Matrix (Array) Fiber Optic Heads

Name: Matrix (Array) Fiber Optic Heads
Brand: DAIDISIKE
SKU: matrix-fiber-optic-heads
Availability: InStock

Array fiber optic heads covering a detection zone instead of a single spot - through-beam and diffuse reflective types.

Matrix (Array) Fiber Optic Heads - product photo

🔍 Click to enlarge · 1/15

Technical Specifications

Product Type	Passive matrix (array) fiber optic sensing head for area/wide-field detection
Configurations	Through-beam (DK-KT series); diffuse reflective (DK-KF series)
Output	None at the head (passive optical component); switching signal provided by a separate fiber amplifier
Compatible Amplifiers	WDN / WAN / DA4-series fiber amplifier platform (NPN/PNP output, digital display, teach function, selectable power modes)
System Detection Range	Up to 4,000 mm with the fiber amplifier platform, depending on the fiber unit and power mode selected
Model Range	9 through-beam models (DK-KT) and 9 diffuse reflective models (DK-KF), 18 in total
Certifications	Available on request

Overview

Matrix (array) fiber optic heads project multiple light points across a detection zone instead of a single spot, so small, irregular, or position-shifting parts are detected wherever they pass through the zone. The DK-KT series is through-beam, with emitter and receiver heads mounted on opposite sides of the target; the DK-KF series is diffuse reflective, with emitter and receiver on the same side so only one side of the target needs mounting access.

Each head is a fully passive optical probe: it contains no electronics and produces no output on its own. A separate fiber amplifier (WDN/WAN/DA4-series) supplies the light source, receives the return signal, and delivers the actual NPN/PNP switching output, digital display, and teach functions. This architecture suits engineers detecting small, thin, or position-uncertain parts in confined or electrically noisy locations - typically in battery and electronics manufacturing, packaging, and conveyor automation.

Features & Benefits

Area coverage instead of a single point

A matrix fiber head arranges multiple light points into an array so the probe covers a detection zone; a part passing anywhere across that zone produces a signal, instead of requiring it to cross one exact spot. This substantially reduces missed detections of small, irregular, or position-shifting targets on vibratory feeders and conveyors compared with a single-point fiber sensor.

Proven target set includes thin sheets, battery electrode sheets and coated films

The published application scope for this product line covers thin sheets, battery electrode sheets, coated/laminated films, and presence verification of small components inside trays - target types that are traditionally difficult for point-style sensors because they are thin, reflective, or easy to miss.

Through-beam and diffuse reflective configurations cover both mounting scenarios

DK-KT (through-beam) places emitter and receiver on opposite sides for maximum excess gain and better tolerance of contamination; DK-KF (diffuse reflective) places both on the same side, so only one side of the target needs mounting access, brackets, and wiring.

Fully passive sensing head - no electronics at the detection point

The head itself is a purely passive optical component; all switching electronics reside in the remote fiber amplifier. This makes the probe end inherently immune to electromagnetic interference and suited to locations near welding equipment, VFDs/inverters, or other electrically noisy machinery where conventional self-contained photoelectric sensors can misfire.

Flexible fiber cable routes through narrow channels like ordinary wiring

The fiber cable is bend-resistant and can be routed along machine arms, through drag chains, or inside tight enclosures the same way electrical cable is routed, and is resistant to oil and vibration in service.

One amplifier platform serves the whole probe range

All matrix fiber heads work with the same fiber amplifier platform (WDN/WAN/DA4-series), which provides the NPN/PNP switching output, digital display, teach function, and selectable power modes. Probe geometry can be chosen per application while one amplifier standard is kept across the plant, with a system detection range of up to 4,000 mm depending on the fiber unit and power mode selected.

Applications

Battery electrode sheet and coated film detection — In-position and pass-through detection of battery electrode sheets, separators, and coated/laminated films. An area-shaped beam captures thin, reflective targets more reliably than a single spot.

Small component detection in feeder trays — Presence verification of small or irregular components in vibratory feeders and trays, where part position and orientation are not fixed and a covered detection zone misses fewer parts than a point sensor.

Anti-missed-detection counting on conveyors — Counting small parts whose lateral position drifts on roller or belt conveyors - the matrix light field still covers the part wherever it passes through the zone.

One-sided-access mounting locations — Stations where only one side of the target is accessible, such as a single side of a conveyor or a hopper wall. The DK-KF diffuse reflective series places emitter and receiver on the same side, so no receiver mounting is needed opposite the target.

Detection near welding stations and VFDs — High-EMI locations near welding equipment or variable-frequency drives. The passive head contains no electronics, so interference only concerns the remote amplifier in the control cabinet, not the probe at the detection point.

Routing through machine arms and drag chains — Detection points reached along machine arms, through drag chains, or inside tight enclosures - the flexible, bend-resistant fiber cable is laid like ordinary electrical cable.

Plant-wide fiber sensing standardization — Standardizing one fiber amplifier platform across multiple stations while swapping only the probe per application, reducing spare-parts inventory and training cost.

Models & Ordering Information

DK-KT Series - Through-Beam Matrix Fiber Heads

DK-KT10MLDDK-KT15MLDDK-KT20MLDDK-KT25MLDK-KT30MLDK-KT35MLDK-KT50MLDK-KT120MLDK-KTU10

Through-beam configuration: emitter and receiver heads mounted on opposite sides of the target for maximum excess gain and contamination tolerance.

