The Datasensing DS1 AREAscan Measurement Light Grid detects objects and measures their occupied height or width in packaging machinery, conveyor systems and automated assembly. Available with 100, 150 or 300 mm controlled heights, it provides PNP switching and 0–10 V analogue outputs for presence checks, dimensional checks and size-based sorting.
The DS1 uses an emitter and receiver mounted opposite each other to create a field of infrared beams. An object entering this field interrupts the beams, allowing the sensor to detect its presence and report how much of the array is blocked.
Within MarvelTech’s range of industrial sensors, DS1 suits applications requiring measurement information across an area. Typical tasks include checking carton height, monitoring material coverage and comparing component dimensions before the next production stage.
The PNP switching output activates when at least one beam is blocked. A compatible PLC input can use this signal for product passage detection, counting separated items or triggering a process.
The 0–10 V analogue output is proportional to the number of interrupted beams: 0 V represents a clear array and 10 V represents all beams blocked. The controller must scale and interpret this signal for the selected model and application.
Measurement limitation: the analogue signal reports the total number of blocked beams, not their individual positions. Two objects blocking the same number of beams at different heights can produce the same reading. Edge-position measurement therefore requires a known reference and suitable object geometry; the output alone cannot reconstruct a detailed profile or distinguish overlapping objects.
Mount the sensor pair vertically across a conveyor, with the measurement field referenced to the belt. As an opaque carton passes through, the PLC compares the analogue reading with validated height limits and controls a downstream reject station. Commissioning should account for the sensor’s mounting offset, carton movement, response time and PLC sampling rate.
Controlled height describes the sensing span along the array. Operating distance describes the separation between emitter and receiver. Select both to suit the machine opening, object dimensions and required detection detail.
| Controlled height | Standard resolution (SR) | High resolution (HR) | Housing length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 mm | 7 mm | 4 mm; SD and LD versions | 150.1 mm |
| 150 mm | 7 mm | 4 mm; SD and LD versions | 200.1 mm |
| 300 mm | 7 mm | No HR version listed | 350.1 mm |
The catalogue groups SD, LD and HD versions at nominal operating distances of 0.8 m, 2 m and 4 m respectively. Detection resolution varies with separation, so the headline resolution and maximum range should not be treated as simultaneous performance guarantees. Response times across the series are 1–2.75 ms, depending on the model.
For example, DS1-LD-HR-010-JV has a 100 mm controlled height, 32 beams and a published 1 ms response time. Although described as a 4 mm resolution model, its manufacturer specification lists a 5 mm minimum detectable object. Resolution, minimum object size and measurement accuracy are different specifications.
Use the DS1 model-selection and wiring catalogue to check the full order code. Adjustment trimmers apply to PV versions; they are not a standard feature of every DS1.
DS1 operates from 24 V DC ±15%. The emitter uses an M12 four-pin connector and the receiver uses an M12 five-pin connector. Both units require a shared supply reference and the specified wired synchronisation connection.
For switching, use a PLC input compatible with a PNP sourcing output; the published maximum switching load is 100 mA. For measurement, provide a compatible 0–10 V analogue input and configure the scaling, acceptance limits and timing in the controller. The sensor contains its own operating electronics, but counting, sorting and reject decisions still require machine-control logic.
The aluminium housing has a 22 × 43.2 mm cross-section, a PMMA optical window, IP65 protection and a 0–50°C operating temperature range. Allow space for connectors, cables and alignment adjustment. Check cleaning chemicals and exposure conditions before installation in food or pharmaceutical equipment; IP65 alone does not establish suitability for aggressive washdown.
Detection depends on the object sufficiently interrupting the infrared beams. Test transparent, translucent, perforated or unusually shaped products at the intended operating distance before specifying DS1 for the application.
The switching signal can identify clear intervals between separated products. Converting interruption time into travel-direction length or spacing requires conveyor-speed information and controller logic. Adjacent or overlapping products may register as one continuous interruption.
DS1 is a detection and measurement sensor, not a safety light curtain. Personnel guarding requires a safety-rated device selected for the machine’s risk assessment.
Consider the Datalogic AS1 Area Sensor when the task is presence detection across a 100 mm field and a PNP switching result is sufficient. AS1 uses crossed beams for area detection, while DS1 adds a 0–10 V measurement output and offers controlled heights up to 300 mm. Their detection limits depend on different object geometries and operating conditions, so compare them using the actual target.
