SFAH-0.5U-Q4S-PNLK-PNVBA-M8 Festo Flow Sensor

USD 278.46

Thermal flow sensor for mass and volumetric flow measurement. Features a 0.01 to 0.5 l/min range, IO-Link protocol, and dual PNP/NPN switching outputs.

SKU Festo-8058464 Category
Flow sensors

SFAH-0.5U-Q4S-PNLK-PNVBA-M8 Festo Flow sensor

Model Identifier SFAH-0.5U-Q4S-PNLK-PNVBA-M8
Official Part Number 8058464
GTIN Standard 4052568295462

Technical Overview

The Festo SFAH-0.5U-Q4S-PNLK-PNVBA-M8 is a high-precision thermal flow sensor designed for monitoring the mass and volumetric flow rates of nitrogen and compressed air. Featuring a unidirectional flow direction with a measurement range of 0.01 to 0.5 l/min, it offers high flexibility with switchable PNP/NPN outputs and multiple analogue signal ranges (0-10 V, 4-20 mA, 1-5 V). The sensor is equipped with an illuminated multi-colour LCD and supports IO-Link® communication for advanced parameterization and diagnostics in industrial automation applications.

Key Features

  • Unidirectional flow measurement
  • Thermal measuring principle via heat transfer
  • Switchable 2 x PNP or 2 x NPN outputs
  • Configurable analogue outputs: 0-10 V, 4-20 mA, 1-5 V
  • IO-Link® V1.1 integration
  • Multi-colour illuminated LCD display
  • Adjustable switching functions (Window, Threshold, Auto difference)
  • Short circuit and overload protection
  • RoHS-compliant materials
  • High-alloy stainless steel and silicon media-contact materials

IO-Link® communication protocol version 1.1 with Smart sensor profile for comprehensive identification, diagnostics, and process data monitoring.

Technical Specification Matrix

ParameterValue
Symbol00995794
ApprovalRCM trademark c UL us listed (OL)
CE mark (see declaration of conformity)To EU EMC Directive In accordance with EU RoHS Directive
UKCA marking (see declaration of conformity)To UK RoHS instructions
Certificate issuing authorityUL E322346
Note on materialsRoHS-compliant
Measured variableMass flow rate Volumetric flow rate
Flow directionUnidirectional
Measuring principleThermal
Measurement methodHeat transfer
Start value for flow rate measuring range0.01 l/min
End value for flow rate measuring range0.5 l/min
Operating pressure-0.9 bar ... 10 bar
Operating mediumCompressed air to ISO 8573-1:2010 [6:4:4] Nitrogen
Media temperature0 °C ... 50 °C
Ambient temperature0 °C ... 50 °C
Nominal temperature23 °C
Accuracy of flow rate± (2% o.m.v. + 1% FS)
Repetition accuracy offset in ± %FS0.2 %FS
Repetition accuracy span in ± %FS0.8 %FS
Temperature coefficient span in ± %FS/KTyp. 0.15%FS/K
Pressure influence span in ± %FS/bar1 %FS/b.
Switching output2 x PNP or 2 x NPN, switchable
Switching functionWindow comparator Threshold value comparator Auto difference monitoring
Switching element functionN/C or N/O contact, switchable
Max. output current100 mA
Analogue output0 - 10 V 4 - 20 mA 1 - 5 V
Flow characteristic curve start value0 l/min
Flow characteristic curve end value0.5 l/min
Max. load resistance current output500 Ohm
Min. load resistance voltage output20 kOhm
Short circuit current ratingyes
Overload protectionAvailable
ProtocolIO-Link®
IO-Link, Protocol versionDevice V 1.1
IO-Link, ProfileSmart sensor profile
IO-Link, Function classesBinary data channel (BDC) Process data variable (PDV) Identification Diagnostics Teach channel
IO-Link, communication modeCOM2 (38.4 kBaud)
IO-Link, SIO-Mode supportYes
IO-Link, Port classA
IO-Link, Process data length IN3 bytes
IO-Link, Process data content IN1 bit BDC (volume monitoring) 14 bit PDV (measured flow value) 2 bit BDC (flow monitoring)
IO-Link, Service data IN32-bit volume/mass measurement
IO-Link, Min. cycle time4 ms
IO-Link, Data storage required<500 Byte
Operational voltage rangeDC 22 V ... 26 V
No-load supply current≤25 mA
Reverse polarity protectionFor all electrical connections
Electrical connection 1, connection typePlugs
Electrical connection 1, connector systemM8x1, A-coded, to EN 61076-2-104
Electrical connection 1, number of connections/cores4
Electrical connection 1, type of mountingNot rotatable
Electrical connection 1, compatible type of mountingCompatible with latching lock Compatible with rotatable screw-type lock
Electrical connection 1, connection pattern00991171
Type of mountingWith accessories
Mounting positionoptional
Pneumatic connectionFor tubing O.D. 4 mm
Pneumatic connection, outlet directionStraight
Product weight60 g
Material housingPA-reinforced
Material in contact with the mediumSilicon Silicon nitride High-alloy stainless steel
Display typeIlluminated LCD, multi-colour
Displayable unitsg g/min l l/h l/min scft scft/h
Setting optionsIO-Link® Teach-in Via display and keys
Protection against tamperingIO-Link PIN code
Degree of protectionIP40
Pressure drop<5 mbar
Protection classIII
Corrosion resistance class CRC2 - Moderate corrosion stress
LABS (PWIS) conformityVDMA24364-B2-L
Cleanroom suitability, measured according to ISO 14644-14Class 4 according to ISO 14644-1
Pollution degree3

