The Datasensing DS4 Base is an industrial detection and measurement area sensor for opaque-object detection, height checks and conveyor monitoring in manufacturing, packaging and intralogistics. Its emitter–receiver light curtain combines parallel infrared beams with digital, analogue and IO-Link outputs for connection to machine control systems.
Mounted on opposite sides of the object path, the emitter and receiver monitor multiple sensing points across a defined height. Interruptions to the beams provide information for presence checks, dimensional checks and material-flow control.
A measuring light curtain is useful when products vary in height or position. Where one sensing point covers the application, a single-beam photoelectric sensor from MarvelTech’s industrial sensors range may be sufficient.
DS4 Base is a process measurement sensor and is not suitable for personnel protection. Machine guarding requires an appropriate safety-rated system.
DS4 Base models cover sensing heights from 300 to 1,500 mm in 150 mm increments. Beam pitch—the spacing between adjacent beams—affects the smallest detectable object, operating distance and measurement cycle time.
| Beam pitch | Nominal sensing distance | Minimum detectable object | Response time: 300 / 1,500 mm height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mm | 0.2–5 m | 10 mm | 2.80 / 10.00 ms |
| 10 mm | 0.2–7 m | 14 mm | 1.90 / 5.50 ms |
| 25 mm | 0.2–13 m | 30 mm | 1.36 / 2.80 ms |
The maximum distances require the appropriate high-emission setting and alignment. Response times refer to the listed sensing heights; additional filtering and controller processing affect the complete application response. Beam pitch and minimum detectable object size are separate specifications, and neither should be presented as installed measurement accuracy.
A DS4-10-0600-B05-JA provides a 600 mm sensing height, 60 beams, a nominal 0.2–7 m operating distance and a listed 2.80 ms response time. For a carton-height check, the controller can use the topmost blocked-beam position, accounting for the sensor’s mounting offset above the conveyor. Final selection also depends on the required tolerance, conveyor speed and spacing between cartons.
DS4 Base provides one analogue output and one channel shared between digital switching and IO-Link communication. These connections serve different control requirements:
On the receiver, pin 2 carries the analogue output and pin 4 carries digital switching or IO-Link. Match the PLC input hardware to the chosen signal. For IO-Link commissioning, use the DS4 Base IODD—the device description file—appropriate to the sensor’s firmware.
Basic wired configuration includes emitter range selection and receiver output settings. IO-Link provides access to additional parameters and measurement functions, including blocked-beam positions and beam counts.
The sensor requires a 19.2–28.8 V DC supply. Both bars use 5-pin M12 connections on 200 mm cable tails. The aluminium housing has a PMMA optical window and a 35 × 40 mm cross-section; overall length depends on sensing height and pitch. For example, the 300 mm, 5 mm-pitch model measures 35 × 40 × 310.5 mm.
Current manufacturer model listings specify IP65/IP67 protection and an operating temperature of −30 to +50 °C without freezing. Check the selected order code’s installation instructions against the site’s cleaning methods, moisture and temperature conditions.
Fixing brackets are supplied. Connection cables and optional orientable, rotating or anti-vibration mounting accessories should be specified separately. Allow space for alignment and optical-window cleaning, and assess nearby reflective surfaces and adjacent light curtains during installation.
Choose DS4 Base for opaque-object detection and basic measurement using parallel beams over a sensing height of 300–1,500 mm. Both Base and Standard offer 5, 10 and 25 mm beam-pitch configurations.
The Datasensing DS4 Standard extends the available sensing height to 3,000 mm and offers additional functions according to configuration, including crossed-beam scanning, transparent-object adjustment, pattern matching and blanking—the exclusion of selected beams from evaluation. Selected 5 mm-pitch Standard configurations also support 2.5 mm measurement resolution through optical interpolation; this capability does not apply to DS4 Base.
Standard is the closer alternative when the application needs a taller field, finer measurement resolution or transparent-material detection. Confirm the exact model, scanning mode and operating distance for the target material.
A PLC can count separated products from changes in the detection signal. Touching or overlapping items may produce one continuous interruption, so individual counting requires suitable product separation or an additional inspection method.
One curtain measures beam occupancy along its sensing axis. Complete length, width and height measurement requires additional sensing arrangements and control logic. Detailed surface inspection or three-dimensional robot guidance calls for a different measurement approach.
MarvelTech supplies detection and measurement sensors for industrial automation and offers equipment inspection, adjustment and maintenance services. For a DS4 Base enquiry, the application review should establish the sensing height, beam pitch, mounting arrangement and required control signals.
