DQSA Area Protection Light Curtain

One emitter/receiver pair and passive mirrors fold the beam around 2-4 sides of a danger zone -- built to a Category 4 / Type 4 design basis (IEC 61496-1/2, EN 61496-3:2019, EN ISO 13849-1:2015 Cat 4 PLd); certification documents available on request.

Watch it in action: Robot Cell Perimeter Guarding with Infrared Safety Light Curtains

Technical Specifications

Curtain TypeMirror-reflection area/perimeter guard -- one emitter, one receiver, and 1-3 passive deflection mirrors forming a 2/3/4-sided protected zone
Safety Design BasisCatalog states the safety-rating requirements of IEC 61496-1/2, EN 61496-3:2019 Type 4, and EN ISO 13849-1:2015 Category 4 PLd, citing TUV and UL certification and a GB/T19001-2016 (idt ISO 9001:2015) quality-management-system certification -- design/test basis only, not a certification claim by us. Certification documents are available on request. (The ISO 9001-equivalent certification concerns the manufacturer's quality management system, not a product safety certification.)
Beam Spacing40 / 80 mm
Number of Beams4 to 72 (40 mm pitch); 4 to 50 (80 mm pitch), step of 2
Protection Height (H)120-2840 mm (40 mm pitch, H = 40 x (beam count - 1)); 240-3920 mm (80 mm pitch, H = 80 x (beam count - 1))
Maximum Protected DistanceSingle face (no mirrors): <= 40 m. Two-face: <= 20 m. Three-face: <= 15 m. Four-face: <= 12 m
Mirror Faces2, 3, or 4, selectable
Positioning AidVisible laser positioning aid, for alignment on long-range or multi-face installations
Response Time< 15 ms, including controller
OutputOrder-code transistor output: A = NPN normally closed, B = PNP normally closed, C = NPN normally open, D = PNP normally open; or J = relay output (AC250V 5A contact rating). Catalog separately states dual-channel NPN or PNP output is available, with the user responsible for ensuring the downstream machine control circuit is safety-reliable.
Supply VoltageAC220V/110V (50/60 Hz) or DC24V (voltage tolerance printed incompletely in the catalog as '±%50/60Hz' -- confirm exact tolerance with factory)
Power Consumption<= 15 W
Operating Temperature-10 to +50 degrees C
Ambient Conditions20 degrees C reference, RH <= 85%
Insulation Resistance> 100 megohms
Dielectric StrengthAC150V, 60s (as printed in the catalog; this figure reads low for a typical light-curtain withstand-voltage test -- confirm with factory)
Ambient Light Immunity10,000 lux at incidence angle > 5 degrees
Relay Life> 1,000,000 cycles, replaceable
ConnectionOptional aviation connector with M12 cable
ConstructionSurface-mount (SMD) electronics per catalog, stated to improve shock resistance; 'well-known brand components' used throughout
Mounting AccessoriesFloor-stand columns DQSA-01 / DQSA-02 (adjustable height 300-3000 mm); reflector/bracket selection by model-code bracket letter (L = floor-stand reflector, T = tube-mount simplified reflector)
Order Code StructureDQSA{beam count}/{spacing}-{height} {output: A/B/C/D/J} {controller position: W external / N internal, blank = N} {mirror faces: 2/3/4} {bracket: L/T}

Overview

DQSA is an area/perimeter-guarding light curtain built around a mirror-reflection principle: one emitter and one receiver are installed on adjacent sides of a guarded area, and passive (unpowered) deflection mirrors on the remaining sides fold the beam path around the perimeter, forming a 2, 3 or 4-sided protected zone. The catalog states its design basis as the safety-rating requirements of IEC 61496-1/2, EN 61496-3:2019 Type 4, and EN ISO 13849-1:2015 Category 4 PLd, citing TUV and UL certification and a GB/T19001-2016 (idt ISO 9001:2015) quality-management-system certification for the manufacturer. These are stated as the design/test basis; certification documents are available on request.

