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DQM Measuring Light Curtain (Switching Output)

Object detection and counting light curtain: NPN or PNP switching output, 0.5 ms response time, no RS485 or RS232 interface.

DQM Measuring Light Curtain (Switching Output) - product photo🔍 Click to enlarge · 1/7

Technical Specifications

Output typeNPN or PNP transistor switching output; no RS485 or RS232 interface. Catalogue switching codes: NPN normally-closed (A), PNP normally-closed (B), NPN normally-open (C), PNP normally-open (D). Any beam interruption changes the output according to the ordered logic. Wired via 5-wire or 7-wire cable; no external controller required.
Beam spacing2.5 / 5 / 10 / 20 / 40 / 80 mm (order code K); DQM does not offer the 1.25 mm spacing available on DQL.
Protection height (by spacing)2.5mm: 77.5-797.5mm (32-320 beams); 5mm: 75-1595mm (16-320 beams); 10mm: 70-3990mm (8-400 beams — the catalog's own table prints the last three rows' height column as 4950/4970/4990mm, inconsistent with the model-number suffixes and the height formula; see dataGaps); 20mm: 60-3980mm (4-200 beams); 40mm: 120-3960mm (4-100 beams); 80mm: 240-3920mm (4-50 beams).
Sensing (transmitter-receiver) distance0.3-3m for most configurations (order code A); narrows to 0.3-2m and then 0.3-1.3m at the highest beam counts within the 2.5mm-spacing tier specifically (0.3-2m up to 96 beams, 0.3-1.3m from 104 beams up, per the model table); 0.3-6m (code B) also selectable. Exact breakpoints for other spacing tiers beyond what the model table shows are not confirmed.
Response time0.5 ms across all DQM specifications, confirmed by the manufacturer.
Ingress protectionCatalogue-listed IP65 default; IP68 for the DQMF enclosure variant (F code immediately after DQM). These labels alone do not establish high-pressure-cleaning or chemical compatibility; verify the exact assembly and documented exposure conditions.
Beam spacing and target detectionFinest beam spacing 2.5 mm. A separate minimum detectable object or dimensional accuracy is not confirmed; beam spacing alone is not a guaranteed target-size or measurement-accuracy rating. Validate the actual target and orientation.
AccessoriesStandard: DQLMR-06 right-angle end-mount bracket (two-end mounting), DQCA-02 T-slot screws. Optional: DQCA-01 stainless-steel tube bracket, DQCA-03 raised/male nut, DQCA-05 side right-angle bracket (side-face mounting)

Overview

DQM belongs to Daidisike's light-grid product family and is the switching-output counterpart to the DQL analog measuring light curtain: where DQL reports position or size via analog voltage/current or RS485, DQM answers a simple yes/no question - "is anything in the field?" - through a direct NPN/PNP switching signal. It is a detection/measurement device, not a safety device: it carries no personnel-safety rating and must not be used as machine-guarding equipment.

It suits machine builders and line integrators needing object detection or counting with a full-height presence signal wired straight into a PLC input. The current manufacturer-confirmed specification is NPN or PNP transistor switching output with a 0.5 ms response time across all DQM specifications; DQM has no RS485 or RS232 interface. Any single beam interrupted across the detection height switches the output according to the ordered NO/NC logic. Six beam-spacing options from 2.5 to 80 mm match different openings and targets; counting performance also depends on target separation, motion and PLC input processing.

Features & Benefits

Multiple beam positions across the detection height

DQM monitors multiple beam positions rather than one sensing point. Whether a particular object interrupts a beam sufficiently must be tested with the actual target, orientation, path and speed; field height and beam spacing alone do not guarantee detection.

NPN/PNP and NO/NC selectable for direct PLC compatibility

Specify NPN (sinking) or PNP (sourcing) transistor output and the required NO/NC logic. Match the PLC input circuit, common terminal and voltage to the selected output; do not select polarity from the PLC brand or country of origin.

2.5 mm fine beam-spacing option

The finest listed spacing is 2.5 mm, starting from model DQM32/2.5-77.5. This is beam-axis spacing, not a guaranteed minimum target size. For screws, stamped parts or thin sheets, validate representative samples in their least favorable orientation, path and operating speed before specifying the sensor.

Six beam-spacing options for precise specification

Beam spacing is offered at 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40 or 80 mm, with detection heights spanning from 60 mm upward per spacing tier, so the sensing field can be matched to the actual opening or workpiece size instead of over-specifying.

Direct switching output, no external controller required

DQM outputs the switching signal directly through standard 5-wire or 7-wire cabling, with no separate controller unit and no communication protocol to configure, which shortens commissioning time and lets maintenance staff swap a unit without bus-configuration knowledge.

