Omron E3S-DBN21 — Industrial Sensor
SKU: E3S-DBN21USD 93.00
Compact retro-reflective photoelectric sensor with mirror-surface rejection (MSR) function and P-opaquing algorithm for transparent object detection (PET bottles, glass, clear film). 0–3.5 m sensing with E39-R8 reflector, NPN output via M12 connector, 1 ms response, IP67/IP69K Ecolab-certified for washdown.
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Product Overview
The E3S-DBN21 is a member of the E3S-DB 'Transparent Object Detection' photoelectric sensor family — a compact retro-reflective sensor with MSR (mirror-surface rejection) function and Omron's proprietary P-opaquing algorithm, engineered specifically to detect PET bottles, glass bottles, clear plastic trays, and transparent films on conveyors without false triggering on shiny non-target objects (e.g., aluminum cans, glossy packaging).
Decoding the E3S-DBN21 model number
E3S = compact square photoelectric sensor family (alternative to E3Z cylinder family); D = 'detect' family / transparent-object + MSR + Smart Teaching; B = generation II of the DB series (replaces the older E3S-DB[][]1 / E3S-DB[][]2 nomenclature); N = NPN output (vs P = PNP); 2 = standard transparent-object detection variant (vs 1 = wide-angle long-range, 3 = narrow-beam 0.5 m range); 1 = M12 4-pin connector (vs '0' = pre-wired 2 m or 'M' = pre-wired 0.3 m SmartClick). The '21' suffix thus says: standard variant with M12 connector. Siblings: E3S-DBN11 2M (pre-wired 2 m), E3S-DBN31 0.3M (SmartClick prewired), E3S-DBP21 (PNP), E3S-DBN22 (narrow-beam 0.5 m).
Why retro-reflective with MSR for transparent targets
Standard diffuse-reflective sensors rely on light scattering off the target — but transparent targets like PET bottles scatter very little light back to the sensor, so a diffuse-reflective mode misses them entirely. Standard retro-reflective sensors fire the beam at a corner-cube reflector (which folds the beam back to the sensor); the sensor detects the beam-block by absence of return light. Transparent targets partially block the return light (some still comes back via refraction), causing a standard retro to either partially trigger or chatter.
Application context — PET bottle detection
The E3S-DBN21's primary application is on PET bottle filling / capping lines in the beverage industry. The sensor detects the bottle body between rinser and filler (E3S-DBN21 + E39-R8 reflector mounted on either side of the conveyor at 200-300 mm range) to count bottles and confirm the bottle is in position for filling. The MSR function rejects glare from the bottle's smooth PET wall, which would otherwise false-trigger the sensor. The IP69K + Ecolab certification matters here: the sensor is mounted in close proximity to caustic washdown nozzles (typically 100-200 mm away), which spray hot (60-80 °C) caustic at the bottle between rinses.
Key Features
- E3S-DB Transparent-Object Detection Photoelectric Sensor family
- Retro-reflective with mirror-surface rejection function
- Omron P-opaquing algorithm for PET bottles, glass, clear film detection
- Sensing distance 0 to 3.5 m with E39-R8 reflector
- Light source: visible Red LED 624 nm
- Spot diameter: 6 mm at 250 mm sensing distance
- Power supply voltage 10 to 30 VDC
- Output: NPN open collector, NO operation
- SKU: E3S-DBN21
- Series: E3S-DB Transparent Object Detection Photoelectric Sensor
- Voltage: 10 TO 30 VDC
- I/O: 100 I/O
Best-Fit Applications
- PET bottle counting on a beverage filling line — E3S-DBN21 + E39-R8 reflector mounted at opposite sides of a conveyor.
- Glass bottle presence detection on a wine bottling line — retro reflective with E39-R8 detects the bottle body even with.
- Clear plastic tray detection on a vacuum-former output conveyor — the E3S-DBN21 detects trays as they exit the sealer, even.
