2 CH3 CH4

Brown

2

Load

White

1

Control
output

Gray

5

Control
output

Yellow

4

Green

3

6

7

Brown

2

Pink

6

White

1

Gray

5

Yellow

4

Control output/
Answer-back output

Green

3

Blue

7

Control output/
Answer-back output

Pink

Blue

External synchronous
input/Remote control
input

Control output

Control output

Load

Load

CH4 CH3 CH2 CH1

Load

Load

Control
output

Load

External synchronous
input/Remote control
input

Control output

Load

Load

12 to 24
VDC

12 to 24
VDC

E3MC

Analog output type

Operation
indicator (orange)

Main
circuit

Brown

2

Yellow

4

Calibration A Calibration B

White

1

Pink

6

3

5

7

Green

Gray

Blue

Analog output
(red)

Analog output
(green)

Analog output
(blue)

0V

DC24V

Connector Pin Arrangement

5

4

6

83

7

1

2

Note: Pin 8 in not

used.

A-151E3MC

Timing chart

ON/OFF type

Function Switch Color
Conformity Selection

Output transistor
Status

Sensing object

Timing chart

Different colorSame color Same color

Different color Same color

Discrimination
result

(Upper side)

(Lower side)

ON when colors

coincide

ON when colors

do not coincide

External
synchronous
input

Control
output

Object

Discrimination
result

External
synchronous
input

Control
output

Connectors (Sensor I/O connectors)

Model Internal Wiring

1

E39-C1 2M
(2 m)
E39-C1 5M
(5 m)

5

4

8

3

2

Note: Pin 8 in not used.

2
3

6

47

1

5
6
7

ON

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

OFF

Lead wire
color

White
Brown
Green
Yellow
Gray
Pink
Blue

Output on holdOutput on hold

This status can be on hold by an
external synchronous input.
It will be released by setting the
external synchronous input to OFF.

Different color Different color

This status can be on hold by an
external synchronous input.
It will be released by setting the
external synchronous input to OFF.

Pin

Wire

No.

color

Same color

ON/OFF type A mode Analog output

E3MC-#11,
E3MC-#41

A White Output Output 1

This status can be on hold so that unwanted
color objects can be ignored while they are
passing the sensing range.

Same color

This status can be on hold so that unwanted
color objects can be ignored while they are
passing the sensing range.

E3MC-M#11,
E3MC-M#41

Different color

Output on holdOutput on hold

E3MC-#81

Calibration B

B Brown Power supply (+V) Power supply (+V) Power supply (+V)

C Green

D Yellow

Bank selection
input 2

Bank selection
input 1

Output 4

Output 3

5 Gray - Output 2

6Pink

External
synchronous input

External
synchronous input

Analog output G
(green)

Calibration A

Analog output B
(blue)

Analog output R
(red)

7 Blue Power supply (0 V) Power supply (0 V) Power supply (0 V)

A-152 Standard Photoelectric Sensors

Part Names/Functions

ON/OFF type

E3MC-A## (1 output Models)
E3MC-X## (1 output Models)
E3MC-Y## (1 output Models)
E3MC-MA## (4 output Models)
E3MC-MX## (4 output Models)
E3MC-MY## (4 output Models)

E3MC

Operation Indicator
(Orange)

Lit when output is ON.
Under mode B,
the indicator will be lit
when mode B is started
or when the mode selector
is set to TEACH.

Bank Indicator (Green)

Displays selected bank.

TEACH button

Registers discriminating color.

Operation unit cover

Detection Level Indicator
(Green)

Displays similarity level between
registered and detectable colors.

Threshold Indicator (Red)

Displays threshold level.

SELECT UP Button,
SELECT DOWN Button

Bank selection
Threshold adjustment

Mode selector

Selects TEACH , ADJ ,
or RUN mode.

Function Switch *

Color discrimination mode selection
Response time selection
OFF-delay timer setting
Conformity/Non-conformity output

Operation Indicator (Orange)

Lit when output is ON.

Channel Indicator (Orange)

Displays selected channels.
Lit when the output of each channel
is ON.

TEACH button

Registers discriminating color.
Used to check the number of
channels that are indicated by
both the operation indicator and
channel indicator.

Operation unit cover

Detection Level Indicator (Green)

Displays similarity level between registered and detectable colors.

Threshold Indicator (Red)

Displays threshold level.

