Balluff BFS 30M User manual

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BFS 30M
Full Color Sensor
Operating Instructions

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents........................................................................................................................................ 2
Cautions and Warnings ............................................................................................................................... 4
Product Overview........................................................................................................................................ 4
Simple to Use...................................................................................................................................... 4
Flexibility............................................................................................................................................ 4
Real-time display................................................................................................................................. 4
Specifications .............................................................................................................................................. 5
Discrete Output Chart for Hex Model......................................................................................................... 6
Software Installation ...................................................................................................................................6
Sensor Installation....................................................................................................................................... 7
Color I/O .....................................................................................................................................................7
Wiring Connections.....................................................................................................................................7
BFS 30M Color Sensor System Wiring Diagram....................................................................................... 8
BFS 30M Color Sensor Application Program............................................................................................. 9
Sensor Settings............................................................................................................................................ 9
Averaging............................................................................................................................................ 9
Triggering............................................................................................................................................9
Minimum Output Duration (ms)....................................................................................................... 10
Illumination (%)................................................................................................................................ 10
Read BFS 30M Color Sensor Settings..............................................................................................10
Send BFS 30M Color Sensor Settings ..............................................................................................10
Sensor Communications............................................................................................................................ 10
Port.................................................................................................................................................... 10
Communication Status ...................................................................................................................... 10
Serial No............................................................................................................................................ 11
Color Recognition Channels ..................................................................................................................... 11
Channel.............................................................................................................................................. 11
Recognition Mode............................................................................................................................. 11
Recognition Enabled......................................................................................................................... 11
Color (%)...........................................................................................................................................11
Tolerance (%).................................................................................................................................... 12
Luminosity (%) .................................................................................................................................12
Match Output..................................................................................................................................... 12
Teach BFS 30M Color Sensor Channel............................................................................................ 12
Read All BFS 30M Color Sensor Channels...................................................................................... 12
Send All BFS 30M Color Sensor Channels...................................................................................... 12
Current Reading ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Display Mode....................................................................................................................................13
Recognized Colors ............................................................................................................................ 13
Programming Color Recognition Channels .............................................................................................. 13
Input/Output Signal Descriptions..............................................................................................................14
Discrete Outputs................................................................................................................................14

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External Trigger ................................................................................................................................ 14
Application Notes...................................................................................................................................... 15
Sensor Range.....................................................................................................................................15
Spot Size............................................................................................................................................ 15
Glossy Samples ................................................................................................................................. 15
Tolerance Settings............................................................................................................................. 15
Equipment Maintenance Instructions........................................................................................................ 15
BFS 30M Color Sensor Spot Size Chart...........................................................................................15
Ordering Information ................................................................................................................................ 15
Accessories................................................................................................................................................ 16
Accessories Continued.............................................................................................................................. 16
BFS 30M Color Sensor Dimensional Outline Thread M30 x 1.5..........................................................17

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Cautions and Warnings
1. The BFS 30M Color Sensor is not intended for use in personal safety applications.
2. The BFS 30M Color Sensor is not an explosion-proof enclosure. Do not use in an environment
where flammable materials are present.
3. The BFS 30M Color Sensor uses a high intensity white LED. Do not look directly into this light
source.
Product Overview
The BFS 30M color sensors are designed to verify the presence of targets that can be differentiated by
color. The sensor projects a high intensity white light onto a target. The sensor analyzes the reflected
light for its constituent RGB (red, green, blue) values. If the readings of all of the three colors fall
within the preprogrammed parameters, the sensor issues a discrete signal that indicates a color match.
Two models have been designed to solve a variety of the most demanding applications while reducing
your inventory. High-speed discrete outputs provide a standard interface to factory automation systems.
Models include 7 discrete outs and 15 outputs using a hex version.
BFS 30M Color Sensor Windows™ Application Program provides a comprehensive approach to sensor
set-up, file management and real-time sample analysis and evaluation.
Simple to Use
The BFS 30M Color Sensor Application Program provides a familiar Windows environment creating an
intuitive user interface. All essential sensor information is presented in one window including, sensor
settings, color recognition channel data and real-time display of color data. Features such as drop and
check boxes make selections and settings easy to change.
Flexibility
The BFS 30M Color Sensor Application Program provides significant flexibility for set-up and
operation. Features such as color only or color & luminosity modes, color recognition tolerance settings
for each color component and separate NPN/PNP output selections are available for each color
recognition channel.
Real-time display
Whenever the sensor is connected to the PC and the application program is running, the Current Reading
section shows the color components of the signal and the Recognized Colors status. In the Color &
Luminosity mode, the bar graph provides a visual representation of each color component, red, green,
and blue as a target is placed in the sensor’s viewing area. A numeric value is shown above the bar graph
indicating the percent of full scale for each color component. In the Color only mode a pie chart
indicates the proportion of each color component. This graphic display aids in set-up by showing the
signal levels for the users samples, allowing distance and sensor angle to be easily optimized for reliable
detection.
Windows™ is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation

