Tri-Tronics Fiber Optic Amplifiers: DFS, SMARTEYE Mark III and EZ-PRO Compared
The electronics behind every fiber optic sensing point — how to choose light colour, speed and setup style.
A fiber optic cable is only half a sensor. The Tri-Tronics fiber optic amplifier provides the light, reads what comes back and switches your PLC input. Tri-Tronics offers three very different families: the digital DFS with its OLED screen, the proven SMARTEYE Mark III with its contrast bar-graph, and the simple EZ-PRO with one-button AUTOSET. Here is how they differ and which one fits your machine.
Three Amplifier Families at a Glance
| Feature | DFS (DFS11 / DFS12) | SMARTEYE Mark III (SE3) | EZ-PRO (EZPI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 96 × 16 OLED with plain words | 10-bar LED contrast display | Contrast indicator |
| Setup | 6 AUTOSET modes | OFFSET / EDR potentiometer | Push-button AUTOSET |
| Response | 50 µs to 16 ms (6 modes) | 50 µs light / 140 µs dark (SE3R) | 300 µs (EZPI) |
| Extras | 19 timer modes, counter, crosstalk rejection | Enhanced Dynamic Range circuit | Timers 10 / 25 / 50 ms, auto-tracking |
| Supply | 8–30 V DC | 12–24 V DC | 10–30 V DC |
| Housing | Slim DIN-rail body, M8 connector | Polycarbonate, IP67 / NEMA 4X | Polycarbonate, IP67 |
Data from Tri-Tronics product pages for DFS12NRC, SE3R and EZPI. Check the datasheet for your exact model.
Choosing the Light Colour
Red (R)
660 nm. Best partner for plastic fibers and for detecting translucent or transparent objects and colour contrast.
White (WL)
Broad-spectrum light that sees contrast across many colours — useful for registration marks on multi-coloured packaging.
Infrared (I)
880 nm. Maximum power and range, the natural choice for long glass fibers and opaque targets.
A C in the part number usually means a quick-disconnect connector instead of a fixed cable.
Tri-Tronics Amplifiers in Stock
Tri-Tronics DFS11RC
Digital fiber sensor, OLED, red
Rs. 13,268
Tri-Tronics DFS12NRC
Digital fiber sensor, NPN, M8
Rs. 12,198
Tri-Tronics SE3WL
SMARTEYE Mark III, white light
Rs. 21,044
Tri-Tronics SE3RV6
SMARTEYE Mark III, red light
Rs. 15,900
Tri-Tronics SE3ICV6
SMARTEYE Mark III, infrared, connector
Rs. 20,369
Tri-Tronics EZPI-20AF4
EZ-PRO, infrared, fiber adapter
Rs. 23,562
Setting Up a DFS Amplifier
- Insert both fiber ends fully. Push the emitter and receiver fibers into the ports and close the lock lever.
- Pick a response time. Start with Standard (250 µs); move to faster modes only if parts are small and fast, or to long-range modes for weak signals.
- Run AUTOSET. Choose the AUTOSET mode that fits — Two-Point for part/no-part, Dynamic for moving products — and press the button.
- Add timing if needed. Use the built-in timer modes (delay, one-shot, latch) instead of PLC logic where it simplifies wiring.
- Enable crosstalk rejection. When several amplifiers sit side by side, switch on crosstalk rejection so their beams do not interfere.
Fiber Optic Amplifier FAQs
What does a fiber optic amplifier do?
It contains the light source, receiver and electronics. The fiber optic cable only carries light to and from the target; the amplifier decides whether the target is present and switches the output.
Which Tri-Tronics amplifier should I use with glass fibers?
Infrared amplifiers (models with I, such as SE3ICV6 or EZPI versions) give the most range with glass fibers. Red-light models are the better choice for plastic fibers and for seeing colour contrast.
What response times does the DFS offer?
Six selectable modes from Ultra-High-Speed 50 µs through High-Speed 125 µs, Standard 250 µs, High-Resolution 1 ms and Long-Range 4 ms up to Ultra-Long-Range 16 ms.
Can I mount several DFS sensors side by side?
Yes. The DFS11 supports asynchronous crosstalk rejection for two sensors and synchronous crosstalk rejection for up to eight sensors, and ships with a DIN rail bracket.
What is the difference between SE3 and DFS?
The SMARTEYE Mark III (SE3) is an analogue-style amplifier with an OFFSET/EDR adjustment and 10-bar contrast display. The DFS is a digital amplifier with an OLED display, six AUTOSET modes, 19 timer modes and a counter.
Match Your Amplifier and Fiber
Send us the fiber you use (or the target and space), required speed and output type. We will recommend the right Tri-Tronics amplifier and quote from stock.
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