SELECT UP Button, SELECT DOWN Button"

Channel selection
Threshold adjustment

Mode selector

Selects TEACH , ADJ ,
or RUN mode.

Function Switch *

Color discrimination mode selection
Response time selection
OFF-delay timer setting
Conformity/Non-conformity output

* Function Switches (Setting of various functions)
The following settings can be made with the function switches. (Settings can be made in the mode or mode.)

RUN

ADJ

(For the 4 output type, all channels are the target of settings.)

A Color Discrimination Mode Selection (Mode C is recommended for normal applications.)

=

Mode C: Color discrimination is performed according to R (red), G (green), and B (blue) ratio of the re-

C

(6ms)

3ms

flection light even if the sensing objects fluctuate up and down within the rated sensing range.
I (Mode I): Color discrimination is performed according to the light intensity. This mode ensures a

1ms

TMR

I

π

finer color (similar colors or neutral color such as white, gray or black) discrimination than mode C.

(2ms)

2. Response Time Selection (Note: Figures in parentheses are for the 4 output models.)

(1) (2) (3) (4)

3 ms (6 ms): E3MC provides a stable detection of minute differences of color. Set the response
time to
3 ms for usual applications.

1 ms (2 ms): E3MC will be in quick-response operation. Set the response time to 1 ms if high-speed
response is required.

3. OFF-delay Timer Setting

No indication: No timer setting

TMR: A 40 ms OFF delay timer is set for control output.

4. Conformity/Non-conformity Output

=: Output is ON when the detected color coincides with the registered color.

: Output is ON when the detected color does not coincide with the registered color.

Note: Each pin of the function switch is factory-set to the upper position.

Analog output type

Power indicator only

A-153E3MC

Operation

ON/OFF type

Setting Procedure

1-output Models (E3MC-A##/E3MC-X##/E3MC-Y##)

1. Bank Selection

OUTPUT

1
2
3

BANK

LEVEL

4

THRESHOLD

BLIP

SELECT

TEACH

ADJ

TEACH

RUN

(2)

Set the Mode Selector to the mode and then select

TEACH

the BANK using the SELECT button.

2. Color Registration

Sensor

Registered object

Locate the registered object at the detection point and press
the TEACH button.

BANK

(1)

OUTPUT

TEACH

TEACH

1
2
3
4

LEVEL
THRESHOLD

SELECT

ADJ

RUN

BLIP

If color registration
has not been com-

No

pleted, all red

Good

threshold indicators
(red) flicker.

OK

OUTPUT

1
2
3

BANK

LEVEL

4

THRESHOLD

SELECT

TEACH

ADJ

RUN

TEACH

All detection level indicators
(green) turn ON. At this time,
the threshold is set to 4.

3. Threshold Adjustment (If Required)

OUTPUT

1
2

Sensor

Sensing object

BANK

TEACH

TEACH

3
4

LEVEL
THRESHOLD

SELECT

ADJ

RUN

BLIP

Place the sensing object, press the SELECT button in the

ADJ

mode, and make adjustment. (Adjustment can be

made without a sensing object.) The bank selected in the

ADJ

mode is the bank selected in the or mode.

TEACH

RUN

Operation

OUTPUT

1
2
3

BANK

LEVEL

4

THRESHOLD

SELECT

TEACH

ADJ

RUN

TEACH

Detection Level and Tolerance
As the detected color becomes closer to the registered col­or (colors look alike), the number of lit detection level indi­cators (green) increase. The control output will turn ON if
the detection level (green) exceeds the threshold level
(red) and turn OFF if the detection level does not exceed
the threshold level. (For conformity output setting) Set the
threshold to a higher level for highly-precise color discrim­ination or to a lower level to allow margins for discriminated
colors (ignore minor tint differences, dirt retention or like).

Detection Level

Tolerance

Operation
indicator: ON
Control
output: ON

Threshold
value

Operation
indicator: OFF
Control
output: OFF

Detection level

Threshold
value

Make measurement in the mode. The registered color

RUN

can be selected with bank selection input.

A-154 Standard Photoelectric Sensors

4 output Models (E3MC-MA##/E3MC-MX##/E3MC-MY##)

1. Channel Selection

OUTPUT

1
2
3

CH­OUT

LEVEL

4

THRESHOLD

BLIP

TEACH

TEACH

SELECT

(1)

ADJ

RUN

(2)

(1)

Set the Mode Selector to the mode and then select the channel us-

TEACH

ing the SELECT button.

