Measuring principle

Distance measurement

Ultrasonic distance measurement is the perfect choice for use in difficult environmental conditions. Regardless of the material of the object, ultrasonic transducers from SECO Sensor enable fast and precise distance measurement. Whether in agriculture, in the laboratory or in automation – the technology offers robust, maintenance-free solutions for a wide range of applications.

Our customers use transducers for distance measurement in the:

  • Automation, robotics
  • Agricultural engineering
  • Warehousing
  • Logistics

Distance measurement from a few centimeters to several meters

The measuring principle is based on time-of-flight measurement using the pulse-echo method: The ultrasonic transducer emits a sound pulse that is reflected by the object. The distance is calculated from the transit time of the signal and the known speed of sound. The measurement is fast, precise and without contact to the object being measured.

Different frequency ranges are used depending on the application:

  • of 80 kHz for long ranges (several meters)
  • Up to 500 kHz for the smallest distances (a few centimeters)

SECO transducers convince through:

  • High signal voltage for long ranges
  • Focused sound beam for precise measurements even in narrow vessels
  • Resistance to humidity and chemicals
  • Independent of dust, fog, darkness, irregular or mirrored surfaces

Advantages of SECO transducers

SECO designs ultrasonic transducers for industrial applications where precise measurement results, high resilience and maximum operational reliability are required. Non-contact measurement technology shows its strengths particularly when conventional systems reach their limits – for example in dusty, dark or irregular surfaces.

Contactless & maintenance-free

Low wear due to contactless operation, maintenance-free thanks to no moving parts

Independent of environmental influences

Also works in fog, dust, moisture, heat, cold or reflective surfaces

High precision at various distances

Measuring ranges from a few centimetres up to 8 meters – a suitable solution for every measuring task

Robust and resistant

Resistant to external influences, reliable even in demanding ambient conditions

Versatile
can be used in many ways

Suitable for almost all industrial applications, even for unusual ideas and measurement tasks

SECO recommends for distance measurement:

  • Focused ultrasonic transducers or multi-use transducers
  • Miniature transducers & compact designs for tight installation spaces
  • Transducer with focused sound beam
  • Mounting in resistant housing
  • Installation directly in customer-specific module

SC008

Our largest ultrasonic transducer with maximum range – reliably detects objects up to 8 meters away, ideal for industrial applications.

SC049 Transducer from SECO Sensor

SC049

Our smallest miniature ultrasonic transducer – with an installation size of just 6 x 5 mm, perfect for mounting in small assemblies where space is limited.

SC524 transducer from SECO Sensor

SC524

Multi-use transducer of the new SC5X series with advanced vibration technology and excellent ratio of decay time to echo voltage.

Ultrasonic distance measurement explained simply

Fast and precise distance measurement with a range of a few centimetres to several meters. Thanks to their sharp sound beam, our focused transducers are ideal for long-distance measurements. Our pulsed transducers enable high repetition rates with virtually no blind zone.

Let us advise you individually:

We offer customizable transducer solutions that are specifically tailored to your requirements. SECO develops, produces and supplies ultrasonic transducers for distance measurement in various industries:

  • in agriculture
  • in medical technology and in the laboratory
  • in robotics and industry
  • in warehousing and logistics
  • in road construction
Ihr Ansprechpartner Christian Brütting von SECO Sensor

Christian Brütting

Product manager

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SECO Sensor ultrasonic transducers - standard solutions, customized solutions or completely individual

Distance measurement with SECO transducers

Discover the versatile application possibilities of ultrasonic transducers in various industries – from automation technology to medical technology. Find out how our transducers can optimize your processes!

Ultrasonic transducers for medical technology from SECO Sensor

In the lab

In research and in the medical field, ultrasonic technology scores particularly highly with its fast, non-contact and reliable measurement of distances between a few centimetres and several meters. The emitted ultrasonic signal is reflected by the surface. The distance to an object can be calculated quickly and accurately from the signal’s transit time.

In road construction

For distance measurement in road construction, SECO Sensor recommends particularly robustly designed ultrasonic transducers in a metal shield and with a protective front surface coating. The ultrasonic signal typically moves between the transducer and a cord stretched over the road surface. For road construction, the arrangement of the transducers in multiple arrays has proven its worth.

Ultrasonic transducers from SECO Sensor in the robotics industry

Robotics

Distance measurement in robotics is carried out with ultrasonic transducers using the contactless pulse-echo method. The distance between the robot and object can be determined quickly and accurately from the signal propagation time – even with changing materials or in harsh industrial environments. Ultrasonic transducers from SECO Sensor enable fast position detection and reliable collision avoidance.

Distance measurement with ultrasonic transducers – contactless, precise and versatile

Distance measurement is a crucial element in numerous industrial applications – from automation to medical technology and robotics. Modern ultrasonic transducers and sensors enable the precise detection of distances – contactless, reliable and independent of lighting conditions or surface properties.

The proven pulse-echo principle forms the basis of many distance measurement solutions. An ultrasonic transducer emits sound pulses that are reflected by an object. The transit time of the signal from emission to arrival of the echo provides precise information about the distance – even with difficult surfaces, transparent materials or dust and fog in the environment.

The advantages of ultrasonic distance measurement are obvious: it is robust, contactless and maintenance-free. It also works in environments where other sensor technologies reach their limits. In addition, the transducers can be integrated into almost any industrial application – ideal for flexible industrial applications.

SECO Sensor develops proven, high-quality ultrasonic transducers that are specially designed for use in distance measurement. With high repeat accuracy, a long service life and maintenance-free operation, they ensure reliable measurement results – even under demanding conditions.

Whether for object positioning, collision avoidance or distance control: sensor-based distance measurement is the key to efficient, safe and automated processes in the industry of today and tomorrow.