DCE Automation Safety Light Curtain

Name: DCE Automation Safety Light Curtain
Brand: DAIDISIKE
SKU: dce-automation-safety-light-curtain
Availability: InStock

Compact through-beam safety light curtain in a 30 x 30 mm housing: 10/20/30/40 mm beam pitch, up to 72 beams, 0.3-3 m or 0.3-6 m sensing distance, NPN/PNP output. Designed to the Type 4 architecture of IEC 61496-1/-3 and Category 4 (PLd) of ISO 13849-1.

▶ Watch it in action: 3D Animation: How Light Curtains, Door Locks, Safety Mats & LiDAR Guard a Machine

DCE Automation Safety Light Curtain - product photo

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Technical Specifications

Curtain Type	Through-beam (opposed mode) -- separate transmitter and receiver
Safety Design Basis	Type 4 architecture (IEC 61496-1/-3); Category 4 PLd (ISO 13849-1). Catalog cites TUV and UL testing, EN 61496-3:2019 Type 4, EN 13849-1:2015 Cat4 PLd, and GB/T19001-2016 idt ISO 9001:2015 quality-system certification. Certification documents available on request.
Beam Pitch	10 / 20 / 30 / 40 mm
Detection Accuracy (min. detectable object)	18 / 28 / 48 mm at 10/20/40 mm pitch respectively (= beam pitch + 8 mm). Not printed for 30 mm pitch in the catalog's parameter table.
Number of Beams	12, 14 ... 70 (10 mm pitch); 6, 8 ... 72 (20 mm pitch); 4, 6 ... 72 (30 mm pitch); 4, 6 ... 72 (40 mm pitch)
Protected Height	Beam pitch x (number of beams - 1)
Sensing Distance	0.3-3 m (model-code letter A) or 0.3-6 m (letter B), selectable by model code. Default detection distance is 0.3-3 m unless otherwise specified.
Response Time	<= 15 ms
Ambient Light Immunity	10,000 lux (incidence angle >= 5 degrees)
Dimensions	30 x 30 mm x L (L = transmitter / receiver length)
Enclosure Rating / Housing Material	IP65; aluminium alloy housing, end caps ABS-reinforced nylon
Controller	DQCA / DQCA2
Supply Voltage / Current Consumption	DC 12/24 V or AC 110-220 V (relay-output version); <= 200 mA
Output	NPN / PNP type, sink current 500 mA, residual voltage < 1.5 V, with polarity, short-circuit and overload protection
Output State / Indicators	ON when all beams clear (receiver indicator green); transmitter power indicator (red); receiver output indicator -- clear (green) / blocked (red)
Light Source	Modulated infrared LED
Connection	Circular aviation connector with dedicated cable; transmitter 3-core, receiver 5-core (dual 7-core cabling for two-output-group models)
Ambient Light Tolerance (receiver face)	Incandescent light: 3,000 lux; sunlight: 10,000 lux
Operating Temperature	-10 to +40 degrees C (non-condensing); storage -25 to +55 degrees C
Ambient Humidity	Operating 35-85% RH; storage 35-95% RH

Overview

The DCE is DAIDISIKE's compact through-beam (opposed-mode) safety light curtain: a separate transmitter and receiver, each housed in a 30 x 30 mm aluminium-alloy profile, that project a plane of modulated infrared beams across a machine opening. Breaking any beam switches the output and stops the machine. The catalog positions DCE as designed to the Type 4 architecture of IEC 61496-1/-3 and to Category 4 (PLd) of ISO 13849-1, citing TUV and UL testing, EN 61496-3:2019 Type 4 and EN 13849-1:2015 Cat4 PLd, alongside the manufacturer's GB/T19001-2016 idt ISO 9001:2015 quality-system certification. It is intended for automation equipment, presses, hydraulic and oil presses, shearing machines, automatic doors and similar hazardous machinery, per the catalog's stated application scope.

