Ultrasonic sensors

Ultrasonic sensors from Dietz work with the travel time measurement of high-frequency sonic impulses. The periodically sent impulses are reflected on the object and return as an echo to the sensor (see figure below). The integrated electronic ranges the object. This operating principles enables a detection of the most varying objects even under difficult conditions like contamination nearly independent from the colour or the surface of the object. Even objects as transparent as glass or transparent foils can be detected.

Another advantage is that the sonic beam can be deflected nearly lossless over inclined reflecting surface, which can be useful especially in tight spaces. Ultrasonic sensors from Dietz cover ranges of 2cm…8m (≈¾in…26¼ft) and small and moving objects can be detected reliable due to the high sound power.

Keep in mind regarding the sensing range that the damping od the sound depends mainly on the air temperature, the humidity, and the atmospheric pressure, thus, the sensing distances can be exceeded or fall below. Broadly speaking, the higher the measured value (i.e. temperature), the higher the damping, and vice versa.

Beyond the general difference between switching and analog (measuring) ultrasonic sensors, a multitude of different features (e.g. Teach-in, synchronized inputs, impulse lengthening) is available. Some series are almost free configurable. The ultrasonic principle complete other operating priciples as e.g. that of optical sensors.