The Datasensing DS4 Standard is a programmable detection and measurement area sensor for object presence checks, height measurement and material-flow monitoring on conveyors, packaging machines and automated production lines. Its emitter–receiver light curtain supports configurable measurement functions, transparent-object detection and IO-Link or wireless AppGUI setup, with separate RS-485 and Ethernet TCP/IP models.
The DS4 Standard uses multiple infrared beams between an emitter and receiver to identify where an object interrupts the sensing field. This provides presence, occupied-height or edge-position information for applications such as carton height checks, component detection and material positioning.
Parallel beams support dimensional measurement. Crossed-beam scanning, available on 5 mm and 10 mm models, adds angled optical paths for detecting smaller or thinner objects. Select the scanning mode according to whether the priority is measurement or detection.
Controlled heights run from 300 to 3,000 mm in 150 mm increments. Beam pitch is the spacing between adjacent beams; it affects measurement capability, operating distance and scan time.
| Beam pitch | Nominal parallel-beam range | Crossed-beam operation | Digital response time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mm | 0.2–5 m | Minimum separation: 0.3 m | 2.80–19.00 ms |
| 10 mm | 0.2–7 m | Minimum separation: 0.7 m | 1.90–10.00 ms |
| 25 mm | 0.2–13 m | Parallel beams only | 1.36–4.60 ms |
Response-time ranges cover controlled heights from 300 to 3,000 mm and apply to digital outputs with parallel beams. Crossed-beam scanning, communication updates and PLC processing must be assessed separately when checking conveyor speed or the shortest detectable event. The 13 m range applies to 25 mm models, not to every DS4 Standard configuration.
The 5 mm models provide 5 mm measurement resolution, with 2.5 mm available through Augmented Resolution Mode at controlled heights up to 1.5 m and temperatures of 0–50°C. This is a measurement-resolution specification, not a general ±2.5 mm accuracy claim. The corresponding measurement values for 10 mm and 25 mm models are 10 mm and 25 mm.
For detection, the manufacturer specifies objects down to 3.5 mm on 5 mm models after teach-in, subject to the selected optical setup. Without teach-in, the stated minimum is 10 mm. On 10 mm models, the stated detection capability is 10 mm with teach-in and 14 mm without it; 25 mm models specify 25 mm.
Transparent-object sensing requires the target to reduce the received infrared signal sufficiently for the configured threshold. Clear glass and plastic therefore need assessment using representative samples, including the thinnest section and the least favourable orientation.
Published transparent-object ranges for 5 mm and 10 mm models extend from 0.35 m to a maximum of 4 m, depending on optical attenuation, at 0–50°C and controlled heights up to 1.5 m. These conditions are narrower than the nominal opaque-object range. Check performance at the actual installation distance and production speed before selecting a configuration.
For a fixed presence check where dimensional information and area coverage are unnecessary, compare MarvelTech’s industrial sensors to determine whether a single-point device is sufficient.
DS4 Standard supports parameter adjustment through IO-Link and wireless AppGUI, together with remote teach-in. Configuration includes sensitivity, output behaviour and the beam functions needed for the application.
Available signals include PNP, NPN or Push-Pull digital outputs, a configurable 0–10 V or 4–20 mA analogue output, and IO-Link. Three configurable digital I/Os allow signal roles to be assigned to the application; confirm the required combination against the selected model’s pin allocation.
Models ending in S08-JZ provide RS-485 alongside digital, analogue and IO-Link functions. Models ending in S12-JE provide Ethernet TCP/IP instead of RS-485 and add a separate Ethernet connection. Specify the PLC model and required protocol when requesting a configuration, rather than selecting by connector type alone.
IO-Link operation requires a compatible master and the DS4 Standard device description file, known as an IODD. The published minimum IO-Link cycle time is 2 ms; this communication figure is separate from the optical response time of the chosen sensor.
The emitter and receiver require a 19.2–28.8 V DC supply. Published maximum no-load current is 360 mA for the pair, and the maximum digital load current is 100 mA. Both versions use an M12 5-pin emitter connection and an M12 8-pin receiver connection; Ethernet models also have an M12 4-pin D-coded connection.
The aluminium housing has a 35 × 40 mm profile, with overall length determined by pitch and controlled height. Allow additional space for brackets, alignment and cable routing. IP65/IP67 protection requires suitable installation and connections; keep the optical windows accessible for cleaning.
Check the operating-temperature rating of the exact order code. For example, the DS4-05-0450-S08-JZ model listing specifies −30 to +50°C without freezing. Transparent-object sensing and augmented measurement resolution have the narrower operating conditions described above.
For opaque cartons up to 400 mm high crossing a sensing field 1 m wide, a 450 mm controlled-height, 5 mm-pitch pair is a configuration to assess. The DS4-05-0450-S08-JZ has 90 beams, a nominal 0.2–5 m operating range and a published 3.70 ms digital response time with parallel beams.
Mount the pair so the active field covers the carton from its reference surface to above its maximum height. Configure the required height measurement or switching threshold, then test the smallest carton, tilted cartons and minimum product gaps at line speed. Include PLC and actuator delays when validating any rejection sequence. This is an illustrative selection example, not a documented installation.
The Datasensing DS4 Base is the closest alternative when parallel-beam sensing, digital or analogue outputs and IO-Link cover the requirement.
| Requirement | DS4 Standard | DS4 Base |
|---|---|---|
| Controlled height | 300–3,000 mm | 300–1,500 mm |
| Configuration | IO-Link, wireless AppGUI and remote teach-in | IO-Link and basic wired configuration |
| Scanning | Parallel; crossed beams on 5 mm and 10 mm models | Parallel beams |
| Additional capabilities | Blanking, pattern match, transparent-object functions and RS-485 or Ethernet TCP/IP | Basic detection and measurement |
Standard is justified by these additional functions or greater controlled height, rather than an assumed speed advantage. For example, both versions specify 3.70 ms at 450 mm controlled height and 5 mm pitch using parallel beams and a digital output.