DCE is configured across four beam pitches -- 10, 20, 30 and 40 mm -- with beam counts up to 72 depending on pitch, giving protected heights from under 100 mm up to 2840 mm (DCE72/40-2840, the largest catalog example). Sensing distance is selectable by model code between 0.3-3 m (code A) and 0.3-6 m (code B) -- a shorter range than the long-distance DQA series. Output is NPN or PNP transistor type (model-code letters A-D set NC/NO logic), wired through a circular aviation connector with dual 7-core cabling on two-output-group models, and the curtain pairs with the DQCA/DQCA2 controller. Its 30 x 30 mm cross-section is smaller than the 51 x 35 mm DQA/DQC housing, and the catalog markets it on compact size, simple wiring and cost-effectiveness alongside the Type 4 safety design basis.

Key Facts — DCE at a glance

The DCE is a through-beam (transmitter/receiver) safety light curtain designed to the Type 4 architecture of IEC 61496-1/-3 and Category 4 (PLd) of ISO 13849-1, per the DAIDISIKE catalog, which also cites TUV and UL testing and EN 61496-3:2019 Type 4, EN 13849-1:2015 Cat4 PLd. Certification documents are available on request.
DCE offers four beam pitches -- 10, 20, 30 and 40 mm. Detection accuracy (minimum detectable object) is printed in the catalog as 18, 28 and 48 mm for the 10/20/40 mm pitches respectively (pitch + 8 mm); the 30 mm pitch's detection-accuracy figure is not printed in the catalog's parameter table.
DCE response time is 15 ms or less, and it rejects ambient light up to 10,000 lux at an incidence angle of 5 degrees or more; the catalog separately lists 3,000 lux (incandescent) and 10,000 lux (sunlight) tolerance measured at the receiver face.
DCE sensing distance is 0.3-3 m (model-code letter A) or 0.3-6 m (letter B). The housing cross-section is 30 x 30 mm, smaller than the 51 x 35 mm housing of the DQA/DQC series.
DCE protected height equals beam pitch multiplied by (number of beams - 1). Catalog model listings run from 12 beams at 10 mm pitch, 6 beams at 20 mm pitch, and 4 beams at 30/40 mm pitch, up to 72 beams at 20/30/40 mm pitch; the largest listed model, DCE72/40-2840, gives a 2840 mm protected height.
DCE output is NPN or PNP transistor type, sink current 500 mA, residual voltage under 1.5 V, with polarity, short-circuit and overload protection, selected by model-code letter A (NPN NC, default if unspecified), B (PNP NC), C (NPN NO) or D (PNP NO). Supply is DC 12/24 V or AC 110-220 V (relay-output version), drawing 200 mA or less.
DCE housing is aluminium alloy (end caps ABS-reinforced nylon), rated IP65, connects via a circular aviation connector (3-core transmitter / 5-core receiver), and is designed to run with the DQCA/DQCA2 controller.

Features & Benefits

One series spans an OEM's full machine range

Resolutions of 10, 20, 30, and 40 mm and beam counts up to 72 are all specified within the same DCE series, so a machine builder can standardize on one product line across small and large equipment openings instead of sourcing from multiple series.

Protective heights up to 2840 mm

The largest listed model, DCE72/40-2840, provides a 2840 mm protective height, suitable for full-height opening protection on larger automated equipment.

Fine-resolution options for finger-to-arm detection tasks

Pitch options of 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, and 40 mm let integrators match beam resolution to the required detection object size for the specific station being protected.

NPN/PNP selectable transistor output

Output signal type can be selected between NPN and PNP, allowing the same product to interface with control systems that expect either signal convention.

Compact 30 mm-pitch "Q" variants for small automation cells

At 30 mm resolution, models with 4-12 beams (DCE04/30-90Q through DCE12/30-330Q) are offered as Q-suffix variants with protective heights of 90-330 mm, sized for small automation cells.