2. Color Registration

OUTPUT

OUTPUT

1

Sensor

Sensor

Registered object

Registered object

CH­OUT

CH-
OUT

TEACH

TEACH

TEACH

TEACH

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

LEVEL

LEVEL

THRESHOLD

THRESHOLD

SELECT

SELECT

ADJ

ADJ

RUN

BLIP

BLIP

RUN

Locate the registered object at the detection point and press
the TEACH button.

3. Threshold Adjustment (If Required)

OUTPUT

1
2
3

Sensor

Sensing object

CH­OUT

TEACH

TEACH

4

LEVEL
THRESHOLD

SELECT

ADJ

RUN

BLIP

OUTPUT

OK

If color registration has
not been completed, all

Not

red threshold indicators

Good

(red) flicker.

All detection level indicators

BANK

TEACH

TEACH

1
2
3
4

LEVEL
THRESHOLD

SELECT

ADJ

RUN

(green) turn ON.
The threshold is set to 4.

Detection Level and Tolerance
As the detected color becomes closer to the registered color
(similar colors), the number of lit detection level indicators
(green) increase. The control output will turn ON if the detec­tion level (green) exceeds the threshold level (red) and turn
OFF if the detection level does not exceed the threshold level.
(For conformity output setting) Set the threshold to a higher
level for highly-precise color discrimination or to a lower level
to allow margins for discriminated colors (ignore minor tint dif­ferences, dirt retention or like).

Detection Level

E3MC

ADJ

(Adjustment can be made without a sensing object)
The bank selected in the mode or mode will
become the bank for the mode.

ADJ

RUN

TEACH

Operation
indicator: ON
Control
output: ON

Tolerance

Threshold
value

Operation
indicator: OFF
Control
output: OFF

Detection level

Threshold
value

A-155E3MC

peration

For indicating detection level and thresh-

OUTPUT

1
2
3

CH­OUT

LEVEL

4

THRESHOLD

SELECT

TEACH

ADJ

TEACH

RUN

Detection is made in the mode.

RUN

The output ON/OFF status of each
channel is displayed on the channel
indicators. Double-displayed chan­nels can be checked and selected by
pressing the button.

old value for other channels

Press the SE­LECT button.

For checking
which channel is
indicated

Press the
TEACH button

Displays the channel the de­tection level of which is cur­rently indicated in (CH-OUT).
(For three seconds)

CH­OUT

OUTPUT

TEACH

TEACH

1
2
3
4

LEVEL

THRESHOLD

SELECT

ADJ

RUN

BLIP

OUTPUT

1
2
3

CH­OUT

LEVEL

4

TEACH

TEACH

THRESHOLD

SELECT

ADJ

RUN

BLIP

Displays the selected channel in (CH­OUT) (for three seconds) and indi­cates the detection level and thresh­old value of the selected channel.

Registered Color Selection (Bank Selection Input)

1-output Models Only

RUN

In the mode, bank selection can be made externally with the bank selection input 1 (yellow) and input 2 (green). The selected
bank is indicated by the bank selection indicator.

NPN (E3MC-A11/-X11/-Y11) PNP (E3MC-A41/-X41/-Y41)

Bank Input 1 Input 2 Bank Input 1 Input 2

1 OPEN OPEN 1 OPEN OPEN
2 GND OPEN 2 Vcc OPEN
3OPENGND 3OPEN Vcc
4GNDGND 4 Vcc Vcc

External synchronous input function

The measurement results will be directly output to the control output if the input from the external synchronous input terminal (pink)
is set to OFF. The output will hold the previous status if the input of the external synchronous input terminal is set to ON. External
synchronous input is valid in or mode. As for the 4-output models, this function applies to the output of all the channels.

Sensing object

Discrimination
result

External
synchronous
input

Control
output

ON

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

OFF

This status can be on hold by an
external synchronous input.
It will be released by setting the
external synchronous input to OFF.

RUN

Same color

ADJ

Different color Same color

This status can be on hold so that unwanted
color objects can be ignored while they are
passing the sensing range.

Same color

Output on holdOutput on hold

A-156 Standard Photoelectric Sensors

Remote teaching (remote control function)

Mode Setting
When using remote teaching (remote control function), you
must set the Sensor to mode B.
Setting Method
Apply power to the Sensor while
pressing the SELECT DOWN but­ton and TEACH button at the same
time.

