CZ-V21 RGB Digital Color Sensor (Amplifier-Separate Type)

Amplifier-separate RGB color sensor with 8 channels, 3,000+ color discrimination, interchangeable heads.

Technical Specifications

Amplifier ModelCZ-V21 (NPN) / CZ-V21P (PNP)
Output TypeNPN (CZ-V21) / PNP (CZ-V21P) open-collector × 4 channels
Output VoltageMax 40V DC (NPN) / 30V DC (PNP)
Output Current100mA per channel / 200mA total (4 channels), residual voltage ≤ 1.0V
Color Discrimination3000+ colors + subtle shade differences
Data ProcessingTriple 16-bit computation (16-bit data per color)
Channels8 independent detection channels (detects 4 or 8 colors simultaneously)
Response Time200μs (HSP) / 1ms (FINE) / 4ms (TURBO) / 8ms (SUPER)
Ambient Light ImmunityIncandescent light ≤ 10,000 lux, sunlight ≤ 20,000 lux
Power Supply24V DC, ripple (P-P) max 10%
Power ConsumptionNormal mode 1.5W (max 62.5mA) / Eco mode 1W (max 42.0mA)
Protection CircuitsReverse polarity protection + overcurrent protection + overvoltage protection
External Calibration InputMin 20ms
Timer FunctionOFF / OFF-delay / ON-delay / one-shot, 1-1000ms adjustable (independent per channel)
Operating Temperature-10°C to +55°C, non-condensing
Vibration Resistance10-55 Hz, 1.5mm double amplitude, X/Y/Z directions, 2 hours each
Amplifier Housing MaterialPC (housing and cover)
Sensor Head Protection RatingIP40
Amplifier WeightApprox. 150g (with 2m cable)
DisplayDual digital display: red current-value monitor + green set-value monitor + channel number display
CZ-C35 Detection Distance28-52 mm
CZ-C35 Reference Spot4.5mm spot diameter at 40mm reference distance
CZ-C35 Minimum Fiber Bend Radius25 mm
CZ-C35 WeightApprox. 40g (with 2m cable)
CZ-C37 Detection Distance11-20 mm
CZ-C37 Reference Spot1mm spot diameter at 16mm reference distance
CZ-C37 Minimum Fiber Bend Radius15 mm
CZ-C37 WeightApprox. 45g (with 2m cable)
CZ-C37 Lens Cover MaterialPC (metal parts: 304 stainless steel)

Overview

The CZ-V21 (NPN, max 40VDC) and CZ-V21P (PNP, max 30VDC) are amplifier units in an amplifier-separate color sensor system, processing color signals from a connected sensor head via RGB LED illumination and triple 16-bit color computation. They are built for production lines that need to distinguish between multiple similar colors, verify correct parts by color, or read color on surfaces that are patterned, glossy, or metallic.

The amplifier provides 8 independent detection channels and can be set to detect 4 or 8 colors simultaneously, discriminating over 3,000 colors including subtle shade differences. Two interchangeable sensor heads are available, CZ-C35 for long-range or textured surfaces and CZ-C37 for glare-suppressed detection on glossy or metallic surfaces, and four selectable response speeds from 200μs to 8ms let the same amplifier be tuned to line speed or target difficulty.

Features & Benefits

8 independent channels, up to 8 target colors in one amplifier

Teach up to 8 target colors into a single amplifier with 4 independent open-collector outputs, instead of installing a separate single-channel color sensor for each color to be sorted or checked.

Discriminates over 3,000 colors

Fine enough color resolution to separate subtle shade differences between similar colors that basic color sensors or photoelectric sensors cannot reliably tell apart.

Two interchangeable sensor heads for different surface conditions

CZ-C35 (large-spot, long-range, 28–52mm) suits patterned or textured surfaces where a larger spot averages out texture variation. CZ-C37 (small beam spot, luster-cancellation type, 11–20mm) suppresses specular glare on glossy, metallic, or film-wrapped targets, reading the underlying color rather than the reflection.

Four selectable response speeds, 200μs to 8ms

HSP (200μs), FINE (1ms), TURBO (4ms), and SUPER (8ms) modes let the same sensor be tuned toward higher line speed or toward longer integration time for more difficult detection targets.