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Specifications
BFS 30M Color Sensor
Specifications
BFS 30M-USS-L03-OD12
BFS 30M-USS-L04/L05-OD12
Light source
White LED
400…700 nm
Spot diameter
8mm @ 50mm
25mm @ 50mm for L05 Version
Receiver
RGB photodiode
Sensing range
30 mm…100 mm
Recommended sensing distance
50 mm
50mm
Color recognition channels
7
15
Color recognition
7 Discrete Outputs
15 outputs (4 Binary coded discrete
outputs)
Discrete outputs Programmable
NPN/PNP
Current (max.)
100 ma
Voltage (max.)
Sensor V+ 30VDC
Protection
Short-circuit, transient, EMI
Min. pulse duration (ms) Short-
circuit, transient, EMI
Short-circuit, transient, EMI
Response time
0.330 ms
Switching frequency
1.5 kHz
Indicators
Red channel match
Green - Power, no channel match
Amber - teaching
Set-up and monitoring
PC Program
Communications
RS-232C
External trigger input
12…30 VDC @ 0.5 mA
Power
12…30 VDC @ 100 mA (max.)
Protection
Reverse polarity, over current (PTC fuse)
Dimensions (length x dia.)
120 mm x 30 mm
Weight
180 g
Housing material
Nickel-plated brass
Type of protection
IP67
Environmental conditions
Indoor use
Operating temperature
10…55°C
Storage temperature
20…70°C
Maximum relative humidity (RH)
80% up to 31°C, decreasing linearly to 50% at 40°C
Altitude
Up to 2000m
I/O connector Circular
M12, 12 pin, IP67

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Discrete Output Chart for Hex Model
BFS 30M-USS-L04/L05-OD12
CHANNEL
MATCH
DISCRETE OUTPUTS
C7
C6
C5
C4
C3
C2
C1
None
not used
not used
not used
gnd
gnd
gnd
gnd
Channel 1
not used
not used
not used
gnd
gnd
gnd
+V
Channel 2
not used
not used
not used
gnd
gnd
+V
gnd
Channel 3
not used
not used
not used
gnd
gnd
+V
+V
Channel 4
not used
not used
not used
gnd
+V
gnd
gnd
Channel 5
not used
not used
not used
gnd
+V
gnd
+V
Channel 6
not used
not used
not used
gnd
+V
+V
gnd
Channel 7
not used
not used
not used
gnd
+V
+V
+V
Channel 8
not used
not used
not used
+V
gnd
gnd
gnd
Channel 9
not used
not used
not used
+V
gnd
gnd
+V
Channel 10
not used
not used
not used
+V
gnd
+V
gnd
Channel 11
not used
not used
not used
+V
gnd
+V
+V
Channel 12
not used
not used
not used
+V
+V
gnd
gnd
Channel 13
not used
not used
not used
+V
+V
gnd
+V
Channel 14
not used
not used
not used
+V
+V
+V
gnd
Channel 15
not used
not used
not used
+V
+V
+V
+V
Software Installation
Hardware requirements for BFS 30M Color Sensor Application software installation and operation:
CD ROM drive
IBM compatible PC
Windows™ 9XXX
RS232 serial interface port (COM1/COM2)
VGA graphics or higher monitor
Insert the CD into the drive and follow the installation instructions on screen. Upon successful
installation, double-click on the desktop icon to start the program.