Shares mounting accessories with the DQL series

DQM uses the same accessory range as DQL: end-mount bracket DQLMR-06 as standard, plus optional side-mount and corner brackets DQCA-01/02/03/05, so lines that run both DQL and DQM keep a common spare-parts inventory.

IP68 waterproof variant available (DQMF)

The catalogue lists an IP68 DQMF enclosure option. IP68 alone does not establish suitability for high-pressure cleaning, hot water or cleaning chemicals. Confirm the exact version's water-pressure, temperature, chemical-compatibility and installed connector/seal conditions before selecting it for a wet process.

Applications

Object presence / pass-through detection on conveyors — Full-height switching detection covers objects at different positions across the conveyor width, since interrupting any one beam produces an output.
Part ejection verification after stamping or die-cutting — A multi-beam detection field can be evaluated for ejected parts following different paths. Verify actual part samples, orientations, trajectories, speeds and separation through the complete detection/counting chain; coverage alone does not guarantee every part is detected.
Small-part drop-through / fall detection with fine beam spacing — Evaluate the 2.5 mm beam-spacing tier using actual falling parts, including their smallest presented profile, rotation, trajectory and speed. Do not infer reliable screw or stamped-part detection, or a minimum target size, from the pitch value alone.
Packaging line fill-level / arrival confirmation — The direct switching signal can trigger the next station's action immediately, without an analog-signal processing step.
Entry/exit or passage triggering for counting, print-marking, or photo events — A beam interruption changes the switching output according to the ordered NO/NC logic. With the confirmed 0.5 ms sensor response time, DQM can provide a trigger for counters, print marking or photo events; verify target separation and the downstream input processing for the required count rate.
Infeed opening oversize / foreign-object detection — Position a separate detection field outside the permitted infeed envelope so an oversized or misplaced object interrupts it. DQM reports presence only; it does not report additional interrupted beams, object dimensions or a profile.
Mixed DQL/DQM production lines needing shared spares — Because DQM shares DQLMR-06 and the DQCA mounting accessories with DQL, lines running both series can simplify spare-parts purchasing.
Wet-area detection requiring a verified enclosure configuration — DQMF is a catalogue-listed IP68 option to evaluate, not an automatic approval for washdown or high-pressure spray. Check the actual water pressure, temperature, exposure duration, cleaning chemicals and assembled cable/connector seals against the exact version's documented conditions.

Models & Ordering Information

559 listed table entries across 6 beam-pitch options. Compare beam count and span, then confirm the complete ordering code. Beam pitch alone does not establish detection capability or suitability for personnel protection.

DQM Measuring Light Curtain (Switching Output) — 2.5 mm beam pitch, 37 listed entries
Listed model entryBeam pitch K (mm)Number of beams NBeam span H (mm)
DQM32/2.5-77.52.53277.5
DQM40/2.5-97.52.54097.5
DQM48/2.5-117.52.548117.5
DQM56/2.5-137.52.556137.5
DQM64/2.5-157.52.564157.5
DQM72/2.5-177.52.572177.5
DQM80/2.5-197.52.580197.5
DQM88/2.5-217.52.588217.5
DQM96/2.5-237.52.596237.5
DQM104/2.5-257.52.5104257.5
DQM112/2.5-277.52.5112277.5
DQM120/2.5-297.52.5120297.5
DQM128/2.5-317.52.5128317.5
DQM136/2.5-337.52.5136337.5
DQM144/2.5-357.52.5144357.5
DQM152/2.5-377.52.5152377.5
DQM160/2.5-397.52.5160397.5
DQM168/2.5-417.52.5168417.5
DQM176/2.5-437.52.5176437.5
DQM184/2.5-457.52.5184457.5
DQM192/2.5-477.52.5192477.5
DQM200/2.5-497.52.5200497.5
DQM208/2.5-517.52.5208517.5
DQM216/2.5-537.52.5216537.5
DQM224/2.5-557.52.5224557.5
DQM232/2.5-577.52.5232577.5
DQM240/2.5-597.52.5240597.5
DQM248/2.5-617.52.5248617.5
DQM256/2.5-637.52.5256637.5
DQM264/2.5-657.52.5264657.5
DQM272/2.5-677.52.5272677.5
DQM280/2.5-697.52.5280697.5
DQM288/2.5-717.52.5288717.5
DQM296/2.5-737.52.5296737.5
DQM304/2.5-757.52.5304757.5
DQM312/2.5-777.52.5312777.5
DQM320/2.5-797.52.5320797.5

37 listed entries at 2.5 mm pitch · 559 across this table. Beam span is calculated as H = (N − 1) × K; it is not overall housing length or proof of detection capability. Some entries expand catalogue ranges. Confirm the complete ordering code and availability before ordering; inclusion is not a stock claim.

