Ultrasonic Sensors
As the name indicates, ultrasonic sensors measure distance by using ultrasonic waves
As the name indicates, ultrasonic sensors measure distance by using ultrasonic waves. The sensor head emits an ultrasonic wave and receives the wave reflected back from the target. Ultrasonic Sensors measure the distance to the target by measuring the time between the emission and reception.
An optical sensor has a transmitter and receiver, whereas an ultrasonic sensor uses a single ultrasonic element for both emission and reception. In a reflective model ultrasonic sensor, a single oscillator emits and receives ultrasonic waves alternately. This enables miniaturization of the sensor head.
Because ultrasonic sensors use sound rather than light for detection, they work in applications where photoelectric sensors may not. Ultrasonic’s are a great solution for clear object detection, clear label detection and for liquid level measurement, applications that photoelectric struggle with because of target translucence. As well, target color or reflectivity does not affect ultrasonic sensors, which can operate reliably in high-glare environments.
