E3FB-DN22 5v photoelectric sensor
- time:2025-10-09 09:43:53
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The E3FB-DN22 5V Photoelectric Sensor: Precision Detection Simplified
Ever struggled with unreliable object detection causing production hiccups or sorting errors? In the intricate world of automation, consistent and accurate sensing isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. That’s where specialized components like the E3FB-DN22 5V photoelectric sensor step in, offering a robust solution tailored for demanding applications where power constraints or environmental factors challenge lesser sensors. This compact yet powerful device delivers dependable performance precisely where you need it most.
Understanding the Core: The 5V Photoelectric Advantage
Unlike sensors demanding higher voltage inputs (commonly 12-24V DC), the E3FB-DN22 operates efficiently on just 5V DC. This characteristic unlocks significant advantages:
- Direct Microcontroller Integration: Seamlessly connect to Raspberry Pi, Arduino, PICs, and other 5V logic boards without requiring bulky level shifters or additional power supplies. This simplifies prototyping and embedded system design immensely.
- Reduced Power Consumption: Operating at lower voltage translates intrinsically to lower energy draw, a crucial factor in battery-powered mobile applications, portable equipment, or systems aiming for high energy efficiency.
- Simplified Wiring & Cost: Often existing within devices already powered by 5V rails (USB ports, logic supplies), integration becomes cleaner and potentially cheaper by leveraging the available power source.
Decoding the E3FB-DN22: Features That Define Reliability

The “E3FB-DN22” designation is more than a model number; it signifies specific, engineered capabilities designed by Omron, a leader in industrial sensing technology:
- Compact Form Factor (18x18x6.5mm approx.): This ultra-compact size allows installation in incredibly tight spaces where larger sensors simply won’t fit, ideal for modern miniaturized machinery and robotics.
- Retroreflective Type: Utilizing a light-bouncing principle, this sensor houses both the emitter (light source) and receiver (detector) in a single unit. It detects objects when they interrupt the light beam reflected back from a separate reflector (target). This setup simplifies installation compared to thru-beam types (requiring separate emitter and receiver units) and offers longer sensing ranges than diffuse models (which bounce light directly off the object).
- Dark-ON / Light-ON Selectable: Provides flexible logic output configuration to suit specific control needs – output turns ON either when the light beam is blocked (Dark-ON) or when the beam is received (Light-ON).
- NPN Output (Open Collector): Delivers a sinking output signal compatible with a vast range of PLC inputs and microcontroller GPIO pins configured for input with pull-up resistors.
- High Performance: Features include excellent environmental resistance (IP67 rating - dustproof and waterproof), 0.1mm repeat accuracy for pinpoint detection reliability, and a fast response time crucial for high-speed applications like sorting or counting.
- Stable Operation: Engineered for superior resistance to ambient light interference and background surfaces, ensuring consistent performance even under challenging shop floor lighting conditions.
Where the E3FB-DN22 5V Sensor Truly Shines: Key Applications
The unique blend of its 5V operation, compactness, and robust retroreflective performance makes the E3FB-DN22 indispensable in numerous scenarios:
- Embedded Electronics & DIY Projects: The go-to sensor for Raspberry Pi object detection, Arduino automation projects, custom robotics, and any 5V-powered device needing reliable presence/absence sensing.
- Miniature Machinery & Tight Spaces: Count tiny components on compact assembly lines, detect miniature parts positioning, or verify the presence of small items in densely packed equipment where larger sensors are impractical.
- Packaging & Material Handling: Accurately detect boxes, bottles, or products on conveyors for counting, sorting, jam detection, or verifying correct positioning before sealing or palletizing.
- Printing & Paper Handling: Detect paper edge, sheet presence, or web breaks reliably within printers, copiers, and paper processing machines.
- Food & Beverage Automation: Safely detect containers, lids, or product levels on processing lines within washdown environments (thanks to its IP67 rating).
- Precision Assembly: Verify component insertion, detect misaligned parts, or ensure correct orientation during high-precision assembly processes.
Why Choose the E3FB-DN22 5V Photoelectric Sensor? The Competitive Edge
Feature |
E3FB-DN22 Advantage |
Benefit |
5V Operation |
Direct 5VDC power requirement |
Simplifies wiring, reduces cost, enables direct MCU connection |
Compact Size |
Ultra-small footprint (approx. 18x18x6.5mm) |
Fits where others can’t, ideal for miniaturization |
Sensing Type |
Reliable Retroreflective with long range for its size |
Easier installation than thru-beam, longer range than diffuse |
Robustness |
IP67 protection rating |
Withstands dust, water jets, and harsh industrial environments |
Precision |
High repeat accuracy (0.1mm) |
Ensures near-zero error rates in critical detection tasks |
Versatility |
Dark-ON/Light-ON selectable, NPN output |
Adapts to diverse application logic requirements |
Stability |
Strong ambient light and background immunity |
Maintains reliable operation under challenging lighting conditions |
Integrating Seamlessly: Leveraging the 5V Connection
Getting the E3FB-DN22 operational within your 5V circuit is remarkably straightforward, capitalizing on its design intent:
- Power: Connect the Brown wire (+V) to your 5V DC source and the Blue wire (0V) to Ground (GND).
- Output: Connect the Black wire (Output) to your controller’s digital input pin (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi GPIO). Remember to configure the input pin with an external pull-up resistor (typically 1kΩ - 10kΩ) to your controller’s 5V supply for the Open Collector NPN output to function correctly.
- Mode Selection: Use the sensor’s built-in switch or potentiometer to select Dark-ON or Light-ON mode based on your application’s needs (detect object presence or absence).
Precision Engineered for the Demands of Modern Automation
The E3FB-DN22 5V photoelectric sensor is far more than just a component; it’s a meticulously designed solution addressing the specific needs of space-constrained, low-power, and high-precision sensing applications. Its ability to operate directly from common 5V logic supplies, coupled with its outstanding environmental protection, miniature size, and reliable retroreflective detection, makes it an exceptionally versatile tool. Whether you’re refining a complex automated assembly line, building a sophisticated robot, or creating an innovative embedded system prototype, integrating the E3FB-DN22 delivers consistent, dependable performance, simplifying the complex task of object detection and unlocking new levels of efficiency and reliability.