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Sensor Installation
The BFS 30M Color Sensor is provided with 2 jam nuts allowing it to be easily mounted thru a 30mm
clearance hole. The BFS 30M Color Sensor bracket provides a 30mm clearance hole for the sensor and a
pivot and slot for a #8 screw for mounting the bracket. The slotted hole allows the angle of the sensor to
target to be easily adjusted.
To achieve optimum performance it is recommended that samples be evaluated prior to permanent
installation of the sensor. During evaluation, sensor-to-target distance and sensor-to-target angle can
easily be determined by placing samples into the sensor’s field of view and observing the RGB color
component signal levels. When possible, it is generally best to set the sensor at a target distance that
results in a signal level of 80% to 90% using the lightest sample. If necessary the illumination level may
be reduced to prevent the sensor from saturating on light colors.
Color I/O
The BFS 30M Color Sensor I/O board provides a means of connecting the sensor cable to other external
devices. The I/O board also provides a set of LEDs for each channel that indicates the status of the
discrete outputs for verification of sensor operation and color recognition. A modular jack (a phone style
plug) and cable are used to easily connect a PC to the sensor for programming. It is not necessary for
the BFS 30M Color Sensor I/O board to be used; all sensor connections may be routed directly to the
appropriate devices such as a PLC.
In addition to a power indicator LED, there are 2 LEDs associated with each channel. The LEDs are
arranged in 2 columns, one labeled PNP and the other labeled NPN. The PNP LED indicates that a
channel output is high, connected to sensor V+, while the NPN indicates that a channel output is low,
connected to sensor ground. Operation of the discrete channel outputs is dependent on whether the
Match output is set too high or low for a particular channel. Both PNP and NPN LEDs will be
illuminated for channels that are not connected to the BFS 30M Color Sensor I/O board.
Wiring Connections
Sensor Pin Number
Wire Color
BFS 30M-USS-L03-OD12
BFS 30M-USS-L04/05-OD12
1
Pink
TX
TX
2
Blue
GND
GND
3
Brown
V+
V+
4
Red
ET
ET
5
Green
C4
C4
6
Black
C5
nc
7
Yellow
C6
nc
8
Gray
C7
nc
9
White
C1
C1
10
Orange
C3
C3
11
Purple
RX
RX
12
Light Green
C2
C2

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BFS 30M Color Sensor System Wiring Diagram

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BFS 30M Color SensorApplication Program
BFS 30M Color Sensor Application Program provides a comprehensive approach to sensor set-up, file
management, and real-time sample analysis. The BFS 30M Color Sensor Application Program provides
a familiar Windows™ environment creating an intuitive user interface. All essential sensor information
is presented in one window including, sensor settings, color recognition channel data and real-time
display of color data. Features such as drop and check boxes make selections and settings easy to
change. After completing the installation procedure, double click the BFS 30M Color Sensor icon to
open the application. During initialization, the application software interrogates the BFS 30M Color
Sensor to determine the serial number of the sensor and the specific sensor model. After reading the
sensor model number, the application will reconfigure to the appropriate model by changing the number
of channels indicated in the Recognized Colors section. Also, the general sensor settings and
programmed colors, if any, are read.
Once a sensor is set-up and programmed to recognize various colors, the sensor operates as a stand-
alone device. It is not necessary to maintain a connection to the PC for normal operation.
The display window is segmented into four frames: Sensor Settings, Sensor Communications, Color
Recognition Channels, and Current Reading. Each will be described in detail in the following sections.
Sensor Settings
Sensor settings are parameters that apply to operation of the sensor. When a sensor is connected to the
PC the application program reads these parameters and updates the display. When changes are made to
these settings, the new settings must be downloaded to the sensor by selecting the Send BFS 30M Color
Sensor Settings button.
Averaging
Selections: 1,2,4,8,16,32,64
Default = 1
The Averaging drop box allows the user to select the number of measurements that are averaged to
obtain a reading that is checked for a match to programmed channels. The higher the number of
measurements that are averaged, the lower the variation in the reading allowing detection of subtle
differences in color. The lower the number of measurements that are averaged, the faster a match can be
detected. Ideally, the more averaging that can be accommodated within the speed constraints of the
application, the more accurate and reliable the detection of recognized colors.
Triggering
Selections: Free Run, Level, Edge
Default = Free Run
The triggering options include Free Run, Level and Edge. In general applications, Free Run is the most
common. In Free Run mode, the sensor is measuring continuously, updating the discrete outputs
whenever the target meets a programmed color criteria.
Level and Edge triggering require the use of the External Trigger input on the sensor I/O connector.
Applying a voltage, 12-30VDC, not exceeding the sensor supply voltage, activates the External Trigger
input. When Level is selected, and the External Trigger input is active, the sensor will continuously

