What is mean by the ultrasonic sensor and how does it measure distance
Ultrasonic sensors are devices that measure distance with the help of ultrasonic waves. These sensors are air intelligent sensors, that would use wave propagation phenomena in the air to measure physical or chemical variables. Ultrasonic sensors working are the same as the radar that would evaluate the target by checking the echoes from radio or sound waves. High-frequency sound waves are generated by ultrasonic sensors and it would evaluate the echo which is received at the receiver section. The distance of an object is measured by the time interval between sending and receiving the echoes. We can measure the wind speed and direction with this technology, it can also be useful to detect the fullness of a tank and speed through air or water. The amount of liquid in a tank can be measured by measuring the distance to the surface of the fluid with the help of sensors.
What is an ultrasonic sensor used for
Ultrasonic sensors can be used for proximity and distance measuring. These sensors can be used to measure wind speed and speed through air or water. Distance from an object can be used with help of ultrasonic sensor by transmitting the ultrasonic-waves into the air and it would detect the reflected waves from the object. Ultrasonic sensors are used in intrusion alarm systems, automatic door openers, and backup sensors for automobiles. These sensors are used in security systems for the detection of moving objects and they are also used in contact-less speed measurement equipment.
How does an ultrasonic sensor work? What is ultrasonic principle
The working principle of the ultrasonic sensor is based on the reflection of sound waves and is used to detect the presence of a particular object in front of it, it works on the area above the frequency of sound waves from 40KHz -400Khz. The presence or absence of an object can be determined by the ultrasonic sensors by using the sound waves, so it won’t be affected by color or transparency. All of these properties make them suitable for a variety of problem-solving applications, such as long-range detection of clear glass and plastic as well as the distance measurement. Ultrasonic sensors have two units they are transmitter and receiver unit.
The structure of the transmitting and receiving unit is simple, the piezoelectric crystal is connected to mechanical anchors which are connected to the diaphragm vibrator. The alternating voltage will be given to the metal plate at the frequency of 40Khz to 400Khz. According to the polarity of the applied voltage, the piezoelectric crystal would be shrunk or expand and this is the piezoelectric effect. The conversion process is done by piezoelectric crystals. Piezoelectric crystal will oscillate at high frequency when electric energy is applied to it, these crystals would generate electrical signals while receiving the ultrasound. Sensors would send ultrasound to an object and receive the echo developed by the object. The echo will be converted to electrical energy with the help of the control circuit.
What are the factors that must be considered while selecting an ultrasonic sensor and how to select ultrasonic sensor
A wide variety of sensors are currently available in the market and they differ from one another in their mounting configurations, environmental sealing, and electronic features. Acoustically they operate at different frequencies and have different radiation patterns. The acoustic subtleties could have major effects on ultrasonic sensor operations and measurements being made with them.
Certain factors must be considered while choosing the sensor like, there would be a change in amplitude of the return echo according to the distance and size of the target and how could it influence the maximum target distance achieved by an ultrasonic sensor. The next one is the change in the sound radiation pattern of both the transducer and the sensor system, and how could it affect the target distance.
Why use ultrasonic sensing
These sensors are able to detect different types of materials nevertheless of the shape, transparency. These sensors can be used in solids and liquids. Ultrasonic sensors are capable to detect wood, rock, metal, plastic…
What is ultrasound and what is the range of ultrasonic sensor
Ultrasound is the sound that is generated over the human hearing range typically 20Khz. The mostly used frequency range in ultrasonic nondestructive testing and thickness gaging is 100 Khz to 50 Mhz. The behavior of the ultrasound is similar to the normal sound and also has a shorter wavelength. So it can be reflected from very small surfaces. Ultrasonic sensors work on the area above the frequency of sound waves from 40-400 kHz.
What are the types of ultrasonic sensors
Ultrasonic sonar sensors
These sensors transmit acoustic waves and receive them later. This process is done by the ultrasonic transducers, which would transform an electrical signal into an ultrasonic wave and vice versa. It is also possible to use the same transducer for both transmitting and receiving. These sensors are capable to get the information carried by ultrasonic signals with proper quality. These sensors can be used for fast temperature measurement and it can also be used for dynamic pressure measurement.
Proximity detection
Ultrasonic diffuse proximity sensors use a special sonic transducer. Which would allow the transmission and reception of the sound-waves? The transducer emits a series of sonic pulses and listens for their return as the target reflects them. Once it receives the reflected signal the sensor signals output to a control device such as PLC. These sensors are capable to detect targets such as solids and liquids.
What are the advantages of ultrasonic sensor
- They have better long term stability
- Low cost and low power consumption
- Directional sensitivity
- High structural resolution due to higher bandwidth
- Sensitivity to all kinds of object and remote measurement
- Imperviousness to wetness and contamination or wear
What are the disadvantages of ultrasonic sensor
- There would be an effect of temperature and material composition on the speed of the sound
- When frequency increase ultrasound attenuation also increases
What are the applications of ultrasonic sensor
- Ultrasonic sensors are used in the medical and military field
- It can be used to measure the fullness of a tank, wind speed, and direction
- Ultrasonic sensors are widely used for many industrial applications, to detect the presence of a target and also used to measure the distance to targets in many automated factories and process plants.
- Ultrasonic sensors are used to detect the height of objects
- These sensors are used to monitor the slope of loops of materials in a Process
- These sensors can be used to position objects