- Transparent film splice detection on a packaging-line film roll — the retro reflective detects the splice tape which would otherwise.
Buying Checklist
- Pick E3S-DBN21 for retro-reflective TRANSPARENT-object detection with NPN output and M12 connector
- Pick E3S-DBN11 2M for retro-reflective transparent-object detection with NPN output and pre-wired 2 m cable
- Pick E3S-DBP21 for the PNP output equivalent
- Pick E3S-DB[]22T with narrow-beam 0.5 m range when detecting small targets where the 6 mm standard spot is too wide
- Pick E3Z-D82 for diffuse-reflective at 1 m range — cheaper than E3S-DBN21 for non-transparent detection
- Pick E3FA-DP21 for diffuse-reflective opaque detection in M18 barrel form factor
Technical Specifications
| Model | E3S-DBN21 |
|---|---|
| Series | E3S-DB Transparent Object Detection Photoelectric Sensor |
| Type | Retro-reflective with MSR function + P-opaquing algorithm |
| Sensing Method | Retro-reflective (RETROREFLECTIVE, NOT diffuse-reflective — this is a correction vs old DB) |
| Sensing Distance | 0 to 3.5 m with E39-R8 reflector (sold separately) |
| Standard Reflector | E39-R8 (40 × 60 mm, included in some kits, sold separately) |
| Narrow Beam Range (with E39-R21) | 0 to 0.5 m (small spot 2.5 mm dia. at 200 mm) |
| Spot Diameter | 6 mm dia. at 250 mm sensing distance (with E39-R8) |
| Power Supply Voltage | 10 to 30 VDC |
| Current Consumption | 30 mA max (typical 25 mA at 24 VDC) |
| Control Output | NPN open collector, 100 mA max at 30 VDC, residual voltage 1 V max |
| Output Configuration | Light-ON / Dark-ON switchable (SLD selector switch on sensor) |
| Material (Connector) | Brass, nickel-plated |
| Operating Temperature | -25 to +55 °C |
| Storage Temperature | -40 to +70 °C |
Resources & Downloads
FAQ for E3S-DBN21
What is the difference between E3S-DBN21 and E3S-DBN11 2M?
Both are E3S-DB-series retro-reflective sensors with MSR function and transparent-target detection capability, both with NPN output. The differences are in connection method: E3S-DBN21 (this SKU) uses an M12 4-pin metal connector on the sensor body for quick-disconnect installation with cordset XS3F-M421-402-A. E3S-DBN11 2M has a 2 m pre-wired PVC cable instead.
Why does the E3S-DBN21 detect PET bottles when other sensors cannot?
PET bottles (clear plastic, ~0.5 mm wall thickness) are difficult targets for standard photoelectric sensors because they don't reflect enough light back to diffuse-reflective sensors and they don't block enough light from standard retro-reflective sensors.
What is the Smart Teaching routine for the E3S-DBN21?
Smart Teaching is a 3-step procedure: (1) With the sensor and reflector installed and aligned, press and hold the teach button on the sensor body for 3 seconds with no target in the beam — the LED blinks slowly, indicating 'baseline learning mode' is recording the empty-beam return level. (2) Release the button, then pass 3 sample targets (typical PET bottles) through the beam in sequence — the LED blinks once per detection, confirming each signal.
Is the E3S-DBN21 IP69K-rated for high-pressure washdown?
Yes — the E3S-DBN21 carries both IP67 (IEC 60529, submersion protection) and IP69K (DIN 40050-9, high-pressure high-temperature water-jet protection) ratings. IP69K specifically tests protection against 80 °C water sprayed at 80-100 bar pressure from 100-150 mm distance — equivalent to the caustic washdown nozzles in beverage / dairy / pharmaceutical plants. In addition, the body carries Ecolab detergent-resistance certification (tested against the standard Ecolab P3-topax 66 + P3-topactive OK ranges used in food/beverage CIP).
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