Waterproof variant

DQMF (F suffix denotes the IP68 waterproof version of any model above)

How to specify a DQM switching-output model

DQM [F] [beams] / [pitch] - [height] [switching-output code] [distance option]
DQM identifies the NPN/PNP switching-output series, not the DQL analog/serial series. F denotes the optional DQMF enclosure; the catalogue lists IP65 for standard DQM and IP68 for DQMF. [beams] is beam count; [pitch] is 2.5/5/10/20/40/80 mm; [height] is detection height in mm. Switching-output codes are A (NPN NC), B (PNP NC), C (NPN NO) and D (PNP NO). The catalogue distance options are A (0.3-3 m) and B (0.3-6 m), subject to the selected model's confirmed range. DQM has no RS485 or RS232 interface: baud rate, serial upload and serial mode positions from a shared DQL/DQM code diagram are not DQM options. Confirm the complete order code and wiring before purchase; do not construct it by copying a DQL serial example.

PDF & 3D CAD Downloads

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Open the download center with this series selected. Search the full model, check the file details, and download the matching CAD file.

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Confirm the document and CAD file match the exact ordered version before installation or mechanical design. Contact us if your model is not listed.

How to Select

  1. Compare the available beam spacings against the actual target and process, then validate samples at the least favorable orientation, position, path and speed. The 2.5-80 mm spacing range is not a guaranteed minimum-object-size range; do not approve screws, thin sheets or other targets from pitch alone.
  2. Select protection height by installation opening: determine the actual height range to cover first, then pick the closest sufficient protection height within the chosen spacing tier's model list, rather than over-specifying.
  3. Select NPN or PNP by the actual PLC input wiring, common terminal and voltage: a sinking NPN sensor output requires a compatible sourcing input circuit, and a sourcing PNP output requires a compatible sinking input circuit. Verify the selected PLC module's wiring diagram, not its brand or region.
  4. Select NO or NC to match the required process-detection logic. NO/NC selection does not make DQM a safety device or establish a fail-safe response to every wire break or power fault.
  5. Confirm the field cable specification against the wiring type: standard is 5-wire or 7-wire, so confirm which wiring format the chosen model uses before ordering cable.
  6. For a wet or cleaning environment, evaluate the exact DQM or DQMF assembly against documented water pressure, temperature, cleaning chemicals and connector/seal conditions. The catalogue's IP68 DQMF option is not by itself a high-pressure-washdown guarantee.
  7. If analog position, size, contour or serial data is required, assess a DQL configuration instead. DQM provides a presence/counting trigger through NPN or PNP output only, with no RS485 or RS232 interface and a confirmed 0.5 ms response time.
  8. For accessories, the standard end-mount bracket is DQLMR-06; add DQCA-01/02/03/05 when side-mount or corner-mount fixing is required (shared with the DQL series).

📘 Need the full method? Safety versus measurement: check the required function

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

You need to protect a person from a hazardous machine motion

Why not: DQM is a measuring/detection light curtain. It sits under a catalog section headed “安全光幕” (safety light curtain) that also cites IEC 61496 and TÜV/UL certification, but no Category, PFHd/MTTFd, or Type-4 architecture data is published for this series anywhere in the catalog, and every worked DQL/DQM application example (part-ejection detection, conveyor presence, screw counting) is a measuring or counting task, never personnel guarding.

Use instead: Compare a protective-device configuration such as DQC, DQA or DQT4 only after checking its exact-model ESPE evidence and the application risk assessment. Verify electrical and safety compatibility separately for a DA31 or DQSRN controller. ST27 is a scanner, not a substitute relay; its use also needs exact-configuration evidence and full-system validation.

Need position, size, or profile data, not just a presence signal

Why not: DQM only switches an output ON/OFF when a beam is interrupted; it carries no analog or serial interface to report which beam, how many, or a bitmap.

Use instead: The DQL series (analog voltage/current or RS-485/RS-232 Modbus RTU output), built on the same mounting platform and accessories.

Detecting an object smaller than the selected beam spacing

Why not: DQM's finest spacing is 2.5mm; unlike DQL, it has no 1.25mm option. An object narrower than the chosen pitch can pass between two beams undetected.

Use instead: Evaluate finer-pitch DQM or DQL configurations only with actual-target testing and documented detection capability. Neither a 2.5 mm nor a 1.25 mm pitch value alone guarantees the required minimum target size.

Transmitter-receiver span beyond the standard 0.3-3m order code

Why not: The DQM model tables list 0.3-3m as the sensing distance for nearly every configuration (narrowing further at very high beam counts in the 2.5mm tier); the 0.3-6m code and any longer special-order range are not detailed with confirmed figures for DQM.

