The Datalogic AS1 Area Sensor is a crossed-beam photoelectric light array for detecting parts and packages across a 100 mm sensing height on conveyors, packaging machines and assembly lines. Its separate emitter and receiver provide a PNP switching signal when objects interrupt the detection field, supporting presence and passage checks where object position varies.
The AS1 uses multiple infrared light paths between an emitter and receiver to monitor a defined area. Crossed beams extend detection coverage between the individual sensing points, allowing suitable objects to pass at different heights without needing to intersect one fixed beam.
A single-beam device from MarvelTech’s range of photoelectric sensors may be sufficient when the target follows a repeatable path. AS1 suits applications where that path varies within the sensing field, provided the object meets the selected model’s detection limits.
Typical tasks include:
These applications occur in processing, electronics assembly, food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical packaging. Selection depends on the actual object, its trajectory and the installation environment.
Mount the emitter and receiver opposite each other below a feeder outlet, positioning the 100 mm sensing field across the expected part trajectories. When an opaque component passes through, a compatible PLC input receives the detection signal and the machine program can confirm release before continuing the sequence.
During commissioning, test the smallest component at the extremes of its expected path and at production speed. The sensor response, PLC input filtering and interval between parts must allow the controller to register each event.
AS1-HR and AS1-SR both cover a 100 mm controlled height. Their beam arrangements and scanning behaviour differ, so select the resolution using the object’s shape, dimensions and movement rather than thickness alone.
| Characteristic | AS1-HR | AS1-SR |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution class | High resolution | Standard resolution |
| Beam count | 16 | 6 |
| Cylindrical object detection | From 6 mm diameter | From 18 mm diameter |
| Flat object detection | From 0.2 mm thickness × 75 mm width in scan modes 3–4 | From 0.2 mm thickness × 200 mm width |
| Response time | 2.75–8 ms, depending on scan mode | 1.75 ms |
| Scanning | Selectable programmes | Fixed programme |
The 0.2 mm figure describes the thickness of a sufficiently wide flat object; it does not mean AS1 detects a 0.2 mm particle or wire. On HR models, the fastest catalogue scan mode specifies a flat target of 0.4 mm thickness × 100 mm width. Finer detection therefore involves a response-time trade-off.
The catalogue specifies emitter-to-receiver distances of 0.3–2.1 m for AS1-LD and 0.8–3 m for AS1-HD, grouped as nominal 2 m and 3 m models in the ordering table. This separation is distinct from the 100 mm sensing height along the array.
AS1-LD-HR-010-P and AS1-LD-SR-010-P include an emitter-power adjustment trimmer. Reducing emission power can help limit unwanted reflections when the application does not need maximum range. This adjustment does not change the controlled height.
Use the AS1 model-selection and wiring catalogue to identify the complete order code. Check the instructions for the selected J or P version before wiring: synchronisation and scan-selection connections differ.
AS1 operates from 24 V DC ±15% and provides a PNP Dark-ON output, which switches on when a qualifying object interrupts the light field. The maximum switching load is 100 mA. Use a compatible PLC input; counting, reject timing and machine sequencing require control logic.
The emitter has an M12 four-pin connector and the receiver an M12 five-pin connector. Provide the specified power and synchronisation arrangement, secure both units against movement and allow access for optical alignment and cleaning.
The aluminium housing measures approximately 22 × 43.2 × 150.1 mm, with a PMMA optical window, IP65 protection and a 0–50°C operating temperature range. Allow additional space for brackets, connectors and cable bends. Assess cleaning chemicals and exposure conditions separately when installing near food or pharmaceutical processes.
Detection requires the target to interrupt the infrared light sufficiently. Transparent, translucent, reflective or perforated objects need sample testing at the intended distance and orientation. Do not select AS1 for clear-container detection solely from the published object-size figures.
A PLC or counter can use the switching output to count separated products. Touching or overlapping items may create one continuous interruption, while irregular shapes can produce multiple transitions. Product spacing and controller filtering must suit the application.
Consider the DS1 Measurement Light Grid when the controller needs information about how much of the sensing array is blocked. DS1 adds a 0–10 V analogue output and offers 100, 150 and 300 mm controlled heights; AS1 provides presence detection across 100 mm through its switching output.
AS1’s thin-object detection figures and DS1’s measurement resolution describe different capabilities. Compare the two using the same target, installation distance and required output rather than treating their headline resolution figures as equivalent.
AS1 is an object-detection sensor, not a safety light curtain. Personnel guarding requires a safety-rated device selected for the machine’s risk assessment.