The quotation depends on the selected emitter–receiver configuration, quantity, cables, mounting accessories, any required IO-Link master and the agreed installation or support scope. Ask for availability, lead time, warranty terms and support coverage for your delivery location to be confirmed in the quotation.
Send MarvelTech the following application details:
Include photographs or a short application video and request a configuration recommendation with an itemised quotation.
Choose DS4 Base when opaque products vary in height or position, or when the controller needs dimensional information across a sensing field. Typical applications include carton-height checks, component presence detection and conveyor monitoring. If one fixed detection point answers the requirement, a single-beam device from Marveltech’s industrial sensors range may be sufficient.
DS4 Base provides parallel-beam detection and measurement over controlled heights of 300–1,500 mm, with wired configuration and IO-Link. The Datasensing DS4 Standard extends coverage to 3,000 mm and adds functions such as adjustable sensitivity, wireless configuration, pattern matching and blanking, which excludes selected beams. Transparent-material applications require assessment of Standard’s dedicated sensing functions; these should not be attributed to Base.
DS4 Base controlled heights run from 300 to 1,500 mm in 150 mm increments. Nominal emitter-to-receiver distances are 0.2–5 m for 5 mm pitch, 0.2–7 m for 10 mm pitch and 0.2–13 m for 25 mm pitch. Select the active height to cover the object’s full movement envelope; maximum range requires the appropriate emission setting and alignment.
Beam pitch describes the spacing between adjacent beams. Datasensing specifies minimum detectable object sizes of 10, 14 and 30 mm for Base models with 5, 10 and 25 mm pitch respectively. These figures describe detection capability, not installed measurement accuracy. Choose the pitch against the smallest feature and required tolerance, then validate the measurement with representative objects and the intended mounting arrangement.
DS4 Base can provide carton-height information from the positions of interrupted beams. For a vertical installation, the Top Dark function identifies the blocked beam furthest from the configured reference; the controller must account for the mounting offset above the conveyor. One pair measures along its sensing axis. Complete parcel dimensions require additional sensing arrangements, motion information and control logic.
Yes, provided the selected sensor and controller can distinguish each product and the gaps between products. Response time depends on beam count: the 600 mm, 10 mm-pitch Base model specifies 2.80 ms. Filtering, communication and PLC processing add to the application response. Touching or overlapping products may produce one continuous interruption, so individual counting requires separation or another inspection method.
DS4 Base provides one analogue output, selectable as 0–10 V or 4–20 mA, plus one channel shared between digital switching and IO-Link. The analogue signal uses receiver pin 2; digital switching or IO-Link uses pin 4. Basic switching reports beam interruption, while dimensional decisions require measurement data and suitable controller logic. Match the PLC inputs to the selected signal and scaling.
Use a compatible IO-Link master and configuration software that supports the appropriate DS4 Base IODD, the file describing the device’s parameters and process data. IO-Link provides access to measurement functions, reference-beam selection, filtering and diagnostics. Basic settings can also be selected through wiring. Wireless AppGUI configuration belongs to DS4 Standard, so it should not be included as a Base capability.
No. DS4 Base is a process detection and measurement sensor and is unsuitable for personnel protection. Its emitter–receiver arrangement does not make it a safety-rated guarding device. Applications that must stop hazardous machinery when someone enters an area require a separately selected safety system based on the machine’s risk assessment.
The emitter and receiver require 24 V DC ±20% and use 5-pin M12 connections. Angled fixing brackets and their fasteners are supplied; specify connection cables and any optional alignment or anti-vibration accessories separately. Mount both bars securely and parallel. Base uses optical synchronisation through its first and last beams, so at least one of these beams must remain clear during operation.
DS4 Base has IP65/IP67 protection, but environmental suitability also depends on optical conditions and installation. Airborne dust, fog and condensation can reduce usable range or disrupt detection even when the housing remains sealed. Check the selected model’s temperature limits and compatibility with cleaning conditions. Keep the optical windows accessible; Datasensing specifies cleaning with a water-dampened cotton cloth and excludes alcohol and solvents.
Provide object material, transparency, minimum dimensions, maximum height and required measurement tolerance, together with the emitter-to-receiver distance, conveyor speed and product spacing. Include the PLC model, preferred interface, mounting constraints, environmental conditions, quantity and delivery location. Photographs or drawings help define the arrangement. Request an itemised quotation covering the sensor pair, cables, optional accessories, any IO-Link equipment and the required support scope.
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