Checking Method
Whether the E3MC is operating in mode A or B can be checked
with the operation indicator after mode setting (indicated for 3 s)
or in the mode.

Note: 1 . The Sensor is set to mode A before shipment.

TEACH

Mode A:
Operation
indicator is OFF.

2 .The current mode selected does not change after the Sensor is turned

OFF.

3 .The remote control function is available in the mode or mode

only.

4 . When mode B is selected, the E3MC-M# has three outputs. In addition

to this, the external synchronous input function is unusable.

5 . The same switching procedure can be used for changing to mode A.

CH­OUT

OUTPUT

1
2
3
4

LEVEL
THRESHOLD

Mode B:
Operation
indicator is ON.

Remote Teaching Method

1

Remote teaching with manual input through a mechanical switch

Short-circuit the remote control input for 1.5 s or more to either of the follow­ing terminals according to the E3MC model.

NPN type (E3MC-##11) Connected to GND (blue)

PNP type (E3MC-##41)

2

Remote control of teaching and bank selection through the PLC or PT

Short-circuit to Vcc (Brown)
terminal.

Input one of the following signals as a remote control input.
Only when the signal is accepted properly, an answer-back
output is provided for 0.3 s .

No. Control signal E3MC-# E3MC-M##

0.6s

0.9s

0.3s

1.2s

1.5s

To the selected
bank
Teaching

ON

1 Bank 1 selected.

OFF

ON

2 Bank 2 selected.

OFF

ON

3 Bank 3 selected.

OFF

ON

4 Bank 4 selected. Not used.

OFF

ON

5

OFF

SELECT

TEACH

OUTPUT

CH­OUT

RUN

Channel 1
selected.

Channel 2
selected.

Channel 3
selected.

To the selected
channel
Teaching

1
2
3
4

LEVEL
THRESHOLD

ADJ

The following is an example of ladder programming.

00100

TIM000 set value
No.1: 0003
No.2: 0006
No.3: 0009
No.4: 00012
No.5: 00015

Input: 00000
Output: 00100
Others: Work bits

00000

00100 TIM000

END

TIM000
#XXXX

The following is an example of a timing chart of teaching after
bank selection.

Input detection

Remote
control
input

Answer­back
output

Remote control of threshold adjustments through the PLC or

3

PT

ON

OFF

Operation in
bank 2.

ON

OFF

0.3s

1.5s 1.5s

Bank 1

designated.

Input detection

An interval
of 0.6 min.

Bank

selecting.

0.5s 0.3s 0.5 s 0.3s

Answer-back output with
normal signal reception.

restarts.

specified
in bank 1.

Teaching

Sensing

Sensing

Teaching.

restarts.

Answer-back output with
teaching OK.
(No output if teaching fails.)

Input one of the following signals as a remote control input.
Only when the signal is accepted properly, the threshold is
changed and an answer-back output is provided for 0.3 s .

No. Control signal All E3MC models

0.3s 0.3s 0.3 s

6 Threshold 1 selected.

ON

OFF

0.3s

0.3s

ON

ON

ON

ON

ON

ON

OFF

0.3s

0.3s 0.3s

0.3s

0.3s 0.3s

0.6s

0.6s

0.9s

0.3s

0.6s

0.6s0.6s

0.9s

0.3s 0.3s

7 Threshold 2 selected.

OFF

8 Threshold 3 selected.

OFF

9 Threshold 4 selected.

OFF

10 Threshold 5 selected.

OFF

11 Threshold 6 selected.

OFF

12 Threshold 7 selected.

Threshold level
and indication

Tolerance 1
Tolerance 2
Tolerance 3
Tolerance 4
Tolerance 5
Tolerance 6
Tolerance 7

E3MC

A-157E3MC

The following is an example of ladder programming for setting
control signals. Full control of the E3MC is possible using this
function together with function 2.

00000 TIM000

05000

T000 TIM001

05001

T001 TIM002

05002

05000

05002

END

Note: 1 . The admissible error of each signal pulse is ±0.1 s max.

2 .A minimum interval of 0.6 s is required between signals.
3 .Threshold 4 is set after teaching.

