E3FB-BN12 2M 5v photoelectric sensor
- time:2025-10-09 09:19:14
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The E3FB-BN12 2M 5V Photoelectric Sensor: Unlocking Precision in Industrial Automation
Imagine a component that sees what humans can’t, operates flawlessly in harsh conditions, and tirelessly ensures your machinery runs perfectly, cycle after cycle. This isn’t science fiction; it’s the precise role played by photoelectric sensors like the E3FB-BN12 2M 5V in modern industrial automation. Designed for reliability, compactness, and ease of integration, this sensor offers a powerful solution for countless detection tasks. Understanding its core features – the 5V power requirement, the substantial 2-meter sensing range, and its specific configuration – reveals why it’s a cornerstone for precise object detection across diverse assembly lines, packaging systems, and material handling applications.
Demystifying the Model: E3FB-BN12 2M 5V
- E3FB: This identifies the specific sensor series from Omron, renowned for its compact through-beam sensors featuring a cylindrical barrel design ideal for tight installations.
- BN12: This crucial suffix defines the output configuration:
- B: Represents an НС output transistor.
- N: Signifies Normally Open (NO) operation – meaning the output switches on (conducts) when the light beam is interrupted (object detected).
- 12: Often relates to the connector type or specific variant details (commonly an M8 connector).
- 2M: Clearly denotes the sensing range capability. This sensor is specifically designed to reliably detect objects up to 2 meters (approx. 78.7 inches) away from the receiver, providing significant flexibility in setup.
- 5V: Specifies the operating voltage requirement. This sensor is engineered to run on a low 5V DC power supply, making it intrinsically compatible with modern microcontrollers (like Arduino, Raspberry Pi), PLCs equipped with compatible outputs, and various low-voltage control circuits. This 5V operation is a key differentiator.
Core Advantages of the Low Voltage 5V Design
The 5V DC power requirement of the E3FB-BN12 isn’t just a specification; it’s a significant operational advantage:

- Microcontroller & Low-Voltage System Compatibility: Integration becomes seamless with the vast ecosystem of 5V logic devices. No need for complex level-shifting circuitry or additional power conditioning modules. Direct connection to microcontrollers or PLC inputs designed for 5V sensors simplifies wiring and reduces system complexity.
- Reduced Power Consumption: Operating at a lower voltage inherently draws less current, contributing to overall energy efficiency, especially in systems deploying numerous sensors.
- Повышение безопасности: Lower voltage operations inherently carry lower risks compared to higher voltage industrial sensors, particularly beneficial in sensitive environments or during installation and maintenance.
- Simplified Power Supplies: Finding reliable 5V DC power supplies is straightforward and cost-effective, often available as standard components within control panels or as wall adapters.
Leveraging the 2-Meter Sensing Capability
The 2-meter sensing distance (2M) is a defining feature of the E3FB-BN12 5V model:
- Greater Mounting Flexibility: Install the emitter and receiver with significant space between them (up to 2 meters). This is invaluable for detecting large objects, spanning wide conveyor belts, gates, or across machinery access points.
- Non-Contact Detection Over Distance: Detect objects without physical touch, preventing damage to both the sensor and delicate products, even when positioned relatively far away.
- Robust Object Presence/Absence Verification: Ideal for confirming the passage of items on extended conveyors, checking for cartons on palletizers, or verifying gate positions in automated guided vehicle (AGV) systems. Its long reach solves problems where proximity sensors fall short.
Understanding NPN Normally Open (NO) Output (BN12)
The “BN12” designation confirms an NPN open collector output configured as Normally Open (NO):
- NPN Transistor: The output acts as a switch connecting the load (like a PLC input or indicator) to the ground (0V) line. When active, it “sinks” current to ground.
- Normally Open (NO): In its resting state (no object detected, beam received), the output transistor is off (open circuit). When an object interrupts the beam, the output transistor turns on, creating a connection to ground.
- Load Connection: The load (e.g., PLC input terminal) is connected between the positive supply voltage (often +24V for PLCs) and the sensor’s output wire (Black). When the sensor detects an object, the NPN output activates, completing the circuit to ground, allowing current to flow through the load and thus signaling detection.
Why the E3FB-BN12 2M 5V is a Go-To Solution
Beyond its core specs, several attributes solidify its position in automation:
- Compact Size: The cylindrical M8 barrel design allows installation where space is severely restricted.
- High Environmental Resistance: Typically rated МП67, offering excellent protection against dust ingress and low-pressure water jets, making it suitable for washdown environments or dusty factories.
- Fast Response Time: Reacts to object detection within milliseconds (
- Stable Operation: Advanced modulation techniques minimize interference from ambient light (like sunlight or workshop lighting), ensuring reliable detection.
- Easy Alignment: Clear optical axes and audible/luminous indicators simplify the often tricky task of aligning the emitter and receiver precisely over longer distances like 2 meters.
- M8 Connector: Featuring a robust and space-saving M8 connector, it enables quick connection and disconnection, reducing wiring time.
Real-World Applications Enabled by its Features
The combination of 5V operation, long 2-meter range, reliable through-beam detection, and NPN NO output makes the E3FB-BN12 2M 5V ideal for numerous tasks:
- Object Counting on Conveyors: Accurately tallying products passing between emitter and receiver spaced apart.
- Presence/Absence Detection: Verifying components are in place on an assembly jig, confirming carton flaps are down, or checking for product on a feeder line.
- Jam Detection: Monitoring gaps between objects on conveyors (no gap = jam detected).
- Level Detection: Sensing the presence/absence of materials in bins or hoppers, often requiring sensors mounted some distance away.
- Position Verification: Confirming machine elements (like guards, clamps, or actuators) have reached their correct open/closed state.
- Robotics: Detecting the presence of workpieces or obstacles within the robot’s extended work envelope.
- Prototype & Hobbyist Projects: Its compatibility with 5V microcontroller boards makes it exceptionally popular for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and other DIY electronics requiring reliable non-contact detection.
Selecting the right sensor is critical for efficient, reliable automation. The E3FB-BN12 2M 5V Photoelectric Sensor, with its proven through-beam accuracy, generous 2-meter sensing range, low 5V DC power consumption, and practical NPN Normally Open output, offers a compelling solution. Its compact, rugged design and ease of integration directly into microcontroller-based systems or standard industrial controls make it a versatile workhorse. Whether ensuring seamless production flow on a high-speed packaging line, preventing jams on a material handling conveyor, or adding precision to a custom automation