The Datalogic S7 Fiber Optic Amplifier is a compact photoelectric sensor amplifier for small-object detection, counting and positioning in packaging, electronics assembly and pharmaceutical machinery. Separate fibre-optic heads reach confined detection points while the amplifier remains accessible, with display, teach-in and trimmer models offering different setup methods and response speeds.
The S7 places the light source, receiver electronics and switching controls in a 10 mm-wide amplifier. Compatible fibre-optic cables carry light to and from the detection point, allowing a small sensing head to fit inside a fixture, beside a component feeder or between machine parts.
The series appears in Datalogic documentation and the current Datasensing catalogue. When replacing an existing unit, use its complete model code to match the output, connection and adjustment method.
Choose this arrangement when access at the target is restricted or the electronics need to remain away from the process. Where a complete sensor body fits comfortably beside the target, compare other industrial sensors against the required distance, material and mounting conditions.
Diffuse proximity fibres emit and receive light from the same side of the target, detecting light reflected by its surface. They suit installations with access from one side, but usable distance depends on the target’s colour, finish and reflectivity.
Through-beam fibres position the emitting and receiving heads opposite each other. Detection occurs when an object interrupts the beam, making this arrangement useful for component counting and presence checks where both sides of the target are accessible.
Packaging applications include part presence and positioning before sealing or assembly. Electronics applications include component-feeder and fixture checks. Pharmaceutical applications require the fibre head, mounting and cleaning resistance to be assessed for the specific machine; fibre-based sensing alone does not establish hygienic suitability.
Display versions provide 12-bit signal resolution and a four-digit display showing received light level, switching threshold and setup information. This helps technicians assess the difference between target-present and target-absent conditions. The resolution describes optical signal processing; it does not specify a minimum detectable object size or dimensional measurement accuracy.
Teach-in versions learn the detection condition using a pushbutton, with a finer setting procedure available for difficult targets. Display models also allow threshold adjustment using the plus and minus buttons. S7-7 and S7-8 use a 12-turn sensitivity trimmer for manual adjustment.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Supply voltage | 12–24 V DC ±10%; reverse-polarity protection |
| Consumption, excluding output load | Up to 50 mA for display models; 40 mA for S7-3/6; up to 30 mA for S7-7/8 |
| Switching outputs | NPN or PNP, selected by model; maximum 100 mA, subject to the model’s temperature derating |
| Electrical connection | Integrated 2 m cable or four-pin M8 connector, depending on model |
| Housing and mounting | Approximately 10 × 65 × 40 mm; ABS housing; DIN-rail or screw mounting |
| Catalogue operating temperature | −10 to +55°C at the amplifier |
| Catalogue enclosure protection | IP65 for teach-in/display models; IP60 for S7-7/8 trimmer models |
The environmental limits above follow the S7 series catalogue; confirm the supplied model’s instruction manual before installation. For sensing near heat, select a fibre assembly rated for the actual exposure and keep the amplifier within its own operating limits.
Match NPN or PNP to the controller input: NPN sinks current towards 0 V, while PNP supplies current towards the positive supply. On teach-in versions, the fourth connection provides remote teaching; on S7-7/8 trimmer versions, it provides the complementary normally closed output. Check this distinction when replacing a unit.
Fibre heads, lenses, mounting accessories and M8 connection cables must be specified for the installation. The S7 series brochure contains model codes, dimensional drawings and accessory information.
Each model family includes NPN and PNP versions, identified by the final -N or -P in the order code. The paired models below differ in their electrical connection.
| 2 m cable model | M8 connector model | Emission and adjustment | Maximum response time |
|---|---|---|---|
| S7-1-E-N / S7-1-E-P | S7-4-E-N / S7-4-E-P | White LED; display and teach-in | 500 µs in normal mode; 50 µs in fast mode |
| S7-2-E-N / S7-2-E-P | S7-5-E-N / S7-5-E-P | Red LED; display and teach-in | 500 µs in normal mode; 100 µs in fast mode |
| S7-3-E-N / S7-3-E-P | S7-6-E-N / S7-6-E-P | Red LED; teach-in without display | 500 µs |
| S7-7-E-N / S7-7-E-P | S7-8-E-N / S7-8-E-P | Red LED; trimmer without display | 500 µs |
With the standard OF-xx-ST fibres specified in the manufacturer’s instructions, red S7-2/5 display models have typical ranges of 0–100 mm for diffuse proximity and 0–300 mm for through-beam sensing in normal mode. Fast mode reduces these ranges to 0–50 mm and 0–150 mm respectively, while increasing switching frequency from 1 kHz to 5 kHz.
White S7-1/4 display models provide typical ranges of 0–25 mm for diffuse proximity and 0–75 mm for through-beam sensing, with switching frequencies up to 10 kHz in fast mode. Red S7-3/6 teach-in and S7-7/8 trimmer models have typical standard-fibre ranges of 0–100 mm and 0–300 mm respectively.
These are configuration-dependent reference distances. Fibre efficiency, lenses, alignment, target properties and contamination affect the usable detection margin. Select speed and distance together, then validate the smallest target and shortest gap at operating speed.
An S7-5-E-P with compatible through-beam fibres could be assessed for counting opaque components across a 100 mm gap. Its PNP output and M8 connection suit a matching controller input and cable, while fast mode specifies a 100 µs maximum response time and a typical standard-fibre range up to 150 mm. Commissioning must also check component size, head alignment and whether the controller captures the shortest output pulse.