05000

TIM000

#XXXX

05001

TIM001

#YYYY

05002

TIM002

#ZZZZ

00100

IM000, TIM001, TIM002 set values

(XXXX, YYYY, ZZZZ)
No.1: (0000, 0000, 0003)
No.2: (0000, 0000, 0006)
No.3: (0000, 0000, 0009)
No.4: (0000, 0000, 00012)
No.5: (0000, 0000, 00015)
No.6: (0003, 0003, 0003)
No.7: (0003, 0006, 0003)
No.8: (0003, 0009, 0003)
No.9: (0003, 0003, 0006)
No.10: (0003, 0006, 0006)
No.11: (0003, 0003, 0009)
No.12: (0006, 0003, 0003)

Input: 00000
Output: 00100
Others: Work bits

Analog output type

Setting Procedure for Setting the E3MC-MA#81

Mounting Output Circuit Dia-

gram

Start detection after making setting in order of the above.

Power-

on

Calibration

Detec-

tion start

Other Acces-

sories

Calibration

This sensor has a calibration function that sets the output voltages of
RGB to the same value using the standard white. For the A and X
types, use the No. 4 terminal (yellow) to set the output values to 10
V. For the Y type, use the No. 1 terminal (white) to set them to 7 V.

A Set the standard white to the detection position.
B Input a 24V 1 ms or more signal to the calibration terminal.
C It takes about 600 ms to make calibration.
D Check the RGB outputs.
E Remove the standard white and start detection.

Precautions

• If the color used for calibration operation is other than white­based colors, the operation is canceled to return to the pre­vious status since the outputs cannot be set to the same
value.

• Note that if the No. 1 terminal (white) is used to perform the
calibration operation of the A or X type, the output values
are set to 7 V and its capability cannot be exhibited fully.

• If the No. 4 terminal (yellow) is used to perform the calibra­tion operation of the Y type, the operation will be insufficient
since output compensation cannot be made. Therefore, al­ways use the No. 1 terminal (white).

A-158 Standard Photoelectric Sensors

Precautions

Correct Use

Common to E3MC series

Design

Power Reset Time

E3MC is ready to sense an object in 100 ms after power-on.
Therefore, use the devices connected to E3MC 100 ms after
power-on. If the load and E3MC are connected to different
power supplies, always power on E3MC first. Especially for
fine detection after power-on, warm up the system for about
15 minutes.

Power OFF

The E3MC may output a single pulse when the control power
supply is turned OFF. If E3MC is connected to a timer or
counter to which power is supplied from an independent pow­er supply, E3MC will be more likely to output a single pulse
when the control power supply is turned OFF. Therefore, sup­ply power to the timer or counter from the same power supply
for the E3MC.

Technical Guide

Detection of Metal or Glossy Objects
The color detection capability will be improved by changing
the mounting angle of the Sensor so that regularly reflected
light will not enter. The mounting angle of the E3MC-(M)X##
can be adjusted about 10° with its mounting holes.

11.5

E3MC-(M)X##

Adjustment of Sensing Distance of General-purpose Optical

Fiber Type
Unlike the E3MC-A or E3MC-X, the E3MC-Y may require ad­justment of its sensing distance depending on the reflection
rate. This also applies to the through-beam type.

Bring the fiber head as close as pos­sible to the object and conduct
teaching.

OK

(All detection level indicators

(green) turn ON)

Actually pass an object to check
whether it can be detected or not.

No

(All threshold indicators (red)

Excessive light. Move the head
away from the object and find a
position where teaching is accept­ed. The distance slightly away
from this position is the optimum
distance.
Move the head away by approxi­mately 20% of the sensing dis­tance.

flicker)

DIN Track Mounting/Removal with the E39-L115

Mounting

1. Attach the E39-L115 Mounting Bracket to the E3MC with

four M5 screws.

Mounting bracket
E39-L115

E3MC

M5 screws

2. When mounting the E3MC to the DIN track, loosen the M3

screw of the Mounting Bracket and slide part A in the direc­tion indicated by arrow A.

M3 screws

E3MC

30.8

12.3

20

5 to 10

˚

Sensing object

##

E3MC-(M)Y
(Reflective fiber)

5 to 20

˚

Sensing object

27

89.2

7.2 49.8

28

E3MC-(M)A##

60

5 to 15

˚

Sensing objec

On the other hand, sensing objects such as metal or trans­parent plastic cases may be detected by allowing regular
reflection.

Detection of White, Gray or Black Objects
When registering white, gray, black or other neutral-color ob­jects, change the color discrimination mode to the

Mode 1

mode to achieve a more stable intensity discrimination.