DK-KF Series - Diffuse Reflective Matrix Fiber Heads

DK-KF10MLDDK-KF15MLDDK-KF20MLDDK-KF25MLDK-KF30MLDK-KF35MLDK-KF50MLDK-KF120MLDK-KFU10

Diffuse reflective configuration: emitter and receiver on the same side, so only one side of the target needs mounting access and wiring.

How to Select

Choose the configuration first: pick the DK-KT through-beam series when both sides of the target offer mounting space and you want maximum excess gain and contamination tolerance; pick the DK-KF diffuse reflective series when only one side is accessible and you want to save the opposite-side bracket and wiring.
Select the size grade: each series offers eight numeric-suffix models (10/15/20/25/30/35/50/120) plus one U10 model (DK-KTU10 / DK-KFU10). Confirm the actual detection-face dimensions against factory drawings or datasheets rather than inferring them from the model number.
Confirm output and power via the amplifier, not the head: the head itself has no output. NPN/PNP, NO/NC, supply voltage, detection distance, and response time are all determined by the paired fiber amplifier (WDN/WAN/DA4-series) and its power-mode setting, so specify head, amplifier, and power mode together.
Check the operating environment: if the mounting point is near welding machines, VFDs, or other strong EMI sources, or space is tight and flexible routing is needed, the passive-head-plus-remote-amplifier architecture outperforms self-contained photoelectric switches; where space is ample, distance is long, and interference is low, compare the economics of a self-contained photoelectric sensor.

📘 Need the full method? NPN vs PNP Sensor Outputs Explained

When NOT to specify the Matrix — and what to use instead

You need a single, precise detection point rather than coverage across a zone

Why not: The product overview states matrix heads project multiple light points across a detection zone instead of a single spot -- the opposite of what a precise single-point application needs.

Use instead: A standard single-point through-beam (T), diffuse reflective (KS), or coaxial (RC) fiber head from the fiber-optic-sensor-heads line.

You need a functioning sensor on its own, without a separate control unit

Why not: The spec table states the head has no output at all -- it is a passive optical component; the switching signal is produced only by a separate fiber amplifier.

Use instead: The matrix head paired with a WDN/WAN/DA4-series fiber amplifier, or a self-contained photoelectric sensor if area coverage is not required.

Final fixture or enclosure design requires exact detection-face dimensions

Why not: The selectionGuide explicitly instructs confirming the actual detection-face dimensions against factory drawings or datasheets rather than inferring them from the model number.

Use instead: Request the factory drawing or datasheet for the specific DK-KT/DK-KF model before finalizing enclosure design.

The plant standard amplifier is a third-party brand, not DAIDISIKE's own platform

Why not: The FAQ states compatibility with third-party amplifiers has not been verified and is not claimed.

Use instead: Use the WDN/WAN/DA4-series amplifier platform this product line is designed for, or request compatibility testing before specifying a third-party amplifier.

Specifications we do not publish yet

We only publish a figure once we are confident it is true. The items below are still being validated through further testing and real-world customer feedback, so for now we would rather leave them open than guess. If one of them matters to your design, ask us for the latest validated status.

Exact detection-face/zone dimensions for each size grade (10/15/20/25/30/35/50/120, U10) are not listed numerically
Response time and detection distance specific to each individual matrix model are not documented -- only the amplifier platform's system maximum of up to 4,000 mm is confirmed
Fiber cable length for the DK-KT/DK-KF series is not documented
Operating temperature range and IP/protection rating are not documented
Certification documents beyond "available on request" are not specified
Number of light points within the array and their spacing/pitch are not documented

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a matrix (array) fiber optic head and a standard single-point fiber optic head?

A standard fiber head projects a single light spot and requires the target to cross that exact spot. A matrix fiber head arranges multiple light points into an array so it covers a detection area, allowing a part to be detected anywhere it passes through that zone - useful for small, irregular, or position-shifting targets.

Do matrix fiber heads produce a switching output by themselves?

No. The fiber head is a passive optical component with no electronics. It must be connected to a separate fiber amplifier, which provides the light source, receives the return signal, and outputs the actual NPN/PNP switching signal.

What is the difference between the DK-KT and DK-KF series?

DK-KT is the through-beam series, with emitter and receiver heads mounted on opposite sides of the target. DK-KF is the diffuse reflective series, with emitter and receiver on the same side of the target.

What detection distance can I expect from a matrix fiber head?

Detection distance depends on which fiber amplifier and power mode is paired with the head, not on the fiber head alone. Our fiber amplifier platform is rated for a system detection range of up to 4,000 mm depending on the fiber unit and power mode; confirm the specific figure for your configuration against the amplifier's spec sheet.

What applications are matrix fiber heads suited for?

Published applications include detection of thin sheets, battery electrode sheets, coated/laminated films, and presence verification of small components in trays - targets that are thin, reflective, or positioned inconsistently, where a single-point sensor is more prone to missed detections.

Can matrix fiber heads be used near welding equipment or variable-frequency drives?

Yes. The sensing head contains no electronics, so it is inherently immune to the electromagnetic interference that can affect conventional self-contained photoelectric sensors at the detection point. The amplifier itself should still be mounted in a control cabinet per normal EMI practice.

Are matrix fiber heads compatible with any fiber amplifier?

They are designed to work with our fiber amplifier platform (WDN/WAN/DA4-series). Compatibility with third-party amplifiers has not been verified and is not claimed.

Works Well Together

On the same machine or line, Matrix is typically ordered together with: Laser Switch Sensors · Slot Sensors · Photoelectric Sensors

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