Maximum protected distance is capped by how many sides are folded: up to 40 m for a single face with no mirrors, 20 m for two faces, 15 m for three faces, and 12 m for four faces, per the catalog's own diagrams. It is available in 40 mm or 80 mm beam spacing, with beam counts from 04 to 72 axes and protection heights from 120 mm up to 3920 mm depending on model, and includes a visible laser positioning aid to speed alignment on long-range or multi-face installations.

Output can be ordered as NPN/PNP transistor (normally open or closed, selected by order code) or a relay contact (AC250V 5A); the catalog explicitly notes that with transistor output, the user must ensure the downstream machine control circuit is safety-reliable. An optional aviation connector with M12 cable is available for simplified wiring, and the catalog states the electronics use surface-mount (SMD) construction for shock resistance.

Features & Benefits

One pair, multiple sides

Guard two, three or four sides of a work cell with a single emitter/receiver pair and 1-3 passive deflection mirrors, instead of one curtain pair per side. The mirrors need no power and no cabling, so hardware cost, wiring labor and PLC input-point count all drop compared with fencing every side individually.

Two beam-spacing options

40mm spacing is suited to arm/limb detection, 80mm to body detection, so perimeter guarding can be specified to the resolution required by the risk assessment rather than over- or under-specifying.

Direct transistor or relay output, controller position selectable

The order code selects NPN/PNP transistor output (normally open or closed) or a relay output (AC250V 5A) directly, plus whether the controller sits internally (N, the default) or externally (W). The catalog's separate controller/accessory list (DQCA, DQET, DQCA2, DQSN, DQSRN, DQSWS) names other DAIDISIKE curtain series as compatible rather than DQSA explicitly, so exact controller compatibility for DQSA should be confirmed with the factory before ordering.

Wide beam-count range

Available from 04 to 72 beam axes, with protection heights from 120mm up to 3920mm depending on model, letting one product family scale from a small material-transfer opening to a full-height cell perimeter.

Complete off-the-shelf mounting system

Floor-stand columns (DQSA-01, DQSA-02), tube-mount kits (DQSA-07), side and front right-angle brackets (DQSA-08, DQSA-09), mirror columns (DQSA-10) and an external controller mounting bracket (DQCA-06) are all available, so a floor-standing perimeter guard can be assembled without custom brackets.

Structured ordering code

The full order code (DQSA{beams}/{spacing}-{height} plus output letter A/B/C/D or relay J, controller location W external or N internal, mirror-face count 2/3/4, and bracket type L or T) lets a buyer specify the exact configuration in one part number.

Applications

Robot cell perimeter guardingA mirror-reflection layout lets a single emitter/receiver pair guard multiple open sides of a robot cell, suiting applications that need multi-sided protection without a full ring of light curtains.
Machining center / production line danger-zone fencingMachining centers typically have multiple load and maintenance faces to guard; 2-4 deflection mirrors cover several sides without placing a light curtain pair on every edge.
Material transfer opening guarding40mm and 80mm spacing with a range of beam counts cover different opening sizes, selectable for arm-level or body-level detection.
Warehouse / stacker crane perimeter guardingProtection height up to 3920mm (depending on model) suits guarding the perimeter of high-bay warehouses and stacker cranes.
Irregular / polygonal danger-zone guardingFolding the beam path through passive mirrors is an economical way to guard non-rectangular danger zones instead of installing a light curtain pair on every edge.

Models & Ordering Information

59 standard models across 2 beam-pitch options. Select the pitch your risk assessment calls for, then the protective height that covers the opening.

Protection height 120mm-2840mm. Full table (beams/H/curtain height l/mirror height J): 4/120/201/351, 6/200/281/431, 8/280/361/511, 10/360/441/591, 12/440/521/671, 14/520/601/751, 16/600/681/831, 18/680/761/911, 20/760/841/991, 22/840/921/1071, 24/920/1001/1151 ... 68/2680/2761/2911, 70/2760/2840/2991, 72/2840/2921/3071. Naming rule: DQSA + beam count + "/" + spacing(mm) + "-" + protection height(mm).