Dedicated end-mounting bracket supplied as standard

The DQCE-04 bracket, designed for two-end mounting, is supplied as standard with the DCE series; the general-purpose DQCA-01/02/03 brackets are also compatible accessories.

Applications

Loading/unloading station guarding on automation machines — Modular pitch selection and a standard mounting bracket suit machine builders equipping standard load/unload stations across an equipment range.

Robotic work cell entry detection — Multiple pitch and beam-count options cover robotic work cell openings of different sizes.

Non-standard automation equipment zone/station guarding — The broad model range allows the pitch and protective height to be matched to each machine's opening on a case-by-case basis.

Assembly and packaging machine OEM integration — The series is positioned for OEM machine-builder integration, with NPN/PNP output selection to adapt to different control system signal conventions.

Small automation cell finger-level protection — The 30 mm pitch Q-suffix models (4-12 beams, 90-330 mm protective height) are sized for space-constrained small automation stations.

Large-opening full-height guarding on bigger machines — Protective height reaches up to 2840 mm (DCE72/40-2840), so a single model can cover a large machine opening.

Multi-machine standardization across a production line — One series covers all four 10-40 mm pitch options, reducing the need for cross-series sourcing and spare-parts management across multiple machines on a line.

Models & Ordering Information

129 standard models across 4 beam-pitch options. Select the pitch your risk assessment calls for, then the protective height that covers the opening.

10 mm beam pitch.

DCE Automation Safety Light Curtain — 10 mm beam pitch, 30 standard models
Model	Beam pitch K (mm)	Number of beams N	Protective height H (mm)
DCE12/10-110	10	12	110
DCE14/10-130	10	14	130
DCE16/10-150	10	16	150
DCE18/10-170	10	18	170
DCE20/10-190	10	20	190
DCE22/10-210	10	22	210
DCE24/10-230	10	24	230
DCE26/10-250	10	26	250
DCE28/10-270	10	28	270
DCE30/10-290	10	30	290
DCE32/10-310	10	32	310
DCE34/10-330	10	34	330
DCE36/10-350	10	36	350
DCE38/10-370	10	38	370
DCE40/10-390	10	40	390
DCE42/10-410	10	42	410
DCE44/10-430	10	44	430
DCE46/10-450	10	46	450
DCE48/10-470	10	48	470
DCE50/10-490	10	50	490
DCE52/10-510	10	52	510
DCE54/10-530	10	54	530
DCE56/10-550	10	56	550
DCE58/10-570	10	58	570
DCE60/10-590	10	60	590
DCE62/10-610	10	62	610
DCE64/10-630	10	64	630
DCE66/10-650	10	66	650
DCE68/10-670	10	68	670
DCE70/10-690	10	70	690

DCE Automation Safety Light Curtain — 20 mm beam pitch, 34 standard models
Model	Beam pitch K (mm)	Number of beams N	Protective height H (mm)
DCE06/20-100	20	6	100
DCE08/20-140	20	8	140
DCE10/20-180	20	10	180
DCE12/20-220	20	12	220
DCE14/20-260	20	14	260
DCE16/20-300	20	16	300
DCE18/20-340	20	18	340
DCE20/20-380	20	20	380
DCE22/20-420	20	22	420
DCE24/20-460	20	24	460
DCE26/20-500	20	26	500
DCE28/20-540	20	28	540
DCE30/20-580	20	30	580
DCE32/20-620	20	32	620
DCE34/20-660	20	34	660
DCE36/20-700	20	36	700
DCE38/20-740	20	38	740
DCE40/20-780	20	40	780
DCE42/20-820	20	42	820
DCE44/20-860	20	44	860
DCE46/20-900	20	46	900
DCE48/20-940	20	48	940
DCE50/20-980	20	50	980
DCE52/20-1020	20	52	1020
DCE54/20-1060	20	54	1060
DCE56/20-1100	20	56	1100
DCE58/20-1140	20	58	1140
DCE60/20-1180	20	60	1180
DCE62/20-1220	20	62	1220
DCE64/20-1260	20	64	1260
DCE66/20-1300	20	66	1300
DCE68/20-1340	20	68	1340
DCE70/20-1380	20	70	1380
DCE72/20-1420	20	72	1420