Use instead: Confirm sensing-distance requirements beyond 3m with the factory before specifying.

Washdown, high-pressure spray, or continuously wet installation

Why not: The catalogue lists IP65 for DQM and IP68 for DQMF, but these labels do not by themselves establish high-pressure-cleaning, hot-water or chemical compatibility for the installed assembly.

Use instead: Obtain a configuration explicitly verified for the actual water pressure, temperature, exposure duration, chemicals and connector/seal conditions. If personnel protection is required, separately verify the safety function and environmental suitability; do not treat a DQMF or DQR family name as approval for the cleaning process.

Application requires a confirmed operating-temperature or humidity rating

Why not: Pages 44-47 of the catalog do not publish an operating-temperature or humidity figure specific to DQM.

Use instead: Confirm the operating environment range with the factory before specifying for hot, cold, or humid installations.

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.

  • No machine-safety rating (Type / Category / PL / PFHd) is published for DQM and we do not claim one. Treat DQM as a measuring light curtain, not a protective device — for safeguarding people use a safety light curtain such as DQC, DQA or DQT4
  • The 10mm-spacing model table's last three rows (beam counts 396/398/400) print protection heights as 4950/4970/4990mm, inconsistent with their own model-number suffixes (...-4950/...-4970/...-3990) and with the height formula height=(beams-1)x10mm (which gives 3950/3970/3990mm, matching the equivalent DQL rows). The correct top-end height figures need confirming.
  • Closed clarification: the manufacturer confirmed 0.5 ms across all DQM specifications, NPN or PNP switching output and no RS485/RS232 interface. Shared DQL/DQM catalogue timing or serial-code text does not override this DQM-specific confirmation.
  • Exact sensing-distance breakpoints (where the range narrows from 0.3-3m to 0.3-2m or 0.3-1.3m at high beam counts) are only confirmed from the printed 2.5mm-spacing table; equivalent breakpoints for the 5/10/20/40/80mm tiers are not confirmed beyond the “0.3-3m” figure shown.
  • Overall housing cross-section dimensions are not given directly for DQM in these catalog pages.
  • Whether any TUV/UL certificate covers a DQM configuration, and its number and scope
  • Operating temperature and humidity range for DQM is not stated on pages 44-47 of the catalog.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "switching output" mean on the DQM light curtain?
It means the DQM outputs a simple ON/OFF (discrete) signal - as soon as any single beam across the detection height is interrupted, the output switches state. It does not report the position or size of the object; for that, the analog/RS485 DQL series is used instead.
Is the DQM light curtain a safety device?
No. DQM is specified for object detection and counting, not machine guarding or personnel protection. We do not claim Type 4, PL e or SIL 3 for DQM. General catalogue safety wording or an OSSD label in a wiring diagram does not establish a safety rating or EDM capability for this product.
What is the finest beam spacing available on DQM?
The finest listed beam spacing is 2.5 mm, starting from model DQM32/2.5-77.5. It is not a confirmed minimum detectable object. Test actual parts in their least favorable orientation and path at the required speed before accepting the detection result.
Can DQM connect directly to both NPN and PNP PLC inputs?
DQM is available with NPN (sinking) or PNP (sourcing) transistor output and NO/NC logic. Order the output that matches the actual PLC input circuit, common terminal and voltage; compatibility is not determined by a PLC's brand or country of origin.
Does DQM require an external controller?
No. DQM outputs the switching signal directly through standard 5-wire or 7-wire cabling; no separate controller unit or communication protocol configuration is needed.
What beam spacing options does DQM offer?
Six spacing options: 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mm, each covering a different range of protection heights as listed in the model table.
Is there a waterproof version of DQM?
The catalogue lists a DQMF variant with an IP68 enclosure. This does not automatically establish suitability for washdown, high-pressure spray, hot water or cleaning chemicals. Confirm the exact version's exposure limits and the installed cable/connector sealing arrangement before ordering.
What is the difference between DQM and DQL?
DQM provides an NPN or PNP switching signal for object detection and counting, with a manufacturer-confirmed 0.5 ms response across all specifications and no RS485 or RS232 interface. DQL offers analog or serial measuring configurations for position/size data. Specify the exact DQL interface separately; serial output is not a DQM option.
What accessories does DQM use for mounting?
DQM shares its accessory range with DQL: end-mount bracket DQLMR-06 as standard, plus optional accessories DQCA-01, DQCA-02, DQCA-03, and DQCA-05.
What is the maximum protection height available on DQM?
Maximum height varies by beam-spacing tier - for example, the 20mm spacing tier extends up to 3980mm (model DQM200/20-3980). Consult the model list for the exact figure at your chosen spacing.

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