External Light
The E3MC may malfunction if it directly receives external light
interference. Provide a cover to shut-out such external light in­terference.

A

(1)

3. Mount part (2) to the DIN track.

(2)

DIN track

4. Press the E3MC in the direction indicated by arrow C and

slide part A in the direction indicated by arrow D until the
Mounting Bracket correctly engages with the DIN track.

(3)

M3 screws

A

(4)

DIN track

5. Tighten the M3 screw of the Mounting Bracket to secure the
Mounting Bracket.

A-159E3MC

(Dismantling)
Loosen the M3 screw of the E39-L115, press the E3MC in the
direction indicated by arrow (5) and slide part A in the direction
indicated by arrow (6). Then lift up the E3MC in the direction
indicated by arrow (7) to remove the E3MC with the E39­L115.

M3 screws

(7)

(5)

A

(6)

Others

EEPROM Error

If a write error occurs (the buzzer beeps and the operation in­dicator and bank indicator flicker) due to power-off, static elec­tricity or other noise during write to EEPROM, perform
teaching or threshold level setting again.

Protective Cover

Tighten the operation cover to a torque of 0.2 to 0.3 Nm to en­sure proper waterproofing.

Built-in Amplifier Type

installation

Tightening Force

For case installation, tighten it to the torque of 2.3 Nm max.

Optical Fiber Type

Installation

Tightening Force

For head installation, tighten it to the torque of 0.54 Nm max.

Handling the Fiber Unit

• Do not pull or press the Fiber Unit.

• The bending radius of the fiber should be not less than the
admissible bending radius given in Ratings/performance.

• Do not bend the fiber within 20 mm from the head or ampli­fier coupling portion.

Head

• Do not give compression or load.

• The Fiber Head could be break by excessive vibration. To
prevent this, the following is effective:

20 mm max.

20 mm max.

Fiber Unit

Nylon wire holder

Amplifier

Head

A one-turn loop can
absorb vibrations.

Amplifier

Sensor isntallation

This Sensor does not have the mutual interference preven­tion. When performing precision detection, use the Sensor
with a cover for protection against disturbance light to ensure
that the beams of incandescent and fluorescent lamps do not
enter the fiber head and lens surface directly.

Tape

A-160 Standard Photoelectric Sensors

General-purpose Optical Fiber Type

a

Design

Definition of Sensing Distance of a Reflective Fiber

• The sensing distance of reflective fiber is the sensing dis­tance of the Sensor located obliquely to the sensing object
as shown in the following illustration.

• Set to C mode and standard mode (response time), and
threshold set to the standard level with an inclination angle
of 20 degrees

Recommended Fiber: Reflective Optical Fiber

The following optical fibers are recommended for use with the
E3MC-(M)Y##.

Model Sensing distance*1
E32-DC200
E32-CC200*2
E32-D32L*3
E32-D11L

*1. Distance where 11 colors of standard sensing ob-

jects can be discriminated. As a typical example, 9
colors can be discriminated when 12 mm is set.

*2. The fiber to be inserted into the emitter is indicated

with white lines. Insert the amplifier fiber into the low­er emitter section.

*3. The fiber to be inserted into the emitter is indicated

with dotted yellow lines. Insert the amplifier fiber into
the lower emitter section.

Recommended Fiber: Through-beam Fiber

The following optical fibers are recommended for use with the
E3MC-(M)Y##.

Model Sensing distance
E32-TC200
E32-T11L
E32-T16
E32-T17L

* Distance where red, yellow and blue films can be discriminated stable.

E32-CC200, etc.

Sensing dist

q = 20˚

Sensing object

5 mm
5 mm

4.5 mm
5 mm

30 mm
60 mm

200 mm

1.1 m

Mounting

Insertion

The inserted Fiber Unit comes in contact with the internal rubber
packing first. Insert the Fiber Unit further unit it comes in contact
with the innermost end.

Sensor installation

Tighten the Fiber Unit with a screwdriver to a torque of 0.2 Nm.

Fibers

Among the recommended fibers, the E32-CC200 and E32-D32L
have white or dotted yellow lines on the fiber to be inserted into
the emitter. When using the E3MC-(M)Y##, insert the fiber with
the line into the emitter section at the bottom of the amp.