DCE Automation Safety Light Curtain — 30 mm beam pitch, 30 standard models
Model	Beam pitch K (mm)	Number of beams N	Protective height H (mm)
DCE14/30-390	30	14	390
DCE16/30-450	30	16	450
DCE18/30-510	30	18	510
DCE20/30-570	30	20	570
DCE22/30-630	30	22	630
DCE24/30-690	30	24	690
DCE26/30-750	30	26	750
DCE28/30-810	30	28	810
DCE30/30-870	30	30	870
DCE32/30-930	30	32	930
DCE34/30-990	30	34	990
DCE36/30-1050	30	36	1050
DCE38/30-1110	30	38	1110
DCE40/30-1170	30	40	1170
DCE42/30-1230	30	42	1230
DCE44/30-1290	30	44	1290
DCE46/30-1350	30	46	1350
DCE48/30-1410	30	48	1410
DCE50/30-1470	30	50	1470
DCE52/30-1530	30	52	1530
DCE54/30-1590	30	54	1590
DCE56/30-1650	30	56	1650
DCE58/30-1710	30	58	1710
DCE60/30-1770	30	60	1770
DCE62/30-1830	30	62	1830
DCE64/30-1890	30	64	1890
DCE66/30-1950	30	66	1950
DCE68/30-2010	30	68	2010
DCE70/30-2070	30	70	2070
DCE72/30-2130	30	72	2130

DCE Automation Safety Light Curtain — 40 mm beam pitch, 35 standard models
Model	Beam pitch K (mm)	Number of beams N	Protective height H (mm)
DCE04/40-120	40	4	120
DCE06/40-200	40	6	200
DCE08/40-280	40	8	280
DCE10/40-360	40	10	360
DCE12/40-440	40	12	440
DCE14/40-520	40	14	520
DCE16/40-600	40	16	600
DCE18/40-680	40	18	680
DCE20/40-760	40	20	760
DCE22/40-840	40	22	840
DCE24/40-920	40	24	920
DCE26/40-1000	40	26	1000
DCE28/40-1080	40	28	1080
DCE30/40-1160	40	30	1160
DCE32/40-1240	40	32	1240
DCE34/40-1320	40	34	1320
DCE36/40-1400	40	36	1400
DCE38/40-1480	40	38	1480
DCE40/40-1560	40	40	1560
DCE42/40-1640	40	42	1640
DCE44/40-1720	40	44	1720
DCE46/40-1800	40	46	1800
DCE48/40-1880	40	48	1880
DCE50/40-1960	40	50	1960
DCE52/40-2040	40	52	2040
DCE54/40-2120	40	54	2120
DCE56/40-2200	40	56	2200
DCE58/40-2280	40	58	2280
DCE60/40-2360	40	60	2360
DCE62/40-2440	40	62	2440
DCE64/40-2520	40	64	2520
DCE66/40-2600	40	66	2600
DCE68/40-2680	40	68	2680
DCE70/40-2760	40	70	2760
DCE72/40-2840	40	72	2840

30 standard models at 10 mm pitch · 129 across the series. Protective height is derived as H = (N − 1) × K. Intermediate beam counts can usually be built to order — send the opening height you need to cover.

30 mm Pitch — Q Variants (Small Beam Count)

DCE04/30-90QDCE06/30-150QDCE08/30-210QDCE10/30-270QDCE12/30-330Q

Compact Q-suffix variants at 30 mm pitch, protective heights 90-330 mm, for small automation cells.