DQSA Area Protection Light Curtain40 mm beam pitch, 35 standard models
ModelBeam pitch K (mm)Number of beams NProtective height H (mm)
DQSA04/40-120404120
DQSA06/40-200406200
DQSA08/40-280408280
DQSA10/40-3604010360
DQSA12/40-4404012440
DQSA14/40-5204014520
DQSA16/40-6004016600
DQSA18/40-6804018680
DQSA20/40-7604020760
DQSA22/40-8404022840
DQSA24/40-9204024920
DQSA26/40-100040261000
DQSA28/40-108040281080
DQSA30/40-116040301160
DQSA32/40-124040321240
DQSA34/40-132040341320
DQSA36/40-140040361400
DQSA38/40-148040381480
DQSA40/40-156040401560
DQSA42/40-164040421640
DQSA44/40-172040441720
DQSA46/40-180040461800
DQSA48/40-188040481880
DQSA50/40-196040501960
DQSA52/40-204040522040
DQSA54/40-212040542120
DQSA56/40-220040562200
DQSA58/40-228040582280
DQSA60/40-236040602360
DQSA62/40-244040622440
DQSA64/40-252040642520
DQSA66/40-260040662600
DQSA68/40-268040682680
DQSA70/40-276040702760
DQSA72/40-284040722840

35 standard models at 40 mm pitch · 59 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.

How to read the DQSA model code

DQSA [beam count] / [spacing] - [protection height] [output] [controller position] [mirror faces] [bracket]
Example from the catalog: DQSA08/40-280 A W 2 L = 8 beams, 40 mm spacing, 280 mm protection height, A = NPN normally closed output, W = external controller position, 2 = 2-face protection, L = floor-stand reflector bracket. [beam count] = 04, 06, 08 ... 72. [spacing] = 40/80 mm. [protection height] mm = spacing x (beam count - 1). [output] = A (NPN normally closed), B (PNP normally closed), C (NPN normally open), D (PNP normally open), J (relay output). [controller position] = W (external) or N (internal, default blank). [mirror faces] = 2, 3, or 4. [bracket] = L (floor-stand reflector) or T (tube-mount simplified reflector).

Matched controllers

DQCADQETDQCA2DQSNDQSRNDQSWS
DQCA/DQET/DQCA2/DQSN/DQSRN are cabinet-mounted controllers; DQSWS is a machine-mounted dual/single-face passive output unit for direct high-power switching. The accessories table's own descriptions name compatible series as DQC/DQA/DQO/MK/JER/DQR (DQCA, DQCA2), DQE/DQT (DQET), and DQS/DQV (DQSN) -- it does not explicitly say "DQSA" for any of them; compatibility with DQSA specifically needs confirming (see data gaps).

Mounting accessories

DQSA-01DQSA-02DQSA-07DQSA-08DQSA-09DQSA-10DQCA-06
DQSA-01/02 floor-stand columns (height 300-3000mm adjustable), DQSA-07 tube-mount kit, DQSA-08 side right-angle bracket, DQSA-09 front right-angle bracket, DQSA-10 mirror/reflector, DQCA-06 external controller mounting bracket. Note: the accessories table describes DQSA-07 as "for DQS, DQA tube mounting" and DQSA-10 as "for DQS/DQA/DQV/DQT two or three-face reflectors" -- using "DQS" rather than "DQSA" in the description text despite the DQSA-prefixed model numbers; likely shorthand, but worth confirming.