MarvelTech can review the application and help select the controlled height, distance family and output configuration. Include the object’s dimensions and material, required measurement tolerance, emitter-to-receiver separation, conveyor speed, PLC input types and cleaning conditions. Photos or a machine-layout drawing help establish mounting requirements.
Request an itemised quote identifying the sensor pair, cables, mounting accessories and any required integration support. Ask MarvelTech to confirm availability, delivery timing, warranty terms and the scope of installation or commissioning for the selected configuration.
DS1 suits object-presence checks, occupied-height or width measurement, and size-based sorting on packaging and assembly lines. It is most useful when the controller needs to distinguish how much of a sensing field an object blocks. Selection should start with the dimensional difference you need to detect, the object’s orientation and the required acceptance tolerance.
DS1 provides a 0–10 V analogue measurement signal alongside its PNP switching output, with controlled heights of 100, 150 or 300 mm. The Datalogic AS1 area sensor uses crossed beams for presence detection across a 100 mm field. Consider AS1 when a passage signal is sufficient; choose DS1 when the controller also needs information about the extent of beam blockage.
Select the 100, 150 or 300 mm controlled height to cover the required measurement span along the array. Then select the emitter-to-receiver distance: the catalogue groups SD, LD and HD versions at nominal distances of 0.8, 2 and 4 m respectively. Check the selected model’s minimum separation and detection curve, because object-detection capability changes with distance.
No. The catalogue’s 4 mm HR and 7 mm SR resolution classes do not establish measurement accuracy or minimum detectable object size for every installation. For example, Datasensing lists a 5 mm minimum detectable object for DS1-LD-HR-010-JV despite its 4 mm resolution description. For tolerance checks, assess the exact model, installation distance, target geometry and analogue-input performance together.
The analogue output reports the total number of interrupted beams: 0 V represents a clear array and 10 V represents complete blockage. Consequently, equal beam blockage at different positions can produce the same reading. Edge-position measurement needs a known reference and suitable geometry; the signal alone cannot identify individual blocked beams or reconstruct a detailed profile.
DS1 needs a 24 V DC ±15% supply, a compatible PNP digital input for switching and a 0–10 V analogue input for measurement. Its operating electronics are integrated, so no separate sensor driver is required. Provide the specified synchronisation wiring and shared 0 V reference. The PLC program must handle measurement scaling, thresholds, counting and reject timing.
Compare the shortest product interruption and clear gap with the selected sensor’s response time and the controller’s input-processing time. The DS1 catalogue specifies 1–2.75 ms across the series; this is not the complete machine reaction time. Touching products may create one continuous detection event. Calculating travel-direction length or spacing also requires conveyor-speed information and control logic.
Suitability requires sample testing because DS1 relies on sufficient interruption of its infrared beams. Transparent material may transmit light, while openings in perforated products can make the analogue reading represent material coverage rather than overall dimensions. Test representative samples at production speed and the intended separation. Compare industrial sensing alternatives if these effects compromise the required measurement.
Mount the emitter and receiver opposite each other on stable supports, with access for alignment and optical-window cleaning. The emitter uses an M12 four-pin connection and the receiver an M12 five-pin connection. Confirm cable lengths and mounting hardware in the quotation. PV versions include an emission-power adjustment trimmer, which can help reduce unwanted reflections when maximum range is unnecessary.
DS1 has an IP65 aluminium housing, a PMMA optical window and a published operating temperature range of 0–50°C. These specifications support industrial installation but do not establish suitability for high-pressure washdown or aggressive cleaning chemicals. Assess temperature, condensation, contamination and cleaning exposure at the mounting position, including their effect on optical transmission and measurement stability.
No. DS1 is an object-detection and measurement sensor and should not perform a personnel-protection function. Machine guarding requires a safety-rated device and control architecture selected through the machine’s risk assessment. Keep process measurement requirements separate from the protective function when specifying equipment.
Include the object’s dimensions, material and orientation, required tolerance, sensing span, emitter-to-receiver separation, conveyor speed, PLC input types and cleaning conditions in your DS1 configuration enquiry. Add a layout drawing or photographs and the full order code for replacements. Request an itemised quotation covering the sensor pair, cables, mounting accessories, availability and any required commissioning support.
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