Ultrasonic Sensors

Ultrasonic distance sensors are used in many different applications including automobile self-parking technology, anti-collision safety systems, robotic obstacle detection systems, manufacturing technology, imaging, cleaning, communications and testing. But how do ultrasonic distance sensors (also referred to as ultrasonic proximity sensors) actually work? Below is how ultrasonic proximity sensors measure distance, what to consider when choosing an ultrasonic distance sensor and the features of Wenglor ultrasonic distance sensors that make them industry leading.

How Do Ultrasonic Distance Sensors Measure Distance?

Ultrasonic proximity sensors measure the distance to a remote object through the air without physically touching it. They determine this value by emitting high-frequency (ultrasonic) soundwaves toward the object being measured, then calculate the time between emission and reception, based on the speed of sound.

Determining The Right Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor For Your Application

There are many different types of ultrasonic distance sensors suitable for a wide range of applications. When determining what ultrasonic distance sensor is right for your requirements, these are the main factors to take into consideration:

Measurement application (e.g. if an ultrasonic distance sensor is being used to measure chemicals, it will need to be chemical resistant. Liquids vs solids and size, shape & orientation of the material will make a difference in what ultrasonic proximity sensor is appropriate for your application too)
Distance of the object being measured (check the minimum and maximum measurement distances the ultrasonic distance sensor is rated for to make sure it meets your requirements)
Output requirements (ultrasonic proximity sensors have three output options: analog, switch/relay and serial data)
Environmental conditions (the ultrasonic proximity sensor will need to be able to withstand the conditions in your application environment - such as temperature, weather, pressure/vacuum and other ultrasonic noise)

High-performance ultrasonic distance sensors also have higher accuracy at both short & long distances so the quality and performance of the ultrasonic proximity sensors is another consideration. With all these factors in mind, it can often be difficult determining what ultrasonic proximity sensor is right for your application. Our team can help you determine what ultrasonic proximity sensor will be best for your application.

Wenglor Ultrasonic Distance Sensors

Wenglor is an innovative European manufacturer of high quality and efficient ultrasonic proximity sensors that are used globally. The Wenglor Ultrasonic Distance Sensor U1RT in their product range has many features that make it industry leading. It is most commonly used for fill-level measurement, measuring stack height, slack monitoring and presence checking.

Features of the Wenglor Ultrasonic Distance Sensor U1RT include:

Low installation depth and easy & fast mounting of the ultrasonic distance sensor with an M18 thread
Highly versatile functionality - combines the U1RT format with the U1KT and UMD product series’ ultrasonic technology, setting new standards in terms of range and integration options
IO-Link 1.1 and NFC interface offering flexible setting options and data storage
Compact format
Completely visible LEDs
Temperature range of –30 to +60 °C
IP67/IP68 degree of protection
Working range in reflex mode up to 1,200 mm and working range in through-beam mode up to 2,000 mm
2 independent switching outputs with programmable error output
Reflex, through-beam or synchronous mode possible
PNP/NPN variants for flexible use
Reproducibility of 5 mm
Linearity deviation of 2 mm
Integrated temperature compensation that enables constant measurement
Smart communication of values and data
Quick and easy adjustment via teach-in key
IO-Link 1.1 with smart sensor profile and data storage for easy integration
Convenient setting using wenglor’s free wTeach2 software
Powerless and wireless setting via NFC via the wenglor app

Enquire About Ultrasonic Proximity Sensors For Your Application Today

We are an authorised New Zealand wide distributor of the Wenglor Ultrasonic Distance Sensor U1RT.

Contact us today to speak with an ultrasonic distance sensor expert and to order the Wenglor Ultrasonic Distance Sensor U1RT today.