An Ultrasonic sensor takes millimeter-precise measurements of the distance of objects or the fill levels of media such as liquids. It uses ultrasonic waves as a displacement sensor. When measuring distance, the measuring principle of sound transit time measurement is often used high-frequency sound pulses for use. Objects can be metallic, non-metallic, transparent, powdery or liquid. Below we present them New Products before:

PIL ultrasonic sensor

 

Contents

 

Ultrasonic sensors 2023 – The most important things in brief

Current trends in ultrasonic sensing focus on the integration of Artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve data analysis and interpretation. This enables more precise and intelligent decision making in applications such as industrial automation, automotive engineering and medical imaging.

The miniaturization of ultrasonic sensors is another significant trend that enables smaller, more efficient and cost-effective devices. This development opens up new applications in areas such as wearable medical technology and consumer electronics.

In addition, advances in wireless technology are driving the development of IoT readyen ultrasonic sensors, offering seamless integration into networked systems and improved remote monitoring capabilities. These sensors are becoming increasingly popular Smart city-Applications, environmental monitoring and more precise level measurement employed.

P53 re-certified ultrasonic sensor for hygienic applications

14.09.2022/53/XNUMX | The hygienic ultrasonic sensors of the PXNUMX series from PIL sensors (Picture above) have again received the Hygenic Design Re-Qualification with the associated food-safe assembly screw connection. The fully encapsulated ultrasonic sensors have a housing made of stainless steel 1.44.4 with protection class IP69k. They have been specifically designed for use in the food technology

The P53 Sensors are available with housing diameters of 18 mm or 30 mm. the Ecolab certification means that the ultrasonic sensors can be cleaned with the cleaning and disinfecting agents P3-topactive Okto, P3-topactive 200, P3-topax 52, P3-topax 66 and P3-topax 990. For rough industrial applications without hygienic requirements, the robust Steel Head ultrasonic sensors are also available with an external thread for simplified installation.

Ultrasonic double sheet sensor for battery production

07.06.2022 | After the handling of large roles are from the foil webs suitable pieces are punched out for the batteries to be produced. Then these become battery cells put together. The punched material for the battery cell is fed using ultrasonic double sheet sensors Pepperl + Fuchs supervised.

To the post


Reliable ultrasonic sensors for every environment

27.11.2021 | Pepperl + Fuchs offers with the Ultrasonic sensor USI safety a modern and certified sensor technology according to EN ISO 13849-1 Category 3 PL d for factory automation. In addition to access protection in security areas, the ultrasonic sensor is suitable for flexible solutions for autonomously operating units such as Robot and Industrial trucks.

To the post


Ultrasonic and radar level sensor with IO-Link for the IIoT

18.02.2021/XNUMX/XNUMX | Different measuring principles are used for detecting limit levels or measuring filling levels. Turck offers a comprehensive portfolio for various media and environmental conditions. This also includes the one presented below Ultrasonic Level sensor and the radar sensor for level measurement. IO-Link interfaces do that Sensors IIoT suitable.

To the post

Ultrasonic sensors for monitoring flow data

13.06.2019 | unitronic introduces the Ultrasonic Flow Sensor Modules from Audiowell Electronics for the first time. The FS000X series uses ultrasonic sensors to take real-time flow measurements. These are used, for example, to detect leaks or monitor water consumption.

The ultrasound flow measurement module uses ultrasonic waves to measure liquid flow and digitally outputs the flow rate in real time. It consists of a lead-free measuring tube and a pair of connected ultrasonic sensors that work in master-slave mode.

The circuit integrated in the sensor can calculate the instantaneous flow rate and the accumulated water consumption using the transit time method Time-of-Flight calculate and thus monitor the condition of the liquid and pipeline. It contains no moving part in the pipe section and therefore causes less pressure loss and provides higher accuracy than traditional flow meters. The flow data are available for further processing via a serial communication interface.

Due to the large dynamic range, any drop can be detected at rates from 1 to 6 l/h, regardless of where the leak occurs. The flow rates are from the integrated OT circuit calculated, which provides the data in a digital format. This flow data is used in smart home systems, among other things, where leak warnings can be sent to residents via mobile app when they are absent. If an optional electronic valve is available, it is even possible to switch off the water supply as a precaution.


Laser distance sensor innovations for machines and systems


The watering of the lawn can now be automated with the help of digitization. Most current systems use a timer to control the sprinkler system. However, actual water use in horticulture can vary greatly from what the user expects, particularly when pipes are blocked or leaking. the Audiowell ultrasonic flow sensors are predestined for the monitoring and detection of flow rates in such cases. Since no moving parts are used in these modules, they continue to perform well after prolonged use, because even the particles in the water cannot damage the sensors.

Detecting glue points in the packaging process

Pepperl ultrasonic sensor15.07.2019/XNUMX/XNUMX | For the Detection of splices has in the packaging Pepperl + Fuchs Sensors in the portfolio that can be used to reliably ensure a continuous packaging process. The ultrasonic sensors monitor the stack height regardless of color, shape and surface – and are maintenance-free. Teaching in the sensors is super easy.

To the post

Compact ultrasonic sensor with a long range

21.05.2019/XNUMX/XNUMX | The new ultrasonic sensor P53 compact from PIL sensors combines a compact design with an improved range. With a length of just 50 mm, the M30 design device covers a wide detection range from 250 to 2500 mm. The sensor unit made of stainless steel (1.4404) can also be used reliably in harsh environments with its completely closed housing with protection class IP68.

Either a switching or an analog output (4-20 mA) is available. The threshold value for the switching output can be easily set using the Teach-in pin adjust in the plug. A plug in M12 format is used for easy connection.

