Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Rev. 8.03
Understanding Ultrasonics
ultrasonic sensing
Ultrasonic sensors measure
distance by using a transducer to
send out ultrasonic bursts. Each
burst contains a series of pulsed
sound waves. The ultrasonic
burst emits in the shape of a
cone, reflects off the detected
target, and is received by the
transducer. The time required for Surface
this burst to travel to and from The ideal target surface is hard and smooth. This surface will reflect
the target is measured and a greater amount of signal than a soft, rough surface. A week echo,
converted into a distance which is the result of a small or soft object, will reduce the operating
measurement by the sensor. distance of the sensor and decrease its accuracy.
Ultrasonic sensing is affected
by several factors including the Distance
target’s surface, size, angle and The shorter the distance from the sensor to an object, the stronger
the distance from the sensor. the returning echo will be. Therefore, as the distance increases, the
Environmental conditions such object requires better reflective characteristics to return a sufficient
as temperature, humidity, gases, echo.
and pressure may also affect the
measurement. Sensors are Size
equipped with manual or A large object will have more surface to reflect the signal than a
automatic adjustments to small one. The surface area recognized as the target is generally the
compensate for most of these portion closest to the sensor.
varied conditions. The following
considerations will help ensure Angle
the best possible sensing The inclination of the objects’ surface facing the ultrasonic sensor
conditions. affects the reflectivity of the object. The portion perpendicular to the
sensor returns the echo. If the entire surface is a great enough angle,
the signal will be reflected away from the sensor and no echo will be
detected.
USA APG Headquarters UK Sales Office European Sales Office Asian Sales Office STI Automation
Logan, UT Gloucestershire Freiburg, Germany Singapore Products Group R
Tel. 1/435/753-7300 1/888/525-7300 Tel. +44- (0)1453-544086 Tel. +49-761-455 26 0 Tel. +65 64844001 www.stiapg.com A27
Ultrasonics — How it Works
Ideally, the target area should always exceed the diameter of the
beam spread at the desired sensing range.
STI Automation USA APG Headquarters UK Sales Office European Sales Office Asian Sales Office
R
Products Group Logan, UT Gloucestershire Freiburg, Germany Singapore
A28 www.stiapg.com Tel. 1/435/753-7300 1/888/525-7300 Tel. +44- (0)1453-544086 Tel. +49-761-455 26 0 Tel. +65 64844001