© Bosch Rexroth AG, RE98729/08.
2018
PSM spool position sensor
for M4-12/15, M6-15 and SX14 control blocks
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
 Use in applications with high safety requirements
regarding ISO 13849
 Efficient monitoring directly on the control spool
 No effect on switching times and hysteresis
 Defined switching window for every valve type
 Increased reliability through switching logic
APPLICATIONS
Wherever people work directly with powerful handling
technology, ever-increasing safety regulations apply
worldwide, such as for telehandlers with man baskets or
truck loader cranes. One basic requirement is to monitor the
condition in hydraulic valves. This should prevent
unintended, hazardous machine movements and thus avoid
accidents, including injury. With its new PSM spool position
sensor, Bosch Rexroth offers a reliable monitoring option for
valves that also gives machine manufacturers the possibility
of enormous savings.
FUNCTION AND BENEFITS
Use in applications with high safety requirements
The PSM (Position Sensor Mobile) spool position sensor
from Rexroth can be used in M4-12/15, M6-15 and SX14
control blocks, and is used in applications with high safety
requirements (e.g. in telescopic handlers, forklifts and truck
loader cranes). It monitors the position of the control spool
in directional valves to prevent the machine from
unintentionally moving. The PSM sensor detects both the
neutral position and the A and B direction of motion of the
control spool in the valve block. The sensor tracking pin is
force-fitted on the front side of the control spool and tracks
its position. A Hall effect sensor forwards the signal to the
integrated electronics, which send it to the signal output.
The output signal can then be analyzed by the customer's
higher-level controller, which is essential especially with
regard to safety issues.
Efficient monitoring directly on the control spool
Diagnostics directly on the directional valve means the
Rexroth PSM sensor can replace time-consuming external
sensor installation.
PSM switching position sensor
for M4-12/15, M6-15 and SX14 control blocks

TECHNICAL DATA
PSM switching position sensor
Operating voltage:
Max. output current:
Electrical connection:
Max. working pressure:
This makes it easier to conform to the necessary category
classes for safety requirements per ISO 13849. The sensor
9 to 32 V DC
does not have any effect on switching times or the
10 mA
hysteresis of the monitored valve. For the monitored valve
(in permissible temperature range
axis, a diagnostic coverage (DC) value of up to 99% as per
from -40 to +100°C
and supply voltage range from 9 to 32V) ISO 13849 is possible for the "flow shut-off" safety function
DEUTSCH DT04-4P (with full spool position sensor plausibility check by higher-
level electronics).
60 bar

Temperature range: -40 °C to +100 °C

Sensor signals – defined switching window for every
CE mark in accordance Conformity with Harmonized Standards valve type
with EMC Directive applied:
Every directional valve type has a defined switching window
2014/30/EU: EN 50121-3-2 (2016) and EN 13309
(2010) for detecting switching direction. These windows are
programmed in the sensor electronics. When the directional
Stroke range: ± 8.7 mm
valve is in the neutral position, both sensor signals (S1 and
Output signal: Low < 1.5 V
High > 7.0 V
S2) are set to high. To detect the switching direction, one of
these signals moves from high to low (within the defined
switching window) as soon as the control spool moves to
PSM sensor layout the A or B side (see example illustration).

Increased reliability through switching logic

The switching logic allows even an implausible signal to be
detected (e.g. cable break), increasing reliability. The sensor
signals can be monitored by the higher-level machine
controller, and used to check plausibility and detect faults.
This makes it possible to achieve a very high DC value of
99% for the "flow shut-off" safety function.
1:
1:Tracking pen | 2:
Color marking Screw-in
| 2: Sensor thread | 3: O-Ring
cable with DEUTSCH| 4:connector
Housing | and
5: Label
CE mark | 3:
(material
Housing |number,
4: O-ringserial number, pin
| 5: Tracking manufacturing
| 6: Screw-indate) | 6:| Sensor
thread 7: Label (material
cable withserial
number, DEUTSCH
number, connector and CEdate)
manufacturing mark | 7: Color marking

Example: M4-12 directional valve switching window

Signal 2 switching window
(flow direction of
consumer port A)

High signal
Signal 1 switching window
(flow direction of Signal 2
consumer port B)
Low signal

High signal

Signal 1

Low signal
Spool stroke [mm]

Neutral
Tracking pin neutral position:
40.5 mm

Bosch Rexroth AG © Bosch Rexroth AG 2018. All rights reserved, also regarding any
disposal, exploitation, reproduction, editing, distribution, as well as in
Glockeraustraße 4
the event of applications for industrial property rights.
89275 Elchingen, Germany
Tel. +49 7308 82-0 The data specified within only serves to describe the product.
info.ma@boschrexroth.de No statements concerning a certain condition or suitability for a certain
application can be derived from our information. The information given
www.boschrexroth.com does not release the user from the obligation of own judgment and
verification. It must be remembered that our products are subject to a
natural process of wear and aging.