Cables & connectors

DQSN543/DQA543DQSN545/DQA545DQSN5410/DQA5410DQSW543/545/5410DQVW543/545/5410DQC543/545/5410DQC545WDQC433/435/4310DQT702/703/705DQE702/703/705DQSW702/703/705MK/JER533DQS545WDQS5410DQE/DQM/DQR/DQZ/DQB503DQM/DQR/DQZ/DQB505/508DQE/DQL/DQM703DQE/DQL/DQM705DQE/DQL/DQM708

How to Select

  1. Choose beam spacing by required detection resolution: 40mm for arm/limb-level detection, 80mm for body-level detection, based on the risk assessment of the guarded area.
  2. Choose the beam count and model by protection height: the 40mm-spacing series runs from DQSA04/40-120 to DQSA72/40-2840 (120mm-2840mm protection height, beams 04-72); the 80mm-spacing series runs from DQSA04/80-240 to DQSA50/80-3920 (240mm-3920mm protection height, beams 04-50).
  3. Choose the mirror-face count (2/3/4, via DQSA-10 mirror/reflector) and mounting brackets by the number of sides to be guarded: DQSA-01/02 floor-stand columns with L-type brackets for floor-mounted reflectors, or DQSA-07 tube-mount kits with T-type brackets for simplified installation; DQSA-08 side and DQSA-09 front right-angle brackets are available for corner mounting.
  4. Choose output type (A/B/C/D transistor NPN/PNP, or J relay) and controller position (W external or N internal, default) directly in the order code; confirm with the factory which of DQCA/DQET/DQCA2/DQSN/DQSRN/DQSWS is the intended matched controller for your specific DQSA configuration, since the accessories list's own descriptions name other DAIDISIKE series rather than DQSA explicitly.
  5. Specify the full order code in one string: DQSA{beam count}/{spacing}-{height} {output type A/B/C/D/relay J} {controller location W/N} {mirror-face count 2/3/4} {bracket type L/T}.
  6. Select matching cables and connectors (e.g. DQSN5xx/DQA5xx, DQSW5xx, DQC5xx, DQT70x/DQE70x series) based on installation distance and connection type.

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

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

A single straight-line opening needs guarding, not a multi-sided perimeter

Why not: DQSA's mirror-reflection design exists specifically to fold one beam path around 2-4 sides; for a single opening it adds mirror-alignment complexity with no benefit over a direct through-beam curtain.

Use instead: A standard single-pair safety light curtain such as DQC (general-purpose) or DQA (long-range).

The risk assessment calls for finer than 40 mm resolution (e.g., true finger detection)

Why not: DQSA's finest beam spacing is 40 mm, which the catalog positions for arm/limb-level detection; 80 mm is body-level only. Neither is a finger-detection resolution.

Use instead: DQC or DQA at a 10-25 mm pitch for finger/hand-level detection requirements.

The downstream machine control circuit has not been verified as safety-rated

Why not: The catalog explicitly states that with dual NPN/PNP transistor output, the user must ensure the downstream control circuit is safety-reliable -- DQSA's transistor output alone does not guarantee a safe machine stop.

Use instead: Route the output through a safety-rated relay such as DA31 or DQSRN (certification documents available on request) before it reaches the machine's final switching elements.

You require documented PFHd/MTTFd/DCavg figures for an ISO 13849-1 machine-level calculation today

Why not: The catalog states the Category 4 / PLd design basis and cites IEC 61496-1/2 and EN 61496-3:2019 Type 4, but does not publish PFHd, MTTFd or DCavg numbers on these pages.

Use instead: Request the certification documents and safety datasheet from the factory before finalizing an ISO 13849-1 machine risk calculation.

Mirror faces would be exposed to heavy vibration, frequent knocks, or a misalignment-prone mounting surface

Why not: The passive mirrors must stay precisely aligned with the emitter/receiver; the catalog's visible laser positioning aid exists specifically because alignment on long-range or multi-face installs is a known difficulty.

Use instead: A direct through-beam safety curtain pair per side (no mirrors) where vibration or knock risk is high, or add the visible laser aid and verify alignment stability during commissioning.

The perimeter exceeds the catalog's stated maximum protected distance for the chosen face count

Why not: Maximum protected distance is capped by face count: <= 40 m single face, <= 20 m two-face, <= 15 m three-face, <= 12 m four-face, per the catalog.