How to read the DCE model code

DCE [beams] / [pitch] - [protected height] [output groups] [signal] [sensing distance]

DCE = series. [beams] = even-numbered beam counts (catalog model-code diagram shows 04, 06, 08, 10, 32 ... 72 as illustrative steps; the full model table lists every even count, starting at 12 for 10 mm pitch, 6 for 20 mm pitch, and 4 for 30/40 mm pitch, up to 72). [pitch] = 10-10mm / 20-20mm / 30-30mm / 40-40mm. [protected height] in mm = pitch x (beams - 1), e.g. (8-1) x 40 = 280 for DCE08/40-280. [output groups] = 1 for one output group (default, usually left unmarked), 2 for two output groups. [signal] = A (NPN NC, default if unspecified), B (PNP NC), C (NPN NO), D (PNP NO). [sensing distance] = A (0.3-3 m) or B (0.3-6 m). A trailing blank box on the diagram is reserved for a special-order mark. Catalog example: DCE08/40-280 1 A A = 8 beams, 40 mm pitch, 280 mm protected height, one output group, NPN NC signal, 0.3-3 m sensing distance.

How to Select

Naming: DCE + beam count + / + pitch (mm) + - + protective height (mm); Q suffix applies to small-beam-count models at 30 mm pitch.
Select pitch (resolution) by the smallest object size that must reliably trigger detection at the guarded opening: 10 mm for finer-resolution detection needs (models DCE12/10-110 to DCE70/10-690); 20 mm for the widest model range (DCE06/20-100 to DCE72/20-1420, up to 72 beams); 30 mm for standard-size openings (DCE14/30-390 to DCE72/30-2130) or small equipment via the Q-suffix models (DCE04/30-90Q to DCE12/30-330Q); 40 mm for coarser detection objects and the largest protective heights (DCE04/40-120 to DCE72/40-2840).
Match protective height to the actual guarded opening height using the model list; the maximum available is 2840 mm (DCE72/40-2840).
Select NPN or PNP transistor output based on the signal convention of the on-site PLC/control cabinet.
The DQCE-04 two-end mounting bracket is supplied as standard; general-purpose brackets DQCA-01, DQCA-02, and DQCA-03 are available as alternative mounting accessories.

📘 Need the full method? How to Choose a Safety Light Curtain · Type 2 vs Type 4 Safety Light Curtains

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

You need an officially documented detection-accuracy figure at 30 mm pitch for a personnel risk assessment

Why not: The catalog's parameter table publishes detection accuracy only for the 10, 20 and 40 mm pitches (18, 28 and 48 mm respectively). 30 mm-pitch models appear in the full model listing and in the dimension/model-code diagrams, but no detection-accuracy figure is printed for that pitch in the parameter table.

Use instead: Confirm the 30 mm pitch detection-accuracy figure with us before specifying it for a safety application, or select the 20 mm or 40 mm pitch, whose detection-accuracy figures are documented.

True 14 mm finger-level detection, or a protected opening under 110 mm high

Why not: The finest DCE pitch is 10 mm, but its printed detection accuracy is 18 mm (pitch + 8 mm) -- a hand-level rather than strict finger-level figure. In addition, the catalog's 10 mm pitch model table starts at 12 beams (110 mm protected height); no smaller 10 mm-pitch model is listed.

Use instead: Confirm the required detection capability against your ISO 13855 risk assessment, or ask us about the DQA/DQC series' 10/14 mm pitch options for finer-resolution or shorter-height needs.

The transmitter-to-receiver span exceeds 6 m

Why not: DCE's model code offers only two sensing-distance steps -- 0.3-3 m (code A) and 0.3-6 m (code B) -- a shorter range than other series in the catalog.

Use instead: The DQA long-distance safety light curtain series, selectable up to 0.3-40 m by model code.

Washdown, high-pressure hosing, or wet/outdoor environments

Why not: The DCE housing is rated IP65 -- dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets, but not against high-pressure jetting or immersion.