Industrial Applications

1. Vacuum Pick-and-Place Verification for Semiconductor Assembly

Utilizing the Festo SFAH-0.5U flow sensor to monitor the vacuum circuit in high-speed pick-and-place machines. The sensor measures minute flow variations when picking up microchips or delicate semiconductor components, triggering a fault if the flow exceeds a precise threshold due to improper sealing. Its ISO 14644-1 Class 4 cleanroom certification makes it ideal for frontend semiconductor environments.

Problem Solved

Prevents the misplacement or dropping of ultra-small semiconductor chips by detecting micro-leaks in the vacuum grip, ensuring high yield and minimizing substrate damage.

-0.9 to 10 bar operating pressure0.01 - 0.5 l/min flow rangeCleanroom Class 4IO-Link 4ms cycle timeVacuum monitoring

2. Micro-Leak Detection in Medical Catheter Manufacturing

Integrating the flow sensor into quality control testing stations for medical devices, specifically for verifying the integrity of catheters and micro-fluidic channels. The sensor uses compressed air or nitrogen to pressurize the component; by leveraging its thermal measuring principle and low flow range end value of 0.5 l/min, it can detect minuscule pressure drops and volumetric flow rates indicative of pinhole leaks.

Problem Solved

Eliminates the risk of deploying defective medical tubing by automatically identifying micro-leaks that standard pressure decay tests might miss, ensuring patient safety.

Thermal measuring principleNitrogen compatibleVolumetric flow rateRepetition accuracy 0.2% FSWindow comparator

3. Localized Nitrogen Purging for Micro-Soldering Stations

Deploying the SFAH sensor to regulate and monitor continuous, low-volume nitrogen shielding gas in automated micro-soldering and PCB assembly stations. The sensor's IO-Link interface enables dynamic adjustment of the flow setpoints via the PLC, utilizing the window comparator function to ensure the nitrogen flow stays perfectly within the 0.01 to 0.5 l/min range to prevent oxidation without blowing away flux.

Problem Solved

Ensures consistent, oxidation-free solder joints on miniaturized electronics by maintaining a precise, unbroken envelope of low-flow nitrogen gas, while providing real-time diagnostics via IO-Link.

Nitrogen mediumIO-Link Smart Sensor Profile0.5 l/min flow characteristicProcess data variable (PDV)Binary data channel (BDC)

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