Technical Bulletin

FOR GENERAL DISTRIBUTION

Issue: Date: Topic:

TB116 12/31/97 Ultrasonic Sensor Technology

Ultrasonic Sensor Technology

Ultrasonic sensors are volumetric motion detectors which utilize the Doppler Principle to detect occupancy. They broadcast sounds high above the range of human hearing to sense movement. Usually, ultrasonic sensors consist of several components: a transmitter, receivers and processing electronics. They work by bouncing ultrasonic sound waves off objects in the room and measuring the amount of time it takes for the waves to return. Movement in the controlled area causes the sound waves to return to the receiver at a faster or slower rate, resulting in a doppler shift and occupancy detection. Ultrasonic Operation The Watt Stopper ultrasonic sensors transmit a signal generated by a quartz crystal oscillator. A flat-plate, multi-directional transmitter plate broadcasts this signal into the controlled area. The transmitter plate should be round to insure even distribution of the ultrasound signal in the space. Receiver microphones should be electronic and tuned to the same frequency that the sensor is broadcasting on. For best results, they should also remain largely unaffected by temperature and humidity changes. Sensor Placement Because ultrasonic sensors broadcast in three dimensions, the ultrasound will leave the sensor and bounce off the walls, floor, and ceiling, giving them the ability to sense smaller amounts of motion. In enclosed spaces, proper sensor placement is essential, as sensors can see out open doorways, resulting in false triggering. Also, heavy air flow (from HVAC ducts or fans) can seriously impair ultrasonic sensor performance and result in false triggering. Watt Stopper sensors use special Signal Processing Circuitry to filter out moving air noise by checking for the small cyclical directional changes usually found in turbulent air. Movement by people usually creates a signal moving in only one direction. While this feature can help reduce false triggering, sensors should never be placed where air blows across them and where they can see out doorways.
The Watt Stopper, Inc.
2800 De La Cruz Blvd. Santa Clara, CA 95050 Tel: (408) 988-5331 Fax: (408) 988-5373 Tech Support: (800) 879-8585

The Watt Stopper Technical Data Issue: TB116 Date: December 31, 1997

Room Surfaces Room surfaces like heavy carpeting, sound-absorbing partitions and ceiling tiles will absorb ultrasonic sound, reducing ultrasonic sensor coverage. More sensors, or sensors with better coverage may be necessary. Areas like bathrooms, which contain hard surfaces such as tile and metal partitions, normally result in increased sensitivity. Best Applications Enclosed offices, larger conference rooms Areas up to 2000 square feet that can be considered enclosed Storage areas with cabinets and shelving Bathrooms (ultrasonic waves will bounce off of the partitions) Open office spaces and areas that require 360 coverage Hallways that are completely enclosed

Poor Applications Spaces that have lots of air turbulence Areas that require ceiling mounting heights over 14-16 feet Spaces that are not considered enclosed Spaces with areas of unwanted detection When aesthetics are a primary concern, the infrared sensors are preferable

Watt Stopper Ultrasonic Sensors 360 Coverage with flat-plate transmitters Temperature and humidity resistant tuned receivers Advanced Signal Processing Circuitry Solid State, crystal-controlled transmitter Adjustable time delay and sensitivity

The Watt Stopper, Inc.

2800 De La Cruz Blvd. Santa Clara, CA 95050 Tel: (408) 988-5331 Fax: (408) 988-5373 Tech Support: (800) 879-8585