Use instead: The DQR waterproof safety light curtain series for wet or washdown areas.

The control cabinet needs a relay (volt-free) output, but the ordered code was NPN/PNP transistor output

Why not: The DCE model-code diagram defines only signal-output letters A/B/C/D (NPN/PNP, NC/NO); no relay ("J"-type) letter is shown there, even though the supply-voltage spec row separately lists an "AC 110-220V (relay output)" version -- so the relay-output ordering path is not fully documented on these pages.

Use instead: Confirm the relay-output ordering code with us before specifying, or select the DQA/DQC series where a relay (J) signal code is explicitly documented in the model-code table.

Ambient temperature outside -10 to +40 degrees C, or condensing conditions

Why not: The DCE operating range is -10 to +40 degrees C, non-condensing. Outside that band, or where the optical faces can condense or ice, detection is not guaranteed.

Use instead: A heated or sheltered enclosure that holds the curtain within spec, or confirm a wide-temperature option with us.

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.

Detection accuracy (minimum detectable object) for the 30 mm beam pitch is not printed in the catalog's parameter table (only 10/20/40 mm figures -- 18/28/48 mm -- are given), even though 30 mm-pitch models are listed in the full model table.
Relay (volt-free) output ordering code: the supply-voltage spec row mentions "AC110-220V (relay output)", implying a relay-output variant exists, but the DCE model-code diagram only defines signal letters A/B/C/D (NPN/PNP, NC/NO) with no relay/J letter shown.
The meaning of the "Q" suffix on the 30 mm-pitch models DCE04/30-90Q through DCE12/30-330Q -- only these five models carry the suffix; the rest of the 30 mm range and all 10/20/40 mm models do not.
The "DCEL" designation referenced in the accessory selection guide (the DQCE-04 bracket is listed as being "for DCEL two-end mounting") does not otherwise appear on the DCE pages; its relationship to the DCE series is not documented here.
TUV and UL certificate numbers and their exact scope (which DCE pitch/beam-count configurations are covered). Certification documents are available on request.
PFHd, MTTFd and DCavg figures needed to integrate DCE into a full ISO 13849-1 machine-level calculation -- the catalog states Category 4 PLd but does not publish these figures.
Muting and fixed/floating blanking function availability and configuration are not mentioned on the DCE pages.
Cable length options and the full aviation-connector pinout beyond the stated 3-core (transmitter) / 5-core (receiver) core count.

Frequently Asked Questions

What resolutions (beam pitch) does the DCE safety light curtain series offer?

The DCE series offers four pitch options: 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, and 40 mm, covering finger-to-arm level detection needs on automation equipment.

What is the maximum protective height in the DCE series?

The largest listed model, DCE72/40-2840, provides a protective height of 2840 mm.

What is the maximum number of beams available?

Up to 72 beams, available at the 20 mm, 30 mm, and 40 mm pitch options (e.g., DCE72/20-1420, DCE72/30-2130, DCE72/40-2840).

Does the DCE series support both NPN and PNP output?

Yes. The DCE series uses transistor output with selectable NPN/PNP signal output, and dual 7-core cable wiring.

What does the "Q" suffix mean in model numbers like DCE04/30-90Q?

The Q suffix appears on small-beam-count models at 30 mm pitch (DCE04/30-90Q through DCE12/30-330Q, protective heights 90-330 mm). The specific structural meaning of the "Q" designation is not documented in current source materials.

What mounting accessories are available for the DCE series?

The DQCE-04 end-mounting bracket is supplied as standard for two-end mounting. General-purpose brackets DQCA-01, DQCA-02, and DQCA-03 are also compatible accessories.

Who is the DCE series designed for?

The DCE series is positioned for automation equipment and OEM/machine-builder integration, per its "Automation Safety Light Curtain" naming and its resolution/model range oriented toward equipment openings.