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check for a color match and update the discrete outputs until the Trigger input is deactivated. The
discrete outputs will remain in the state that they are in when the Trigger input is deactivated. When
Edge is selected, the sensors will check for a color match on each rising edge of the External Trigger
input and update the discrete outputs. The discrete outputs will remain in the state that they are in when
the Trigger input is deactivated. The External Trigger input is generally used when a separate proximity
sensor detects the presence of a sample and signals the sensor to check with the pre-programmed color
recognition channels to determine whether there is a match. Alternatively, the sensor can be operated in
the Free Run mode, and a separate proximity sensor can be connected to the data acquisition system or
PLC indicating a sample is present and the discrete output is valid.
Minimum Output Duration (ms)
Selections: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100
Default = 0
The minimum output duration setting allows the user to increase the time that the discrete output(s)
indicate a match. When “0” delay is selected and a color match occurs, the appropriate channel’s
discrete output becomes active (i.e. changes state) as long as the match criteria is met. When a target is
moving at high-speed, presence of the target may be too short for the polling cycle of the data
acquisition system or PLC. In this case, increasing the minimum output duration lengthens the discrete
output signal, allowing it to remain active long enough for the acquisition system to read its input port.
Illumination (%)
Adjustment range = 0 –100%
The BFS 30M Color Sensor allows the user to optimize the sensitivity of the sensor by adjusting the
illumination level to prevent the sensor from saturating. The illumination setting must be adjusted prior
to teaching the color recognition channels. Changing this setting after teaching will affect channels
selected for Color & Luminosity mode.
Read BFS 30M Color Sensor Settings
The Read BFS 30M Color Sensor Settings button causes the application program to read the current
settings from the sensor and display them in the Sensor Settings section.
Send BFS 30M Color Sensor Settings
The Send BFS 30M Color Sensor settings button causes the application program to send the selected
settings to the sensor. When changes are made to the Sensor Settings section the Send BFS 30M Color
Sensor Settings button must be selected to transmit the settings to the sensor.
Sensor Communications
The Sensor Communications section provides user control of PC COM port selection and displays
specific sensor information.
Port
The user may select the appropriate PC COM port for sensor RS232 communications.
Communication Status
The Communications status box shows the BFS 30M Color Sensor model and the connection status,
either on line indicating normal communication or Communication lost indicating a disruption in

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communications. After initiating a Teach command, while the sensor is executing the instruction, the
status box indicates Teaching Channel X…
Serial No.
The Serial Number box shows the serial number of the sensor currently connected.
Color Recognition Channels
The Color Recognition Channels section of the display window contains all color matching channel
parameters. The number of color recognition channels is dependent on the BFS 30M Color Sensor
model and the application program configures for the appropriate model. All of the selections in this
section are channel specific. For example, one channel can be programmed to output a high level when
a match occurs while another channel can be programmed to output a low level when a match occurs.
With the exception of the BFS 30M-USS-L04/L05-OD12, Color Recognition Channels can be
programmed to achieve multiple match outputs. For example, channel 1 can be programmed to 5%
tolerance, channel 2 to 10% tolerance and channel 3 to 15% tolerance using the same sample. This
allows the user to monitor variations in samples for further process analysis. The BFS 30M-USS-
L04/L05-OD12, provide four discrete signals in a binary format and as such, only one output may be
active at a time.
Channel
The channel drop box shows the number of channels available for color recognition. Select the
appropriate channel prior to changing the associated parameters. Note that the number of color
recognition channels is dependent on the BFS 30M Color Sensor model.
Recognition Mode
There are two color recognition modes; Color & Luminosity and Color only. The Color only mode
compares the proportion of each color component in the signal, checking to determine that the
proportions are within the allowable tolerance to detect a match. This allows for greater variation in
sensor-to-target distance than the Color & Luminosity mode. The Color & Luminosity mode evaluates
each color component, the luminosity level of each and compares them to the programmed values within
the allowable tolerance. The BFS 30M Color Sensor allows users to select color and color & luminosity
modes on an individual channel basis. Color and luminosity provides the highest precision while Color
only is better suited in applications where target flutter is present.
Recognition Enabled
The Recognition Enabled check box allows the user to enable or disable a particular channel without
altering the programmed color recognition settings. A single channel or multiple channels can be
temporarily disabled causing the sensor suspend checking of that channel for a color match. To disable
a channel, uncheck the Recognition Enabled box and select the Send All BFS 30M Color Sensor
channels button.
Color (%)
The RED, GREEN and BLUE Color (%) boxes show the values programmed into the selected channel.
If the channel was programmed in the Color & Luminosity mode, these values represent a percent of full
scale for each color component. If the channel was programmed in the Color only mode, these values

