300 mm diffused sensing — what it means on the line
The Omron E3S-DS30E4-T-5M is a diffused photoelectric sensor with a 300 mm sensing distance, meaning it detects objects by the light reflected back from the target itself — no separate reflector or receiver needed. That 300 mm range is the maximum for a standard white card target; real-world distance drops with darker or matte surfaces, so budget 200–250 mm for a dark plastic or rubber part on a conveyor.
This sensor belongs to the Omron E3S Series, a compact rectangular-body photoelectric family used for presence detection, part counting, and position verification on packaging lines, conveyor systems, and automated assembly stations. The 5-meter cable (the -T-5M suffix) simplifies wiring in fixed-mount applications where a quick-disconnect connector would add a failure point.