NPN and PNP versions with 100mA per-channel output

CZ-V21 (NPN, max 40VDC) and CZ-V21P (PNP, max 30VDC), each channel rated 100mA / 200mA total across 4 channels, for direct wiring into common PLC input types.

Built-in Eco power mode alongside normal operation

Normal mode draws max 62.5mA (1.5W); Eco mode reduces this to max 42.0mA (1W), giving a lower-power option where continuous power draw matters.

Ambient light immunity rated for factory lighting conditions

Rated to withstand incandescent light up to 10,000 lux and sunlight up to 20,000 lux without false triggering.

Adjustable timer functions per channel

OFF, OFF-delay, ON-delay, or one-shot timer modes, adjustable 1–1000ms independently per channel, for tuning output timing to downstream equipment.

Applications

Multi-color product sortingSort bottle caps, closures, or molded parts by color, or flag mixed-color parts in a molding batch. 8 channels can judge up to 8 colors at once, suiting multi-color or multi-variant sorting.
Assembly error-proofing (poka-yoke)Verify that the correct color variant of a part, such as interior trim, wiring harness, or switches/buttons, has been picked or installed before assembly continues.
Printed label and packaging color inspectionCheck label color consistency or the presence/absence of a colored film or wrap on a package, using the 3,000+ color discrimination to catch subtle print color variation.
Color detection on glossy or metallic partsRead true color on plated, metallic, or glossy plastic components where a standard sensor would be confused by specular reflection, using the CZ-C37 luster-cancellation head.
Color detection on patterned or textured surfacesRead a representative average color on wood-grain panels, textiles, or printed materials with surface texture, using the CZ-C35 large-spot head.
Reducing sensor count on multi-variant linesReplace several single-channel color sensors with one 8-channel amplifier where a line handles multiple color variants of the same product, using the 4 independent outputs to monitor multiple colors at once.
High-speed line color checksUse HSP (200μs) response mode for color verification on fast-moving lines where dwell time per part is short.
Difficult-target color detection requiring longer integrationUse TURBO (4ms) or SUPER (8ms) modes for targets that are harder to read reliably, trading speed for stability.

Models & Ordering Information

Amplifiers

CZ-V21CZ-V21P
CZ-V21 is NPN open-collector × 4 channels, max 40VDC; CZ-V21P is PNP open-collector × 4 channels, max 30VDC.

Sensor Heads

CZ-C35CZ-C37
CZ-C35 is the large-spot, long-range head (28–52mm detection distance); CZ-C37 is the luster-cancellation, small-beam-spot head (11–20mm detection distance).

How to Select

  1. Choose amplifier output type: CZ-V21 (NPN, open-collector, max 40VDC) for NPN/sinking control systems, or CZ-V21P (PNP, open-collector, max 30VDC) for PNP/sourcing control systems. Both provide 4 independent channel outputs, 100mA per channel, 200mA total.
  2. Choose CZ-C35 (large-spot, long-range, 28–52mm detection distance) for longer working distance or textured/patterned surfaces where a larger spot averaging color is preferable.
  3. Choose CZ-C37 (small-spot, luster-cancellation, 11–20mm detection distance) for shorter working-distance targets that are glossy, metallic, or film-wrapped, where suppressing specular glare is required.
  4. Match line speed and target detectability to one of the four response modes (HSP 200μs / FINE 1ms / TURBO 4ms / SUPER 8ms): faster modes suit high-speed lines with easy-to-read targets, slower modes suit harder-to-detect targets needing more stable readings.
  5. Confirm power and environment compatibility: 24VDC supply (max 10% P-P ripple); operating temperature -10°C to +55°C, non-condensing; sensor head protection rating IP40.

📘 Need the full method? NPN vs PNP Sensor Outputs Explained

When NOT to specify the CZ-V21 — and what to use instead

The task is only detecting a printed registration mark or contrast boundary on packaging/printed material, not classifying or verifying an actual color.

Why not: CZ-V21 is an RGB color-discrimination amplifier (8 channels, 3,000+ colors); no mark/contrast switching mode is documented for it, unlike a dedicated color-mark sensor.

Use instead: A dedicated color-mark sensor such as the FS-S72, PZ-LX101, or the long-range JNS-W70/W500 for registration/position detection.

The application only needs a simple 1-4 color check without the added setup of two interchangeable heads and 8-channel configuration.