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represent the proportion of each color component in the composite signal (i.e. the sum of the color
components = 100%).
Tolerance (%)
The Tolerance spin boxes are used to set the tolerance for each color component individually. When the
colors of the samples are significantly different, for example, red, brown, yellow, then the tolerance
setting may be set to a higher value. When the colors of the samples are very similar, for example
similar intensities of the same hue (i.e. color), then tighter tolerance settings are necessary for reliable
differentiation.
Luminosity (%)
The Luminosity box shows the average of the red, green and blue color % for the selected channel when
in the Color & Luminosity Recognition Mode. When Color only is selected the Luminosity box is
blank.
Match Output
The Match output setting allows the operator to select either High or Low output on the associated
discrete output when a match occurs. By selecting High the output will pull to sensor V+ and by
selecting Low the output will pull to sensor ground. Whenever a channel is in a non-match condition the
output will pull to the opposite state.
Teach BFS 30M Color Sensor Channel
The Teach BFS 30M Color Sensor Channel button initiates a sequence of sampling the input signals
resulting in current values, tolerances and other specific channel parameters to be stored in the sensor.
Executing the teach function applies only to the selected channel. While the teach function is performed
by the sensor for several seconds all user selections in the application program are temporarily disabled.
Read All BFS 30M Color Sensor Channels
The Read All BFS 30M Color Sensor Channels button allows the application to load previously
programmed settings from a sensor into the application program for review, modification or saving to a
file. Reading the channels from the sensor into the application will overwrite any current settings and
parameters in the Color Recognition section of the display window.
Send All BFS 30M Color Sensor Channels
The Send All BFS 30M Color Sensor Channels button sends all the settings and parameters for all
channels to the sensor. This function is useful when recalling a saved file to re-programming the sensor.
Current Reading
The Current Reading section of the display shows current information received from the sensor. This
allows the user to place samples in the viewing area of the sensor and observe the levels of the red, green
and blue components. The Current Reading display is useful in initial set-up for determining optimum
sensor-to-target distance, sensor-target angle and relative reflected intensity of multiple samples prior to
beginning the teaching sequence.

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Display Mode
The Display Mode allows the user to select Color & Luminosity, resulting in a bar graph display of
current reading, or Color only, resulting in a pie chart representation of current reading.
Color and luminosity
The Color & Luminosity selection shows a bar graph of the red, green and blue components. The
numeric value in the display boxes above the bar graph show the percent of full scale for each
color component. Indicators on the chart show 20% and 80% of full scale.
Color only
The Color only selection shows a pie chart of the red, green and blue components representing
the proportion of each color component in the reflected signal. The numeric value in the display
boxes above the bar graph show the proportion of each color component in the current reading.
Recognized Colors
The Recognized Colors section shows the current status of the programmed color recognition channels
and coincides with the current state of the discrete outputs. The number of color recognition channels is
dependent on the BFS 30M Color Sensor model. This section will automatically configure to display
the appropriate number of channels. When a channel match occurs, the indicator will change to blue and
the output state box will indicate either high or low as specified by the Match output selection for that
channel. The BFS 30M-USS-L04/L05-OD12 model provides four discrete signals in a binary format
and as such, only one color recognition channel output may be active at a time.
Programming Color Recognition Channels
To program BFS 30M Color Sensor to recognize user samples double-click on the BFS 30M Color
Sensor icon to open the Windows™ Application Program. The following description illustrates a typical
set-up of the Color Recognition Channels. Some of the settings suggested may be adjusted based on the
specific requirements of a particular application.
1. Acquire samples of all colors that will be programmed into the color recognition channels.
For optimum operation select, a target distance that is best suited for the range of colors
being detected.
When using shiny/glossy targets, set the sensor on a 20° to 25° angle to prevent direct
reflection.
2. Set sensor averaging to a lower value, 1,2, 4 or 8 for higher speed applications or 16, 32 or 64 for
higher precision applications.
3. Select the appropriate mode; free run, level or edge triggered depending on the application
requirements.
4. Set the illumination level to 100%.
5. Press the Send BFS 30M Color Sensor Settings button to send the settings to the sensor.
6. To determine which sample provides the highest signal level, place the sample that appears to be
the lightest in the sensor field of view.
7. Observe the signal level for each color component.
Generally, best results are achieved by setting the sensor-to-target distance to obtain a signal
level near 80% as indicated in the Current Reading frame in the Application window.
Check the remaining samples to verify that the signal levels for each of the color components
are below the full scale, 100%, level.

