The OMRON RGB Color Sensor, specifically the E3MC series, is designed to discriminate delicate differences in color, positioning itself as a leading color sensor in the industry. It features a built-in LED light source, which ensures a long service life and maintenance-free operation. The sensor is capable of discriminating color differences without being influenced by changes in ambient temperature, brightness of sensing objects, or the positioning of these objects.
Function Description
The E3MC RGB Color Sensor operates by detecting the red (680 nm), green (525 nm), and blue (450 nm) components of reflected light. It offers two primary color discrimination modes:
- Mode C (RGB ratio detection): This mode performs color discrimination based on the R, G, and B ratios of the reflection light. It is recommended for normal applications and is effective even if sensing objects fluctuate in position within the rated sensing range.
- Mode I (RGB light intensity detection): This mode discriminates colors based on the RGB light intensity of the reflection light, offering more delicate color discrimination than Mode C. This mode is particularly useful for detecting white, gray, or black objects, where it can achieve more stable color discrimination.
The sensor allows for the registration of up to four colors in teaching operation, with manual threshold level adjustments. It provides conformity output, where the output is ON when the detected color coincides with the registered color, and non-conformity output, where the output is ON when the detected color does not coincide with the registered color (switch selectable).
For 1-output models, four banks are selectable for discriminating color, either by bank selection input or by using the SELECT button. For 4-output models, channel selection is available.
Important Technical Specifications
The E3MC series offers various models, including built-in amplifier types (E3MC-A11, E3MC-A41, E3MC-MA11, E3MC-MA41), optical fiber types (E3MC-X11, E3MC-X41, E3MC-MX11, E3MC-MX41), and general-purpose optical fiber types (E3MC-Y11, E3MC-Y41, E3MC-MY11, E3MC-MY41).
Sensing Distance and Spot Diameter:
- Built-in amplifier type (E3MC-A1, E3MC-MA1): Sensing distance of 60 ± 10 mm, spot diameter of 12 mm.
- Optical fiber type (E3MC-X1, E3MC-MX1): Sensing distance of 20 ± 4 mm, spot diameter of 3 mm.
- General-purpose optical fiber type (E3MC-Y1, E3MC-MY1): Sensing distance varies with the recommended fiber. For example, with E32-CC200, the sensing distance is 5 mm, and with E32-T16, it is 200 mm.
Electrical Specifications:
- Supply Voltage: 12 to 24 VDC ± 10%, ripple (p-p) 10% max.
- Current Consumption: 100 mA max.
- Control Output: Load current 100 mA max.
- NPN open collector output with a maximum residual voltage of 1.2 V for E3MC-(M)A11, E3MC-(M)X11, and E3MC-(M)Y11.
- PNP open collector output with a maximum residual voltage of 2.0 V for E3MC-(M)A41, E3MC-(M)X41, and E3MC-(M)Y41.
Response Time:
- 1-output model:
- Standard mode: 3 ms max.
- High-speed mode: 1 ms max. (switch selectable).
- 4-output model:
- Standard mode: 6 ms max.
- High-speed mode: 2 ms max. (switch selectable).
Timer Function: 40-ms OFF-delay timer (ON/OFF switch selectable).
Indicators:
- Operation indicator (orange LED).
- 4-level bank indicator (green LED, for 1-output models).
- 7-level threshold indicator (red LED).
- 8-level detection indicator (green LED).
- Four channel indicators (orange LED, for 4-output models).
Protection: Protection from reversed power supply connection and output short-circuit.
Environmental Ratings:
- Ambient Illumination: Incandescent lamp: 3,000 lx max.; Sunlight: 10,000 lx max.
- Ambient Temperature: Operating: -25°C to 55°C (with no icing).
- Ambient Humidity: Operating: 35% to 85% (with no condensation).
- Vibration Resistance: 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: Destruction: 500 m/s² for 3 times each in X, Y, and Z directions.
- Degree of Protection: IEC IP66 (with protective cover in place).
Materials:
- Case: Zinc die-cast.
- Cover: PES.
- Fiber head (for optical fiber types): ABS.
Usage Features
- Easy-to-see Indicators: The sensor incorporates easy-to-see detection level and threshold level indicators, simplifying setup and monitoring.
- Remote Teaching: The E3MC supports remote teaching functions, allowing for manual input through a mechanical switch or via a PLC/PT. This enables bank selection, channel selection, and threshold adjustments remotely.
- External Synchronous Input: An external synchronous input terminal (pink wire) allows the control output to directly reflect measurement results when set to OFF, or to hold the previous status when set to ON. This is useful for ignoring unwanted objects passing through the sensing range.
- Bank/Channel Selection: For 1-output models, up to four banks can be selected externally. For 4-output models, channel selection is available.
- Mode Selection: The sensor offers two modes of operation: Mode A (factory-set) and Mode B (for remote teaching).
- Optical Fiber Compatibility: The E3MC-Y models are compatible with various general-purpose optical fibers, including reflective and through-beam types, allowing for flexible application setups. Specific recommendations are provided for optimal performance.
- Mounting Flexibility: Accessories like sensor mounting brackets (E39-L114) and DIN-track mounting brackets (E39-L115) are available for secure and adjustable installation, including inclination up to 15°.
Maintenance Features
- Built-in LED Light Source: The integrated LED light source contributes to a long service life and reduces the need for frequent maintenance.
- IP66 Protection: The IP66 degree of protection ensures the sensor's durability in harsh industrial environments, making it resistant to dust and water ingress, thus simplifying maintenance.
- Easy-to-Maintain Design: The robust construction and clear indicators aid in quick troubleshooting and maintenance.
- Fiber Unit Handling: Specific precautions are outlined for handling and mounting fiber units, including tightening torque specifications and bending radius limits, to prevent damage and ensure reliable operation.
- Fiber Cutting Tool: For optical fiber types, a dedicated cutting tool (E39-F4) is recommended to ensure precise and clean cuts, which is crucial for maintaining optimal sensing distance and performance.
- M12 Metal Connector: Instructions for securely connecting and disconnecting the M12 metal connector are provided to prevent damage and maintain the IP66 rating.
- EEPROM Error Handling: In case of an EEPROM error (indicated by flashing operation and bank indicators and a buzzer), the user is advised to perform teaching and threshold level settings again.
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