Why not: CZ-V21's 8-channel, 3,000+ color platform and dual sensor-head system (CZ-C35 / CZ-C37) add configuration steps beyond what a simpler classification task needs.

Use instead: The CZ-V1 color sensor (4 channels, 1,000+ colors) for a simpler color-verification task.

The sensor must be mounted farther from the target than either available head supports.

Why not: CZ-V21's two heads cover only 28-52mm (CZ-C35) and 11-20mm (CZ-C37); no longer-range head is listed for this amplifier.

Use instead: The long-range JNS-W70/W500 for a large sensor-to-web gap, if mark/contrast detection rather than full color classification is acceptable.

The installation requires a washdown-rated or high-IP enclosure.

Why not: CZ-V21's sensor head protection rating is IP40, which does not indicate dust-tight or water-jet protection.

Use instead: Contact DAIDISIKE to confirm a washdown-rated alternative before specifying for wet or washdown environments.

The mounting location is subject to vibration beyond typical bench-level testing conditions.

Why not: CZ-V21's documented vibration resistance is 10-55 Hz, 1.5mm double amplitude, X/Y/Z, 2 hours each — a bench-test rating, not a heavy-machinery vibration rating.

Use instead: Consult DAIDISIKE for a ruggedized alternative if the mounting location experiences stronger or sustained vibration.

Specifications we do not publish yet

We only publish a figure once we are confident it is true. The items below are still being validated through further testing and real-world customer feedback, so for now we would rather leave them open than guess. If one of them matters to your design, ask us for the latest validated status.

  • Specific certification standards (e.g. CE, UL, RoHS) are not named; the FAQ only states documents are available on request
  • Amplifier housing protection rating (separate from the sensor head's IP40) is not stated
  • Full physical dimensions (L x W x H) of the amplifier and sensor heads are not given, only weight
  • Connector/cable type (e.g. M8 connector vs. fixed pigtail) beyond the stated 2m cable length is not specified
  • Teach procedure detail (steps or button sequence for teaching 4 or 8 colors) is not described
  • MTBF / expected service life is not stated
  • Minimum detectable mark/target size beyond the stated reference spot diameters is not stated

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the CZ-V21 and CZ-V21P?
CZ-V21 is the NPN open-collector version (max 40VDC output), and CZ-V21P is the PNP open-collector version (max 30VDC output). Both provide 4 independent channel outputs at 100mA per channel, 200mA total.
How many colors can the CZ-V21 detect at once?
The amplifier has 8 independent detection channels and can be set to detect either 4 or 8 colors simultaneously.
How many distinct colors can the CZ-V21 discriminate?
The CZ-V21 can discriminate over 3,000 colors, including subtle shade differences.
What sensor heads are available for the CZ-V21, and how do I choose between them?
Two sensor heads are available: CZ-C35, a large-spot long-range head with a 28–52mm detection distance suited to textured or patterned surfaces, and CZ-C37, a small-spot luster-cancellation head with an 11–20mm detection distance designed to suppress glare on glossy or metallic surfaces.
What response speeds does the CZ-V21 support?
Four selectable response modes are available: HSP (200μs), FINE (1ms), TURBO (4ms), and SUPER (8ms), allowing a trade-off between detection speed and stability.
What is the power supply requirement for the CZ-V21?
The CZ-V21 operates on 24VDC with a maximum ripple (P-P) of 10%. Power consumption is 1.5W (max 62.5mA) in normal mode or 1W (max 42.0mA) in Eco mode.
What is the ambient light tolerance of the CZ-V21?
The sensor is rated to operate without false triggering under incandescent light up to 10,000 lux and sunlight up to 20,000 lux.
What is the operating temperature range of the CZ-V21?
-10°C to +55°C, non-condensing.
Can the CZ-V21 be used on glossy or metallic surfaces?
Yes, when paired with the CZ-C37 sensor head, which is a luster-cancellation, small-beam-spot design intended to suppress specular reflection so the underlying color can be read.
Does the CZ-V21 have timer functions on its outputs?
Yes, each channel has independently adjustable timer functions: OFF, OFF-delay, ON-delay, or one-shot, adjustable from 1 to 1000ms.
Does the CZ-V21 have CE, UL, or other certifications?
Certification documents are available on request.

Works Well Together

On the same machine or line, CZ-V21 is typically ordered together with: Photoelectric Sensors · Fiber Optic Sensors · Slot Sensors

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