The S7 suits applications requiring local adjustment and discrete NPN or PNP switching. The S70 is the nearest amplifier alternative when a double display or additional output capabilities are required: selected S70 versions offer IO-Link communication or analogue outputs, whereas the S7 configurations listed here provide switching outputs. Specify the required S70 variant and recheck the fibre arrangement, wiring and operating range before substitution.
Reuse depends on the fibre’s amplifier-end dimensions, optical characteristics, sensing-head arrangement and condition. Provide the existing fibre part number and required operating distance so compatibility can be checked; a similar-looking head is insufficient to establish a match.
Suitability depends on whether the target produces enough change in received light. Transparent materials and changing reflective surfaces require sample testing with the intended fibre head and mounting geometry. For label gaps or clear films with weak optical contrast, a dedicated label sensor or another sensing principle may be more suitable.
MarvelTech can review the detection task and help select the amplifier, fibre head and electrical connection. Request a quotation covering the required quantity, fibre assemblies, connection cables, lenses and mounting accessories, together with any installation or support requirements.
Send the object size and material, detection distance, machine speed, smallest gap between objects, mounting space, temperatures and cleaning conditions. Include the required NPN or PNP output, cable or M8 preference, existing part numbers and photos or drawings. Ask for confirmation of availability, lead time, applicable warranty and the scope of any integration support with the proposed configuration.
Choose the S7 for component presence checks, counting and positioning where a separate fibre head can reach a detection point that is difficult to access with a complete sensor body. Typical applications include packaging machinery and electronics assembly. If space permits a conventional sensor, compare other industrial sensing options against the target material, detection distance and mounting requirements.
Use through-beam fibres when you can mount an emitter and receiver on opposite sides of the target’s path; detection occurs when the object interrupts the light beam. Diffuse proximity fibres work from one side by collecting reflected light. For opaque component counting, through-beam sensing reduces dependence on surface colour, while proximity sensing accommodates installations with access from only one side.
S7-1, S7-2, S7-4 and S7-5 combine a display with teach-in and threshold-adjustment buttons. S7-3 and S7-6 provide pushbutton teach-in without a display, while S7-7 and S7-8 use a sensitivity trimmer. Choose a display when technicians need to inspect signal levels during commissioning or troubleshooting. Setup uses the amplifier’s controls and does not require PC software.
The white-LED S7-1 and S7-4 specify a maximum response time of 50 µs in fast mode, with switching frequencies up to 10 kHz. Red-LED S7-2 and S7-5 specify 100 µs and 5 kHz in fast mode. These figures describe sensor switching performance; achievable counting speed also depends on object spacing, beam geometry and whether the controller captures the shortest output pulse.
Fast mode reduces the typical detection range of red-LED S7-2 and S7-5 models. With the standard OF-xx-ST fibres specified in the manufacturer’s instructions, proximity range changes from 0–100 mm to 0–50 mm, and through-beam range from 0–300 mm to 0–150 mm. Select speed and distance together: fibre efficiency, target reflectivity, alignment and contamination affect the usable signal margin.
No. The 12-bit specification describes optical signal resolution, not an object dimension or measurement accuracy. Minimum detectable size depends on the fibre head, beam size, target contrast, working distance and motion. For a small pin, wire or component, assess representative samples with the proposed fibre assembly and check that target-present and target-absent signals remain clearly separated during operation.
Detection is possible when the material produces a sufficiently distinct change in received light. Transparent film may create only a weak change, while reflective components can produce different signals as their angle varies. Test the actual material and mounting geometry. For transparent labels on clear backing, consider the Datalogic SRX3 ultrasonic label sensor, which detects material changes without relying on optical contrast.
The fibre assembly and amplifier require separate environmental checks. A suitably rated fibre can reach a hot sensing point while the amplifier remains in a cooler location. Published S7 brochure and current catalogue ratings differ, so confirm the operating-temperature range and IP protection against the instructions supplied with the exact model. Water exposure, cleaning chemicals and washdown conditions also require assessment of the complete installation.
Match the model’s NPN or PNP switching output to the PLC input and provide the specified 12–24 V DC supply, with ±10% tolerance. Check the fourth conductor carefully: teach-in models use it for remote teaching, whereas S7-7 and S7-8 use it for a complementary normally closed output. When replacing an amplifier, verify the complete model code, pin assignment and controller input filtering.
Existing fibres may be reusable if their amplifier-end dimensions, optical characteristics and sensing arrangement suit the replacement. Identify the fibre part number and inspect its ends, routing and condition before assuming compatibility. A mechanically fitting fibre can still deliver insufficient light at the required distance. Recheck the detection threshold after replacement, particularly when changing LED type or operating speed.
Specify the amplifier together with suitable fibre assemblies, any required lenses, mounting hardware and electrical cable. The S7 supports DIN-rail or screw mounting; accessory brackets include the CRD-5000 DIN-rail bracket and ST-505 L-shaped bracket. Cable models have an integrated 2 m lead, while connector models require a matching four-pin M8 cable. Allow access to the controls and space for the fibres’ permitted bend radius.
Provide the target’s dimensions, material and surface finish, detection distance, maximum speed and smallest gap between objects. Include mounting drawings or photos, ambient conditions, required NPN or PNP output, cable or M8 preference and quantity. For replacements, send the amplifier and fibre part numbers. Ask for an itemised quotation covering accessories, availability, lead time and any required setup or integration support.
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