Use instead: Reduce the face count, split the zone into two DQSA sets, or confirm an extended-range configuration with the factory.

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.

  • PFHd, MTTFd and DCavg figures for a full ISO 13849-1 Category 4 / PLd machine-level calculation are not published on these pages; the catalog states the category but not these supporting numbers.
  • TUV and UL certificate numbers and their exact scope (which DQSA configurations they cover) are not given on these pages. Certification documents are available on request.
  • Supply-voltage tolerance — the printed figure is incomplete; ask us for the confirmed value
  • Dielectric-strength (withstand-voltage) test figure — ask us for the confirmed value before compliance testing
  • Whether the DQCA/DQET/DQCA2/DQSN/DQSRN cabinet controllers and the DQSA-07/DQSA-10 mounting/reflector accessories are confirmed-compatible with DQSA specifically is unclear: their catalog descriptions name 'DQS', 'DQC', 'DQA', 'DQE', 'DQT', 'DQV' rather than 'DQSA' explicitly, even though the accessory model numbers (DQSA-07, DQSA-10) carry the DQSA prefix.
  • GB/T19001-2016 idt ISO 9001:2015 is a quality-management-system certificate for the manufacturer, not a product safety certification; whether a separate product-specific safety certificate exists needs confirming
  • Exact aviation-connector pinout and part numbers for the optional M12 connection are not itemized on these pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between DQSA and a standard single-pair safety light curtain?
A standard light curtain protects one straight-line opening with one emitter and one receiver. DQSA adds passive deflection mirrors so the same emitter/receiver pair's beam path is folded around 2, 3 or 4 sides of an area, guarding a whole perimeter instead of one opening.
Does DQSA output a usable signal on its own?
Yes -- the order code selects a direct NPN/PNP transistor output (normally open or closed) or a relay output (AC250V 5A), with the controller position built in (N, internal, the default) or external (W). The catalog's separate controller list (DQCA, DQET, DQCA2, DQSN, DQSRN, DQSWS) describes compatibility with other DAIDISIKE curtain series rather than naming DQSA explicitly, so confirm the exact matched-controller model with the factory if your control cabinet needs one of these standalone units.
What beam spacing options are available and how do I choose?
Two options — 40mm spacing for arm/limb-level detection, and 80mm spacing for body-level detection. Choose based on the detection resolution required by your risk assessment.
How many mirror faces can DQSA use?
2, 3 or 4 mirror faces, corresponding to guarding two, three or four sides of a danger zone with one emitter/receiver pair.
Can DQSA switch a high-power load directly without a separate relay?
Yes, via the DQSWS dual-relay passive output unit, which is machine-mounted and can drive high-power loads directly without an interposing relay.
What beam counts and protection heights are available?
Beam counts range from 04 to 72 axes. Protection heights range from 120mm to 2840mm on the 40mm-spacing series and 240mm to 3920mm on the 80mm-spacing series, depending on model.
What mounting accessories are available for a free-standing installation?
Floor-stand columns (DQSA-01, DQSA-02), tube-mount kits (DQSA-07), side and front right-angle mounting brackets (DQSA-08, DQSA-09), mirror columns/reflectors (DQSA-10), and an external controller mounting bracket (DQCA-06).
Does the DQSA order code specify the full configuration?
Yes. The full order code format is DQSA{beam count}/{spacing}-{height} {output type A/B/C/D/relay J} {controller location W external/N internal} {mirror-face count 2/3/4} {bracket type L floor-mount reflector/T tube-mount reflector}.
Is DQSA suitable for a single-entry access opening instead of a perimeter?
DQSA is positioned for multi-sided area/perimeter guarding using the mirror-reflection method. For a single straight-line access opening, a standard single-pair safety light curtain (e.g. the DQC series) is the more direct fit.
Can you provide safety certification documents for DQSA?
Certification documents are available on request.

Works Well Together

On the same machine or line, DQSA is typically ordered together with: Safety Relays · Safety Door Locks & Switches · Press & Press Brake Protection

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