No. DS4 Standard is a detection and measurement sensor, not a safety-rated personnel-protection light curtain. Machine guarding requires a separately selected safety device appropriate to the machine’s risk assessment.
One pair evaluates beam interruption within its sensing plane. Measuring additional dimensions requires suitable sensor placement, motion information or additional sensing equipment. Define each required dimension and tolerance before selecting the measurement arrangement.
Replacement requires checking the existing device’s function, active height, mounting dimensions, connector pinout, output logic and communication settings. A matching housing size or M12 connector does not establish electrical or functional interchangeability.
MarvelTech can review the sensing application and help select the controlled height, beam pitch and output arrangement. Specify whether you need equipment supply, configuration guidance or integration support so the quotation can define the required scope.
Include the object material and minimum dimensions, maximum height, required measurement tolerance, emitter-to-receiver distance, conveyor speed, product gaps, PLC model and preferred interface. Attach application photographs or drawings and identify temperature, dust, moisture and mounting constraints.
Request pricing for the selected emitter–receiver configuration together with the required brackets, cables, IO-Link equipment and any installation or support work. Ask MarvelTech to confirm availability, lead time, warranty terms and service coverage for the installation location before ordering.
Yes. DS4 Standard can detect cartons and measure their occupied height as they interrupt the beams between its emitter and receiver. Position the active field relative to the conveyor surface and select a resolution suitable for the required sorting threshold. One pair measures within a single sensing plane; complete length, width and height measurement requires additional sensing arrangements and, where relevant, motion information.
Choose DS4 Standard when the application needs transparent-object sensing, crossed-beam detection, blanking, pattern matching, wireless configuration or RS-485/Ethernet connectivity. The Datasensing DS4 Base area sensor is an alternative for simpler parallel-beam detection and measurement using digital, analogue or IO-Link signals. Select Standard for the additional functions your process requires; its name alone does not imply a faster response.
Select the controlled height to cover the required measurement area, then match beam pitch to object size and dimensional requirements. DS4 Standard offers heights of 300–3,000 mm in 150 mm increments. Nominal parallel-beam operating ranges 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. Transparent-object and crossed-beam operation have additional limits.
No. The 2.5 mm figure describes augmented measurement resolution on 5 mm-pitch models, subject to controlled heights up to 1.5 m and temperatures of 0–50°C. It does not establish the total measurement error of an installed system. Detection capability is another specification: detecting a 3.5 mm object after teach-in does not mean measuring its thickness accurately. Validate the required tolerance with representative parts and mounting conditions.
Use parallel beams for dimensional measurement and consider crossed beams when detecting thin or small objects is the priority. Crossed-beam scanning is available on 5 mm and 10 mm models, with minimum emitter-to-receiver separations of 0.3 m and 0.7 m respectively. The 25 mm models use parallel beams only. Check detection coverage and response time for the selected scanning mode before setting conveyor speed.
Yes, where the object reduces the received infrared signal sufficiently for the configured threshold. For 5 mm and 10 mm models, published transparent-object ranges start at 0.35 m and reach up to 4 m, depending on signal attenuation, at 0–50°C and controlled heights up to 1.5 m. Test the clearest material, thinnest section and least favourable orientation at the intended installation distance and production speed.
Compare the shortest object passage and product gap with the response time of the exact sensor configuration. Longer arrays and different scanning modes change the timing. For example, the 450 mm-high, 5 mm-pitch configuration specifies a 3.70 ms digital response with parallel beams. Communication updates, PLC processing and actuator delays add to the complete machine response, so validate detection and rejection timing at maximum line speed.
Choose digital outputs for switching decisions, analogue output for a measurement signal, or a communication interface for data exchange. DS4 Standard supports configurable PNP, NPN or Push-Pull outputs and 0–10 V or 4–20 mA analogue output. S08-JZ models provide RS-485; S12-JE models provide Ethernet TCP/IP. Both support IO-Link. Confirm the PLC’s protocol support and required simultaneous signals, because some connector pins have alternative functions.
Use IO-Link or wireless AppGUI to configure the required sensing functions. IO-Link setup requires a compatible master and the DS4 Standard IODD device description file. Blanking excludes selected beams occupied by fixed guides or fixtures; pattern match evaluates a defined beam-interruption pattern. Blanked regions no longer contribute to the check, and pattern matching evaluates the optical outline rather than inspecting surface details as a camera would.
Provide aligned emitter and receiver mounting, a 19.2–28.8 V DC supply, and cables matching the selected model’s pinout. Ethernet versions also require the separate M12 D-coded network connection. Confirm the supplied brackets and any additional alignment or vibration supports. Keep optical windows accessible for cleaning: IP65/IP67 housing protection does not stop contamination from obstructing beams or establish suitability for high-pressure washdown. Check the exact model’s temperature limits.
No. DS4 Standard is an industrial detection and measurement sensor and is not suitable as a personnel-protection safety light curtain. If access to hazardous machinery must be monitored, select a safety-rated device and control arrangement through the machine’s risk assessment. Marveltech’s sensors and machine safety range provides a starting point for identifying the appropriate device category.
Provide the object material, minimum dimensions, maximum height, required measurement tolerance, emitter-to-receiver distance, conveyor speed and smallest product gap. Include the PLC model, preferred interface, environmental conditions and mounting drawings or photographs. Use the DS4 Standard enquiry form to request the sensor pair and required accessories, specifying whether configuration or integration assistance is needed. For replacements, include the existing order code and wiring details.
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