Omron Fiber-Amplified Photoelectric Sensors — E3X & E32
E3X amplifiers read a fibre-optic sensor head and convert it to a switching output. The amplifier and the head are separate products: you fit an E3X amplifier and a matching E32-series head, and the amplifier never includes a head. That makes the pairing the whole decision on this page — the two parts must be matched, and the head sets the sensing distance, not the amplifier.
Lifecycle status
E3X-NA, E3X-ZV and the E32 heads are all current
Omron carries E3X-ZV and E3X-MZV with live datasheets and family pages across its regional sites, and the E3X-NA line remains listed. The older E3X-ZA adjustable amplifier and the E3X-DA digital amplifier are earlier revisions in the same family.
What to fit instead: None required — E3X-ZV is the current smart amplifier
Key specifications
- E3X-NA is the user-friendly amplifier: potentiometer setting with a bar-graph display, 0.2 ms response, 12-24 VDC, IP50
- E3X-ZV is the smart amplifier: twin seven-segment display and Smart Tuning, 0.05 ms in high-speed mode
- Output types: NA1x and ZV1x are NPN, NA4x and ZV4x are PNP open collector
- All E3X amplifiers take E32-series heads — E32-T through-beam, E32-D reflective, E32-L background suppression — with more than 80 head types
- High-speed variants NA11F / NA41F and ZV in HS mode reach 20 microseconds response for counting and registration duties
- IP66 variants (NA..V, ZA) suit washdown areas; the ZV twin display also gives a self-diagnosis readout
How to read an E3X amplifier model number
The letters select the platform and the output type; the amplifier sets sensitivity, not range.
| Model | Platform | Output | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| E3X-NA11 | User-Friendly, potentiometer | NPN open collector | 0.2 ms |
| E3X-NA41 | User-Friendly, potentiometer | PNP open collector | 0.2 ms |
| E3X-NA11F / NA41F | User-Friendly, high-speed | NPN / PNP | 20 microseconds |
| E3X-ZV11 | Smart, twin 7-segment, 1 channel | NPN open collector | 0.05 ms in high-speed |
| E3X-ZV41 | Smart, twin 7-segment, 1 channel | PNP open collector | 0.25 ms high-speed |
| E3X-MZV | Smart, 2-channel | NPN / PNP | per channel |
| E32-* heads | Sensor heads, ordered separately | n/a | sets the sensing distance |
Bracket E39-L143 is used for E3X-NA and E3X-ZV amplifiers. NA and ZV are not variants of one amplifier — they are different products with different displays and tuning methods, and NA/ZV/L143 do not interchange with the earlier ZA or DA amplifiers.
Where these parts get used
- High-speed counting or registration on a packaging line where a 20 microsecond response amplifier is needed
- Clear or coloured material detection on a wide bottle or tray where a diffuse photoelectric beam would be defeated by the container
- Machine-tool and assembly work in a confined space where the small E32 head and flexible fibre are easier to route than a fixed sensor
Which model do you need
- Choose the amplifier for speed and output type, and the E32 head for range and target — the head is a separate order.
- Choose E3X-ZV over E3X-NA when an operator will need to see the sensitivity setting on the unit itself.
- Choose the -F or high-speed variant for counting; the standard version at 0.2 ms will miss fast parts.
- Order bracket E39-L143 with the amplifier and confirm the fibre length suits the machine — heads and amplifiers are quoted separately.
All 7 Omron Fiber-Amplified Photoelectric Sensors SKUs
Every part number below links to its own page with full specifications, compatibility notes and stock status.
Frequently asked
Does the E3X amplifier come with a sensor head?
No. E3X amplifiers read E32-series fibre heads and the head is always ordered separately. The amplifier sets sensitivity and output; the head sets sensing distance and target type. Both are needed to complete an installation.
What is the difference between E3X-NA and E3X-ZV?
Both are 1-channel amplifiers in the same family, but they are different products. E3X-NA is the user-friendly version with a potentiometer and bar-graph display at 0.2 ms response. E3X-ZV is the smart version with twin seven-segment displays and Smart Tuning, reaching 0.05 ms in high-speed mode.
Which head does E3X-NA11 pair with?
Any E32-series head — E32-T for through-beam, E32-D for reflective and E32-L for background suppression, among more than 80 types. NA11 is the NPN output version and NA41 is PNP. The amplifier number carries no information about range.
What bracket does an E3X amplifier need?
Bracket E39-L143, used for both E3X-NA and E3X-ZV. The E39-L bracket family used by the E3Z photoelectric sensors is a different fit and will not mount an E3X amplifier.
How fast is an E3X amplifier?
The standard E3X-NA and E3X-ZV run at 0.2 ms and 0.05 to 1 ms depending on mode. The high-speed variants, NA11F, NA41F and the ZV in high-speed mode, reach 20 microseconds — that is the version to specify for high-speed counting rather than simple presence detection.
Specification sources
Specifications on this page were checked against Omron's own documentation. If a figure here disagrees with your datasheet, the datasheet wins — tell us and we will correct it.
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