Panasonic ST4-A1-J1 Compact Type 4 Safety Beam Sensor

Technical Overview

Compact Type 4 single beam safety sensor with a 0.1 to 15m range, Ø9mm min. detectable object, IP67 rating, and Category 4, PLe, SIL3 compliance.

Key Features

Compact Type 4 safety beam sensor.
Single beam channel for precise object detection.
Operating range of 0.1 to 15 meters.
Minimum detectable object of Ø 9mm.
IP67 protection rating for harsh industrial environments.
Infrared LED light source (870 nm).
NPN/PNP x 2 safety rated control outputs.
PBT housing and acrylic lens/indicator cover for durability.
Pre-wired with 1m shielded cable pigtailed with connector.
Beam interruption indicator for easy alignment and operation confirmation.
Can be connected in series (up to 6 sensors per controller).

Technical Specification Matrix

Parameter	Value
Series	ST4
Light Curtain Type & Style	Type 4-Compact Single Beam
Protection Type	Single Beam
Number of Beams	1 beam channel
Minimum Detectable Object	Ø 9mm
Operation Range	0.1 to 15 meters (100mm to 15m)
Light Source	Infrared LED (870 nm wavelength)
Safety Rated Control Outputs	NPN/PNP x 2
Ingress Protection (IP Rating)	IP67
Operating Temperature Range	-10 to +55°C
Relative Humidity	30 to 85 %
Housing Material	PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate)
Lens/Indicator Cover Material	Acrylic
Cable Length	1 m (Pre-wired shielded cable with connector)
Current Consumption (Emitter)	11mA / 0.011 A
Current Consumption (Receiver)	9mA / 0.009 A
Safety Category	Category 4, PLe, SIL3 (IEC 61496-1/2, ISO 13849-1, IEC 61508-1 to 7)
Physical Weight (kg)	0.1
Dimensions L x W x H (cm)	3.37 x 2.8 x 1.4

Industrial Applications

1. Machine Guarding for Small Openings

The ST4-A1-J1 safety sensor can be integrated into manufacturing equipment to guard small access points or openings that are too confined for traditional safety light curtains. Its compact dimensions (1.4 x 2.8 x 3.37 cm) and Ø9mm minimum detectable object ensure that even small body parts like fingers are detected, preventing access to hazardous areas.

Problem Solved

Prevents accidental injury to operators by detecting intrusion into hazardous machine areas with limited space.

Machine guardingAccess controlCompact designMinimum detectable objectSafety sensorType 4PLeSIL3

2. Conveyor System Safety Zone Monitoring

This sensor can be deployed along conveyor lines to establish safety zones, particularly at loading/unloading points or transfer stations. With an operating range of 0.1 to 15 meters, it can effectively monitor a substantial section, halting the conveyor if an object or person breaks the infrared beam. The IP67 rating ensures reliable operation in dusty or wet industrial environments.

Problem Solved

Protects personnel from moving machinery on conveyor systems and prevents product damage by stopping operation upon unauthorized entry or obstruction.

Conveyor safetyAccess detectionPersonnel protectionIP67Long sensing rangeIndustrial automation

3. Robotic Cell Perimeter Protection

In robotic work cells, the ST4-A1-J1 can provide perimeter protection, especially in areas where a single-beam interruption is sufficient to ensure safety, such as entry/exit points for material handling. Its Category 4, PLe, SIL3 compliance guarantees the high level of safety required for human-robot collaboration or separation zones. The NPN/PNP outputs offer flexibility for integration with various safety control systems.

Problem Solved

Establishes a safe boundary around robotic equipment, stopping robot operation immediately when the beam is broken, thus safeguarding human operators.

Robotic safetyPerimeter guardingSafety integrity levelNPN/PNP outputsIndustrial robotsThru-beam sensor