An ultrasonic sensor is an electronic device that measures the distance to a target object by emitting ultrasonic sound waves and converting the reflected sound into an electrical signal. Ultrasonic waves travel faster than the speed of audible sound (i.e., sound that can be heard by humans). Ultrasonic sensors have two main components: a transmitter (which emits sound using piezoelectric crystals) and a receiver (which captures the sound after it has traveled to the target and back).
To calculate the distance between the sensor and the object, the sensor measures the time between the emission of sound by the transmitter and its reception by the receiver. The formula for this calculation is D = ½ T x C (where D is distance, T is time, and C is the speed of sound, approximately 343 meters per second).
Ultrasonic sensors measure the distance to a target by calculating the time between the emission and reception of the sound waves.
Primarily, ultrasonic sensors are used as proximity sensors. They can be found in technologies such as automatic parking systems and collision avoidance safety systems in cars. Ultrasonic sensors are also used in manufacturing technologies and robotic obstacle detection systems. Compared to infrared (IR) sensors in proximity detection applications, ultrasonic sensors are not sensitive to interference from smoke, gas, or other airborne particles (though physical components can still be affected by factors like heat).
Ultrasonic sensors are also used as level sensors to detect, monitor, and regulate fluid levels in sealed containers, such as barrels in chemical plants.
Characteristics of Ultrasonic Sensors:
- Transparent object detection:
Transparent targets can be detected because ultrasonic waves can reflect off a glass or liquid surface and return to the sensor head. - Resistant to fog and dirt:
Detection is not affected by dust or dirt accumulation. - Detection of complex-shaped objects:
Object detection occurs regardless of the shape of the object. This makes ultrasonic sensors ideal for applications involving materials with varying shapes.
Advantages of Ultrasonic Sensors:
- Not affected by the color of objects:
Ultrasonic sensors are unaffected by the color of the detected objects, including semi-transparent or transparent materials like water or glass. - Flexible range:
The minimum and maximum ranges are quite flexible, with most ultrasonic sensors capable of detecting distances from a few centimeters up to about five meters. Specially configured modules can measure distances up to around 20 meters. - Mature technology:
With decades of use, this mature technology is highly reliable, well understood, and provides consistent results. - High accuracy:
Ultrasonic sensors typically offer relatively precise measurements within 1%, with the possibility of even greater precision if desired. - Fast refresh rates:
They provide fast refresh rates by taking multiple measurements per second. - Good price-performance ratio:
Since they don’t require rare materials, ultrasonic sensors offer a good price-to-performance ratio. - Resistant to noise:
Ultrasonic sensors are resistant to most acoustic noise as well as electrically noisy environments.
Ultrasonic sensors provide an effective detection solution in industrial environments, being durable, less affected by environmental conditions, capable of detecting even transparent objects, and offering shape-independent detection. You can rely on us to assist you in selecting ultrasonic sensors for your facility. Don’t forget to fill out the form for a quick quote.