MarvelTech can review the application and help select the AS1 model, mounting arrangement and control connection. Include the smallest object’s dimensions and material, expected orientation, emitter-to-receiver distance, conveyor speed or cycle time, PLC input type and cleaning conditions. For a replacement, provide the complete existing order code and wiring details.
Request an itemised quote covering the emitter and receiver, required cables, mounting accessories and any integration support. Ask MarvelTech to confirm availability, lead time, warranty terms and the scope and location of any installation or commissioning service for your configuration.
Choose AS1 for presence or passage detection when parts can cross at different positions within its 100 mm sensing height. Its crossed infrared beams cover trajectories that could miss a single sensing point, making it useful at feeder outlets, conveyor transfers and packaging stations. A single-beam device from the industrial sensor range may suffice when the object follows a repeatable path.
AS1-HR uses 16 beams and selectable scanning modes; AS1-SR uses six beams and a fixed scanning programme. Published cylindrical-object detection limits are 6 mm diameter for HR and 18 mm for SR. Choose using the smallest target and its orientation: HR offers finer detection, while SR provides a faster catalogue response where its larger minimum object size is acceptable.
No. The 0.2 mm specification describes the thickness of a sufficiently wide flat target, not a particle diameter or measurement accuracy. The catalogue specifies 0.2 mm thickness × 75 mm width for HR scan modes 3–4, and 0.2 mm × 200 mm for SR. Check the target’s width, orientation and path through the field, rather than selecting from thickness alone.
AS1 provides a 100 mm controlled height along the array. The emitter-to-receiver separation is a different dimension: the catalogue specifies 0.3–2.1 m for LD models and 0.8–3 m for HD models, commonly grouped as nominal 2 m and 3 m versions. Check the installation limits for the complete order code, particularly when mounting across a narrow opening.
The AS1-LD-HR-010-P and AS1-LD-SR-010-P versions add an emitter-power adjustment trimmer and use optical synchronisation; J versions use wired synchronisation. Reducing emission power can help limit unwanted reflections where maximum range is unnecessary. Synchronisation and scan-selection pin assignments differ, so a replacement requires checking the complete wiring diagram even when the connectors physically match.
Compare the shortest object interruption and clear gap with the sensor response and PLC input-processing time. The catalogue specifies 1.75 ms for SR and 2.75–8 ms for HR, depending on scan mode; finer HR flat-object detection uses slower scanning. Counting requires controller logic and distinguishable interruptions. Touching products can produce one continuous signal, while irregular shapes can produce multiple transitions.
AS1 provides a switching signal for object detection; it does not report how much of the array is blocked. The DS1 measurement light grid adds a 0–10 V analogue output representing beam blockage and offers 100, 150 and 300 mm controlled heights. Consider DS1 when the controller needs occupied-height or width information, with geometry and measurement tolerance assessed separately.
AS1 requires a 24 V DC ±15% supply and a PLC input compatible with its PNP Dark-ON output, which activates on detection. The maximum switching load is 100 mA. Mount the emitter and receiver opposite each other, with access for alignment and cleaning. Connections are M12 four-pin on the emitter and five-pin on the receiver; follow the selected version’s synchronisation wiring.
These targets require sample testing because detection depends on sufficient interruption of the infrared light. Transparent material may transmit light, openings can leave beam paths clear, and reflections can affect switching. Test representative samples at the intended separation, orientation and production speed, including the smallest target and the extremes of its expected path.
AS1 can serve packaging-line detection tasks where its IP65 aluminium housing, PMMA optical window and 0–50°C operating range suit the installation. IP65 alone does not establish compatibility with high-pressure cleaning, aggressive chemicals or hygienic design requirements. Assess cleaning exposure, condensation and contamination at the mounting position, including whether deposits could obstruct the optical field.
No. AS1 is a process-detection sensor and should not perform personnel protection. Guarding requires a safety-rated device and control system selected through the machine’s risk assessment. For applications combining finger protection with hygienic construction, the SG4-H hygienic safety light curtain is an option to assess against the required access geometry, stopping distance and cleaning conditions.
Provide the smallest object’s dimensions, material and orientation, expected travel path, emitter-to-receiver separation, conveyor speed or cycle time, PLC input type and cleaning conditions. Include photographs or a layout drawing, plus the complete order code and wiring details for replacements. Request an itemised quotation identifying the emitter–receiver pair, supplied mounting hardware, required cables, availability and any installation or commissioning support.
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