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8. If the required sensor-to-target distance is such that the lightest sample, with the highest signal
level, saturates one or more color channels, it is necessary to reduce the illumination setting.
In the Sensor Settings frame, lower the illumination and press the Send BFS 30M Color
Sensor Settings button.
Repeat this adjustment until the color levels are near 80% as indicated in the Current Reading
frame.
Note that any change in the illumination setting after teaching of one or more Color
Recognition Channels may require re-teaching of these channels for reliable operation.
9. Once the sensor–to-target distance and illumination level have been established the Color
Recognition channels may be programmed.
10. Select a channel in the Channel pull-down list.
11. Select the Recognition Mode, Color & Luminosity or Color Only.
12. Select the Recognition Enabled check box.
13. Set the tolerance levels for each color component in text box below each color value.
Generally, a tolerance of 5% to 10% is suitable for color recognition when the target colors
are visually different.
In cases where the colors are very similar, it may be necessary to use lower tolerance settings.
14. Select the Match output to be high or low.
15. Place the target in the sensor field of view and press the Teach BFS 30M Color Sensor Channel
button.
The sensor will determine the RGB for the samples and store them for the selected channel.
16. Repeat this process with each of the samples, selecting a different Color Recognition Channel for
each.
Once all of the samples have been programmed into a channel, place each sample, one at a
time in the sensors field of view and verify that the correct channel indicates a match while
the other channels do not indicate a match.
Input/Output Signal Descriptions
Discrete Outputs
The discrete output(s) are a PNP/NPN configuration allowing the user to provide a load on this output
that is either pulled high to sensor V+ or low to ground. This output is typically connected to a PLC.
The output remains active as long as the target meets the criteria for a color match. In high-speed
applications it may be useful to use the Minimum Output Duration feature to lengthen the signal
duration to meet acquisition requirements of the PLC.
External Trigger
The triggering options include Free Run, Level and Edge. Level and Edge triggering require the use of
the External Trigger input on the sensor I/O connector. Applying a voltage, 12-30VDC, not exceeding
the sensor supply voltage, activates the External Trigger input. When Level is selected, and the External
Trigger input is active, the sensor will continuously check for a color match and update the discrete
outputs until the Trigger input is deactivated. The discrete outputs will remain in the state that they are
in when the Trigger input is deactivated. When Edge is selected, the sensor will check for a color match
on the each rising edge of the External Trigger input and update the discrete outputs. The discrete
outputs will remain in the state that they are in when the Trigger input is deactivated. The External
Trigger input is generally used when a separate proximity sensor detects the presence of a sample and

