SPAN-B2R-G18M-PNLK-PNVBA-L1 Festo Pressure Sensor

Technical Overview

The Festo SPAN-B2R-G18M-PNLK-PNVBA-L1 is a compact, piezoresistive pressure sensor designed for measuring relative pressure in compressed air and inert gas systems. Featuring a versatile measurement range of -1 to 1 bar, it offers dual switchable PNP/NPN outputs and a multi-standard analog output (0-10V, 4-20mA, 1-5V). The sensor includes an integrated illuminated LCD display for on-site monitoring and supports IO-Link communication for advanced digital diagnostics and automated configuration. Built with PA-reinforced housing and stainless steel media-contacting parts, it is suitable for cleanroom applications and Li-ion battery production.

Key Features

Relative pressure measurement
Piezoresistive pressure sensor method
Dual switching outputs (2 x PNP or 2 x NPN, switchable)
Configurable analog output (0-10V, 4-20mA, 1-5V)
Illuminated LCD display
IO-Link® interface for smart diagnostics
Short circuit current rating
Reverse polarity protection
Suitability for Li-ion battery production
Cleanroom suitability ISO Class 4

Technical Specification Matrix

Parameter	Value
Symbol	00995685
Approval	RCM trademark c UL us listed (OL)
CE mark	To EU EMC Directive In accordance with EU RoHS Directive
UKCA marking	To UK RoHS instructions
Certificate issuing authority	UL E322346
Note on materials	RoHS-compliant
Measured variable	Relative pressure
Measurement method	Piezoresistive pressure sensor
Start value for pressure measuring range (MPa)	-0.1 MPa
Start value for pressure measuring range (bar)	-1 bar
Start value for pressure measuring range (psi)	-14.5 psi
End value for pressure measuring range (MPa)	0.1 MPa
End value for pressure measuring range (bar)	1 bar
End value for pressure measuring range (psi)	14.5 psi
Max. overload pressure	5 bar
Overload pressure (MPa)	0.5 MPa
Overload pressure (bar)	5 bar
Overload pressure (psi)	72.5 psi
Operating medium	Compressed air to ISO 8573-1:2010 [7:4:4] Inert gases
Note on operating and pilot medium	Lubricated operation possible
Media temperature	0 °C ... 50 °C
Ambient temperature	0 °C ... 50 °C
Accuracy in ± % FS	1.5 %FS
Repetition accuracy in ± %FS	0.3 %FS
Temperature coefficient in ± %FS/K	0.05 %FS/K
Switching output	2 x PNP or 2 x NPN, switchable
Switching function	Window comparator Threshold value comparator Auto difference monitoring
Switching element function	N/C or N/O contact, switchable
Max. output current	100 mA
Analogue output	0 - 10 V 4 - 20 mA 1 - 5 V
Max. load resistance current output	500 Ohm
Min. load resistance voltage output	20 kOhm
Short circuit current rating	yes
Protocol	IO-Link®
IO-Link, Protocol version	Device V 1.1
IO-Link, Profile	Smart sensor profile
IO-Link, Function classes	Binary data channel (BDC) Process data variable (PDV) Identification Diagnostics Teach channel
IO-Link, communication mode	COM2 (38.4 kBaud)
IO-Link, SIO-Mode support	Yes
IO-Link, Port class	A
IO-Link, Process data length OUT	0 bytes
IO-Link, Process data length IN	2 bytes
IO-Link, Process data content IN	14 bit PDV (pressure measurement value) 2 bit BDC (pressure monitoring)
IO-Link, Min. cycle time	3 ms
IO-Link, Data storage required	500 Byte
Operational voltage range	DC 15 V ... 30 V
Reverse polarity protection	For all electrical connections
Electrical connection 1, connection type	Plugs
Electrical connection 1, connector system	Connection pattern L1J
Electrical connection 1, number of connections/cores	4
Type of mounting	Via thread Via wall/surface bracket
Pneumatic connection	Female thread M5
Product weight	46 g
Material housing	PA-reinforced
Display type	Illuminated LCD
Degree of protection	IP40

Industrial Applications

1. High-Speed Pick-and-Place Vacuum Gripping with Blow-Off Verification

Utilized in robotic end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) for electronics assembly where components are picked up using a vacuum and actively released using a short burst of positive compressed air. The sensor's compound pressure range (-1 to 1 bar) allows a single unit to monitor both the negative pressure for a secure grip and the positive pressure spike for successful release. Real-time cycle data and diagnostics are transmitted directly to the PLC via IO-Link.

Problem Solved

Eliminates the need for two separate sensors (one for vacuum, one for positive pressure) on EOATs that use positive air blow-off to release lightweight parts, significantly reducing robotic payload weight, wiring complexity, and cycle time delays.

Compound pressure -1 to 1 barIO-Link V 1.1Window comparatorVacuum gripping2 x PNP/NPN switching output

2. Low-Pressure Leak Testing for Delicate Medical Packaging

Integrated into automated packaging machines to perform low-pressure pneumatic leak tests on sealed medical pouches. The sensor monitors the decay of a small injected positive pressure or drawn vacuum. The IP40 protection rating is perfectly suited for dry, cleanroom-type environments, while the sensor's high 0.3 %FS repetition accuracy guarantees consistent and reliable batch testing.

Problem Solved

Overcomes the challenge of accurately detecting micro-leaks in fragile packaging that would otherwise burst under standard industrial test pressures (>2 bar), leveraging the precise 1.5% full-scale accuracy within the narrow -0.1 to 0.1 MPa range.

Piezoresistive pressure sensor0.3 %FS Repetition accuracyIP40 Degree of protectionAnalogue output 4-20 mAThreshold value comparator

3. Precision Dancer Roller Pneumatic Web Tensioning Control

Deployed on dancer roller pneumatic cylinders in paper, film, or textile converting lines. These cylinders require highly regulated low pressure (often under 1 bar) to maintain exact web tension without tearing the material. The SPAN sensor provides continuous precision measurement using its 14-bit Process Data Variable (PDV) over IO-Link, allowing the PLC to command proportional valves for instantaneous real-time compensation.

Problem Solved

Prevents web tearing, wrinkling, and material stretching caused by minor pressure drops in pneumatic supply lines by providing high-resolution, low-pressure monitoring directly at the tensioning actuator.

IO-Link Process data variable (PDV)End value 1 bar / 14.5 psiIlluminated LCD displayWeb tensioning controlCOM2 (38.4 kBaud) communication