Head office
SECO Sensor Consult GmbH
Am Bleichanger 1
96450 Coburg
Phone: +49 (0)9561 869141
Fax: +49 (0)9561 869149
info@seco-sensor.de
For ranges up to 30 meters – SECO ultrasonic transducer + PMUT
Ultrasonic solutions for ranges up to 30 meters
For ranges up to 30 meters, combine our powerful ultrasonic transducers with highly sensitive piezoelectric micromechanical ultrasonic transducers (PMUT) – for precise and energy-efficient measurement solutions.
PMUTs have been commercially available on the global market for several years and typically operate at frequencies of 80 kHz or 175 kHz. These MEMS-based CMOS chips integrate both the control and evaluation of the ultrasonic transducers located on the chip. The measurement data is read out via the widely used I²C bus, which enables simple communication between ICs via two data lines.
Thanks to their compact design and the possibility of reflow soldering, the chips can be easily integrated into electronic circuit boards. Sound is emitted and received through a small opening on the top. With an opening angle of 45° to 160°, they offer particularly wide sound radiation – ideal for applications with a large detection range.
Combined ultrasonic sensor system for highly sensitive measurements
Compared to other ultrasonic sensors, PMUT ultrasonic transducers are weak transmitters but highly sensitive receivers. This characteristic gave rise to the idea of a combined ultrasonic sensor system: a conventional SECO ultrasonic transducer performs the transmission function, while a highly sensitive PMUT is used as the receiver – ideal for applications with ranges of up to 30 meters.
Our SECO ultrasonic transducers are designed so that their operating frequency is compatible with the receiver frequency of the PMUT. From our product portfolio, we recommend the SC007 (80 kHz), SC008 (80 kHz), and the new, powerful SC517 (175 kHz) for use in combination with a PMUT. The typical opening angle of SECO transducers is between 7° and 20°, depending on the type, which enables excellent directional characteristics.
A proof-of-concept test has shown that an 80 kHz ultrasonic transducer can generate a well-detectable reception signal at the PMUT even over a distance of more than 30 meters.
SECO is open to collaborating with other sensor manufacturers to develop a combined sensor system. Feel free to contact us—we can provide our ultrasonic transducers as transmitters, tailored and optimized for your PMUT application.
Your direct link to PMUT expertise
Would you like to integrate PMUTs into your application or develop a combined sensor system? Our team is here to assist you with personal support and technical expertise. We provide individual advice tailored to your requirements and areas of application.
Get in touch with us – we look forward to working with you to move your project forward.
Eugen Gergert
Managing Director
Details of the PMUT
Miniaturized ultrasonic technology with PMUTs
PMUTs (Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers) are miniaturized ultrasonic transducers based on the piezoelectric effect. Compared to conventional ultrasonic transducers, they offer significantly higher integration capability and particularly low power consumption—ideal for portable and compact applications.
Design and functionality
Made from thin piezoelectric layers on silicon substrates, PMUTs enable precise measurements and small-scale imaging. They are used in numerous industrial areas, such as automotive engineering, medical technology, robotics, and in mobile devices for distance measurement and gesture recognition.
Advantages for modern sensor solutions
Another advantage of PMUTs is their compatibility with modern semiconductor processes. This allows them to be integrated directly into CMOS circuits, which facilitates the development of system-on-chip solutions. This integration not only reduces space requirements, but also the complexity and cost of the overall systems.
Thanks to their small size, high energy efficiency, and scalability, PMUTs are considered a key technology in modern ultrasound technology—especially where compact, intelligent, and energy-efficient sensor solutions are required.
