SECO Sensor
Ultrasonic sensors Function
Operating modes of our ultrasonic transducers | Advantages of ultrasound compared to other technologies
Sound pulse as the core element of the ultrasonic sensor function
Ultrasonic sensors are versatile and can be used for a wide variety of measuring tasks. Depending on the measuring task, pulse-echo methods or transmitter-receiver operation are used.
The heart of an ultrasonic sensor is the ultrasonic transducer. This generates and transmits a sound pulse with a frequency above the audible range. Our ultrasonic transducers typically operate in a frequency range between 80 and 500 kHz.
Read more about the function of our ultrasonic transducers for ultrasonic sensors and their advantages over other sensor principles.
Operating modes of our ultrasonic transducers
Pulse-echo method
In the pulse-echo method, a sensor communicates with itself. The ultrasonic transducer generates a sound pulse and emits it into air or gaseous media (typically with SECO sensors). After reflection from an object, the sensor receives the echo signal and the transducer converts it into an electrical signal. The distance of the object, for example, can be determined from the transit time of the ultrasonic signal. This method can be used for reliable, contactless and maintenance-free distance measurement, presence monitoring and fill level measurement in very large containers (silos, tanks) as well as very small containers (pipettes). Please also read our article on the subject of “Ultrasonic distance measurement”.
Transmitter-receiver operation
In transmitter-receiver operation, two (typically opposing) transducers are used. The transmitter generates and transmits the ultrasonic signal, while the receiver receives and processes the signal. This enables fast and accurate flow measurement and wind measurement using the transit time difference measurement method. In the typical application as a measuring fork and by means of transmission measurement, double sheet control, web edge control and label detection can also be operated at the highest technical level. The transmitter and receiver transducers can also be arranged in multiple arrays to achieve the largest possible scanning range.
Optical
Optical sensors have proven themselves in many industrial sectors. However, these are highly dependent on lighting conditions and sensitive to disruptive environmental influences. Here, ultrasonic sensors offer the decisive advantage that they provide reliable measurement results even in combination with dust, fog, reflective surfaces, in the dark and with transparent objects.
Mechanical
A major advantage of ultrasonic technology over mechanical measuring methods is the possibility of non-contact measurement and the absence of moving parts. The transducer and sensor are subject to minimal wear, which makes ultrasonic sensors a durable and robust measuring method. With no moving mechanical parts, the transducer is also maintenance-free, which significantly minimizes operating costs and represents a clear advantage, particularly in installations that are difficult to access (e.g. offshore wind turbines).
Inductive
In contrast to the inductive sensors that are often used, ultrasonic sensors also work for non-magnetic materials and are largely independent of dirt. Depending on the operating principle and size, ultrasonic transducers also achieve much greater ranges of several meters.
Capacitive
Ultrasonic sensors also utilize the decisive advantage of non-contact measurement here. Ultrasound is subject to little electromagnetic interference and can be used for measurement against almost all reflector materials.
radar
Ultrasonic sensors also score highly in comparison with modern radar technology thanks to their high electromagnetic compatibility, low energy requirements and cost-effective design. In addition, pulse transducers from SECO Sensor are particularly impressive with their excellent performance at close range.
Would you like to find out more about ultrasonic technology?
We will be happy to advise you individually, discuss your measuring tasks and find the right ultrasonic transducer for your sensor.
We are looking forward to your inquiry!
Eugen Gergert
Managing Director
SECO Sensor manufactures high-quality transducers for sensors
Reliable ultrasonic sensors require a precise ultrasonic transducer at their heart. This generates the sound, emits it and – depending on the measuring principle – receives it again as an echo. The quality of the measurement results obtained therefore depends on the quality of the transducer. For almost thirty years, SECO Sensor has concentrated on the development and manufacture of these high-precision transducers. We have maximum experience in transducer technology and count renowned sensor manufacturers among our customers.
Do you need something special?
We are also happy to advise you on challenging and unusual measurement tasks, individual special cases or problems in existing measurement setups. From the initial transducer idea to the development of prototypes and series production, our team of ultrasonic experts will support you with all your questions and concerns. Talk to us!
We will be happy to advise you and find the perfect ultrasonic transducer for your measuring task. Contact our product managers for the relevant specialist areas directly or send a general inquiry to:
Thematic background to the ultrasonic sensor function:
The ultrasonic sensor determines the presence, the state of movement and the respective distance that sound-reflecting objects have to it. Depending on the operating mode, the sound emitted by the transmitter is reflected as an echo or detected by a receiver. Ultrasonic sensors are used in numerous industrial applications and enable fast, precise measurements with a non-contact, maintenance-free and robust measurement setup. In addition to proven standard transducers available at short notice, we also offer our customers customized products and newly developed special solutions.