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signals the sensor to check with the pre-programmed color recognition channels to determine whether
there is a match. Alternatively, the sensor can be operated in the Free Run mode, and a separate
proximity sensor can be connected to the data acquisition system or PLC indicating a sample is present
and the sensor’s discrete output is valid.
Application Notes
Sensor Range
Range is dependent on target color(s). Darker colors return less signal than lighter colors, therefore,
may require shorter sensor-to-target distance.
Spot Size
In most applications, the target color should be contained within the illuminated area. For example, a
target that is only partially in the illuminated area will cause the sensor to include color signal from the
surrounding area, which may affect the ability to reliably recognize the target color. The spot size is
generally dependant on the application. The advantage of a larger spot is that the measurement is
averaged over a larger area, allowing the sensor to ignore slight variations. For example, a textured
surface such as carpet or a multi-colored object that does not have a uniform color should be viewed
over a larger area to minimize variations in readings. A smaller spot size is necessary in applications
where the target is relatively small, such as a registration mark, a pill or other small object. Best results
are achieved when the target color is completely within the illuminated area.
Glossy Samples
When sensing color variations on shiny, glossy, highly reflective surfaces, it is recommended that the
sensor be positioned at a 15-20° from perpendicular to the sample surface. This is helpful in avoiding
direct reflection of the sensor light source back into the sensor lens.
Tolerance Settings
When signal levels are low (ex. Dark colors), low tolerance settings in the range of .5 to 5% will result
in very high detection sensitivity. Small variation in color may result in a sample not meeting the color
recognition criteria. Generally, at low signal levels, relaxing the tolerance results in more reliable
operation.
Equipment Maintenance Instructions
The BFS 30M Color Sensor does not contain any user serviceable components. A suitable glass cleaner
may be used to clean the window.
BFS 30M Color Sensor Spot Size Chart
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Ordering Information
BFS 30M-USS-L03-OD12 Color sensor, 7 discrete outputs, 8mm spot
BFS 30M-USS-L04-OD12 Color sensor, 4 Hex (fifteen encoded discrete outputs), 8mm spot
BFS 30M-USS-L05-OD12 Color sensor, 4 Hex (fifteen encoded discrete outputs), 25mm spot

www.balluff.com - 1-800-543-8390 16
Accessories
Part Number
Description
500252
M30 x 1.5 mm Mounting nuts
BES 516-MB-30
Short L-bracket
BES 30-HW-1
Tall L-bracket
BFS Z-MU-30M-01
Color Sensor I/O Box
BKS AD-01-RJ11/RJ11-02,1
Programming Cable
BKS AD-02-RJ11/DB9
DB9 Pin to Phone jack Adaptor
BFS Z-SW-30M-01
Color Sensor Software CD
BKS AD-03-USBA/USBB-01,8
USB Cable
CD 12-AL-22-VB-050M
12 Pin Connector Cable –5
Meters
BFS Z-IK01
Color Sensor Kit with CD, 12 Pin
Cable, I/O Box, Programming
Cable, USB and RS 232 Adapters
Accessories Continued
12 pin connector cable
CD 12-AL-22-VB-050M
Tall L-bracket
BES 30-HW-1
RS 232 Adapter
RJ-11 to DB9-M
BKS AD-02-RJ11/DB9
RJ-11 Cable
RS-232 adapter to Color sensor I/O
Box BKS AD-01-RJ11/RJ11-02,1
Mounting nuts
M30 x 1.5 mm
500252
Short L-bracket
BES 516-MB-30

www.balluff.com - 1-800-543-8390 17
BFS 30M Color Sensor Dimensional Outline
10 mm
BFS 30M Color
Sensor I/O Box
BFS Z-MU-30M-01
Balluff
Color
Sensor
Software
BFS 30M Color Sensor
Application software
BFS Z-SW-30M-01
USB Cable
BKS AD-03-USBA/USBB-01,8

www.balluff.com - 1-800-543-8390 18
USA
Balluff Inc.
8125 Holton Drive
Florence, KY 41042
Phone: [phone]
Toll-free: 1-800-543-8390
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]
Canada
Balluff Canada, Inc.
2840 Argentia Road, Unit #2
Mississauga, Ontario L5N 8G4
Phone: [phone]
Toll-free: 1-800-927-9654
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Mexico
Balluff de Mexico S.A.de C.V
Prol. Av. Luis M. Vega #109
Col. Ampliación Cimatario
Queretaro, QRO 76030
Phone: (++52 442) 212-4882, 224-3583, 224-3171
Fax: (++52 442) 214-0536
E-mail: ballu[email protected]
Doc. No. 850195/Mat. No. 150999 EN H16; Subject to change, Replaces 0804