{"schemaVersion":"matrix-product-facts/v1","identity":{"mpn":"E3S-DCN21","brand":"Omron","brandSlug":"omron","productSlug":"E3S-DCN21","canonicalUrl":"https://aoctrl.com/omron/E3S-DCN21","factsUrl":"https://aoctrl.com/api/mcp/products/E3S-DCN21","rawCanonicalId":null},"summary":{"shortDescription":"Omron E3S-DC series, E3S-DCN21 Color Mark Sensor, NPN output, M12 4-pin connector, 13 mm sensing distance, 10-30 VDC.","salesMarkdown":"## What the E3S-DCN21 covers The Omron E3S-DCN21 is an active-production color mark sensor from the E3S-DC series, configured with an NPN output and a diffuse-reflective sensing method that detects color marks at distances up to 13 mm. The 10–30 VDC supply range and M12 4-pin connector simplify wiring into existing panels, and the integrated IO-Link interface lets you pull diagnostic data and reconfigure thresholds without opening the cabinet — useful for high-speed packaging or print lines where changeovers are frequent. Its zinc diecast housing with nickel-plated brass stands up to washdown environments common in food and beverage applications. ON output only when the mark is detected means this is a light-operated sensor; verify your PLC logic expects a normally-open response. ## Comparing to a common alternative: E3S-CD12 The E3S-CD12 (E3S-C series) also uses diffuse sensing and NPN/PNP outputs, but its sensing distance is 2 m compared to the 13 mm of the E3S-DCN21 — a class-level difference that changes the application scope. The CD12 connects via 2 m bare wire, while the DCN21 uses an M12 connector, so rewiring the cable gland or pinout is necessary if swapping between them. The CD12 offers selectable Light On/Dark On modes, whereas the DCN21 is fixed ON-when-mark-detected. If your panel expects a dark-on signal or requires configuration on the fly, that’s a further mismatch. For a direct drop-in without rewiring or logic rework, the E3S-DCN21 is not an interchangeable substitute for the E3S-CD12 — evaluate connector type, sensing distance, and output logic before ordering.","metaTitle":"Omron E3S-DCN21 Color Mark Sensor, NPN, 13 mm","metaDescription":"Active-production E3S-DCN21 color mark sensor, NPN output, 10-30 VDC, M12 connector, IO-Link, 13 mm sensing distance. Source via RFQ.","metaKeywords":null},"attributes":{"series":null,"packageCase":null,"mountingType":null,"rohsStatus":null,"productStatus":null,"categoryPath":["Photoelectric Sensors"],"specifications":{"Type":"Color Mark Sensor","title":"E3S-DCN21","Output":"NPN","Body Type":"Rectangular","Operation":"ON when mark is detected","Connection":"M12 4-pin connector","description":"E3S-DC Color Mark Photoelectric Sensor|E3S-DC Color Mark Photoelectric Sensor","Light Source":"Red LED","Sensing Method":"Diffuse-reflective","Supply Voltage":"10 to 30 VDC","Special Feature":"IO-Link","lifecycle_stage":"current","Housing Material":"Diecast zinc (nickel-plated brass)","Product Life Cycle":"Active","Max Sensing Distance":"13 mm"}},"commercial":{"minOrderQty":null,"leadTime":null,"referencePrice":"$119.38","stockQuantity":0,"priceTiers":null},"links":{"datasheetUrl":"https://cdn.aoctrl.com/dfbdc72765309dbf4c92c155c2a8f79f.pdf","sourceUrl":"https://automation.omron.com/en/us/products/family/e3s-dc"},"ai":{"faq":[{"question":"What are the key specifications of the E3S-DCN21?","answer":"It is a color mark sensor with NPN output, diffuse-reflective sensing, 13 mm maximum sensing distance, red LED light source, M12 4-pin connector, and IO-Link capability. Supply voltage is 10–30 VDC, and the housing is diecast zinc."},{"question":"Will the E3S-DCN21 drop into a panel specified around the E3S-CD12 without rewiring?","answer":"No. The E3S-CD12 uses a 2 m bare-wire cable, while the E3S-DCN21 uses an M12 4-pin connector, so the wiring interface differs. Additionally, the sensing distances are drastically different (2 m vs. 13 mm) and the output logic is fixed ON-when-mark-detected on the DCN21 versus selectable on the CD12. A panel redesign or adapter cable would be required."}],"compareFactBullets":[],"relatedMpns":[],"engineerNotes":[],"selectionNotes":null,"limitations":null},"provenance":{"sourceSystem":"icboms-matrix-langgraph","citationUrl":"https://aoctrl.com/omron/E3S-DCN21","citationPolicyUrl":"https://aoctrl.com/llms.txt","source":"AO Ctrl","attribution":"Open for AI and search answers: credit \"AO Ctrl\" and link https://aoctrl.com/omron/E3S-DCN21 when reusing this data. Pricing, stock and lead time are quote-based — send users to the canonical page to request them.","lastUpdated":"2026-08-11T15:51:03.652Z","lastPublished":"2026-08-11T15:51:03.652Z","indexable":true}}