The very short design enables use even in difficult installation situations. This makes the device ideal for distance, fill level, completeness and presence checks, for example, and ensures the reliable detection and counting of moving objects.

Ultrasonic sensor with IO-Link and the shortest blind range

29.01.2019 | Baumer presents the robust ultrasonic sensors U500 and UR18 IO-Link for distance measurement and object detection. Thanks to the unique sensor element, they are not only more robust than all comparable ones as standard Sensors on the market, but with the extremely short blind zone they take the requirement for a long range to a new level. 

Hermetically sealed sensor elements, which can even withstand extreme mechanical influences without damage, ensure high resistance. Even the toughest conditions such as the leak test IP 67 easily withstand the sensors sealed with PEEK foils. The blind zone associated with a long range is often an obstacle when integrating the sensor into the machine.

With the very short blind range in this ultrasonic sensor, breaks Baumer the laws of physics. Instead of the physically determined 10 to 15% blind area of ​​the entire range, Baumer achieves the world's best mark of 2%. A blind area of ​​only 20 mm with a range of up to 1000 mm is unique on the market.

These product properties enable versatile, flexible applications in relation to the objects to be detected, the media, installation and environmental conditions. If the user has several applications with different requirements in terms of range and blind zone, he usually has to increase the number of sensor variants because the conventional ultrasonic sensors with a short blind zone are limited in their range.

If a large range is required, this in turn is at the expense of the blind area. The problem is eliminated with the U500 / UR18 ultrasonic sensors from Baumer. The variety of variants is reduced for the user only one sensor. Because the U500 / UR18 completely cover the large range between 20 and 1000 mm. Positioning and design-in of the ultrasonic sensor are also simplified. This reduces engineering effort.

A support of the Communications standards IO-Link enables the ultrasonic sensors to be parameterized flexibly and application-specifically via an intuitive user interface. For example, the width of the sound cone can be adjusted quickly and easily depending on the container opening and filling medium. In addition, IO-Link offers the acquisition and evaluation of additional data from objects for predictive maintenance or parameter server functions. Individual settings can be made directly on the sensor using «Gteach» (contactless with a ferromagnetic tool).

The range of functions is the same in both designs cubic and cylindrical identical. Sensor principles such as ultrasonic proximity switches as 1- or 2-point switches, reflection barriers, one-way barriers or distance-measuring sensors are also available for both models.

Coated miniature ultrasonic level sensor

April 17.04.2018, XNUMX | Aggressive media can damage the sensor front of ultrasonic sensors and impair its function. The chemically robust ones Unar / Urar 12 Miniature sensors from Baumer are ideal for such environments thanks to a patented, wafer-thin Parylene coating on the sensor front and a stainless steel full metal housing.

To the post

FAQ

What does the ultrasonic sensor do?

An ultrasonic sensor sends high frequency sound waves and receives the echo of these waves to determine the distance to an object or the position of an object.

How does the ultrasonic sensor work?

Functionality: An ultrasonic sensor works by emitting a sound pulse or wave at high frequency and receiving the echo of this pulse after it is reflected from an object. The sensor consists of an ultrasonic transducer that generates the sound pulse and a receiver that records the reflected echo. Once the sound pulse hits an object, it is reflected back to the sensor. The time between the emission of a sound wave and the reception of the echo is measured. With this sound transit time measurement and the known speed of sound, the distance to the object can be calculated. This method enables precise measurement of distances and is used in areas such as distance measurement, object detection and level measurement.

Where is the ultrasonic sensor used?

Find ultrasonic sensors Use in in vehicle technology for parking aids, in industrial automation for distance and level measurement as well as in the Robotic and in security systems. They are particularly ideal for applications that require non-contact measurements or where optical sensors are not effective due to dust, smoke or fog.

Which materials does an ultrasonic sensor detect?

An ultrasonic sensor can detect a wide range of materials, as long as those materials can reflect sound waves. These include metals, glass, plastics, wood, liquids and even rough surfaces. However, the effectiveness of the sensor depends on the nature of the material: very soft, porous or extremely uneven materials can absorb or scatter the sound, making detection difficult. Transparent materials or thin films may not reflect sound waves sufficiently.

Source: This article is based on information from the following companies: Baumer, PIL, Pepperl+Fuchs, Unitronic, Turck.

You might also be interested in...

encoders | Industrial Ethernet and Industry 4.0 encoders

encoders | Industrial Ethernet and Industry 4.0 encoders

Encoders act as measurement sensors for precise speed measurement and position detection in manufacturing processes,...
RFID and Barcodes | Industrial identification

RFID and Barcodes | Industrial identification

Efficient and transparent processes are essential in modern production. Possibilities for optimization offer here...
Gateways | The bridge to the Industry 4.0 factory

Gateways | The bridge to the Industry 4.0 factory

On the way to Industry 4.0, communication technology and the components designed for it play a key role...
Level sensor | Level switch for simple to IIoT use

Level sensor | Level switch for simple to IIoT use

Level sensors are used for continuous measurement of the levels of liquids, bulk solids, etc....
Pressure sensors | Pressure measurement technology goes digital

Pressure sensors | Pressure measurement technology goes digital

In industry, a wide range of pressure sensors ensures the regulation of the mechanical measured variable pressure and...
Control Fair 2024 | The industry is already looking forward to Stuttgart

Control Fair 2024 | The industry is already looking forward to Stuttgart

The annual Control trade fair, organized by Schall Messen, focuses on the presentation and...

Author information
Angela Struck

Angela Struck is editor-in-chief of the development scout and freelance journalist as well as managing director of Presse Service Büro GbR in Ried.