Common to Fiber Units

Mounting

Tightening Force

• The tightening force applied to the Fiber Unit should be as
follows:

(Screwed type) (Columnar type)

Mounting bracket

Toothed washer

Lock nuts
(provided with
the E3MC)

Fiber Units Clamping torque
M3/M4 screw 0.78 Nm max.
M6 screw 0.98 Nm max.
2-dia. column 0.29 Nm max.
3-dia. column 0.29 Nm max.
E32-T16 0.49 Nm max.

• Use a proper-sized wrench.

Flat or pan head set screw
(M3 max.)

E3MC

Cutting Fiber

• Insert a fiber into the Fiber Cutter and determine the length
of the fiber to be cut.

• Press down the Fiber Cutter in a single stroke to cut the fi­ber.

(1)

(2)

View hole

• The cutting holes cannot be used twice. If the same hole is
used twice, the cutting face of the fiber will be rough and the
sensing distance will be reduced. Always use an unused
hole.

A-161E3MC

Connection

• Do not pull the Fiber Unit with force exceeding 9.8 N or
press the Fiber Unit with force exceeding 29.4 N. The fiber
is so thin that the utmost attention will be required to handle
the fiber.

• Do not bend the end of the Fiber Unit.

20 mm max.

Fiber Unit

20 mm max.

Amplifier

Fiber Unit

Amplifier

• Do not apply excess force on the Fiber Units.

Fiber Unit

Nylon wire holder

• The Fiber Head could break by excessive vibration. To pre­vent this, the following is effective:

A one-turn loop can
absorb vibrations.

Tape

A-162 Standard Photoelectric Sensors

Dimensions (Unit: mm)

Sensors

E3MC-A##
E3MC-MA##
E3MC-A81

E3MC-A11

E3MC-X##
E3MC-MX##
E3MC-X81

E3MC-X11

30.4
30

Sensing face (9.1

Receiver
Emitter

4

30.4

Receiver

30

3.3-dia. mounting holes

Emitter

x

22.9)

15.25

30

10.4

20

12.5

8.9

Optical
axis

8.5

16

Optical

axis

30

24

˚

Sensing head
(heat-resistive ABS)

˚

17.3

15.2

Two, R1.65
mounting holes

11.5

R11.5

98

80

283960

43 28

6.0 dia. optical fiber
(standard length: 1m)

Two, M2.6 x 6

Four, M5 holes on both sides
(depth: 5.5)

53.2

40.2

15.2

M12 connector

21

Four, M5 holes
(depth: 5.5)

98

80

2839

43 28

Mounting Dimensions
Side Mounting

Two, 5.5 dia.

28

Bottom Mounting

Four, 5.5-dia.
holes

21

28

Two, M2.6

´

Four, M5 holes on both sides
(depth: 5.5)

6

40.2

15.2

M12 connector

53.2

E3MC

ounting Dimensions (Fiber Head)

E3MC-Y##
E3MC-MY##
E3MC-Y81

E3MC-Y11

11.5

2-M3

Mounting Dimensions

(Amplifier Unit)

Two, 5.5 dia.

28

30.4

Two, 2.4 dia.

15.2

30

holes

21

12.6

Bottom Mounting

28

Fiber Unit

mounting screw

Receiver

Emitter

Four, 5.5-dia. holes

21

98

80

28397.9

43 28

x

6

Two, M2.6

Four, M5 holes on both sides
(depth: 5.5)

53.2

40.2

15.2

M12 connector

21

Four, M5 holes (depth: 5.5)

21

Four, M5 holes
(depth: 5.5)

Mounting Dimensions
Side Mounting

Two, 5.5 dia.

28

Bottom Mounting

28

Four, 5.5-dia.
holes

21

A-163E3MC

Fiber Units

Accessories (Order Separately)

Sensor I/O Connectors

E39-C1 2M (included)
E39-C1 5M

* Attached to the product.

Mounting Brackets

H-5

6 dia.

8.8 dia.

1.5

25.5
27

12

42

10.5 dia.

L *

* E39-C1 2M: 2 m

E39-C1 5M: 5 m

20

E3MC

ALL DIMENSIONS SHOWN ARE IN MILLIMETERS.
To convert millimeters into inches, multiply by 0.03937. To convert grams into ounces, multiply by 0.03527.

Cat. No. E256-E2-04A-X

In the interest of product improvement, specifications are subject to change without notice.

A-164E3MC