Ultrasonic Sensor
• An ultrasonic sensor is an instrument that measures the distance to an
object using ultrasonic sound waves.
An ultrasonic sensor uses a transducer to send and receive ultrasonic
pulses that relay back information about an object’s proximity
• Ultrasonic sensors work by sending out a sound wave at a frequency
above the range of human hearing.
• The transducer of the sensor acts as a microphone to receive and
send the ultrasonic sound.
• Our ultrasonic sensors, like many others, use a single transducer to
send a pulse and to receive the echo.
• The sensor determines the distance to a target by measuring time
lapses between the sending and receiving of the ultrasonic pulse.
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• In order to calculate the distance between the sensor and the object,
the sensor measures the time it takes between the emission of the
sound by the transmitter to its contact with the receiver.
• The formula for this calculation is D = ½ T x C (where D is the
distance, T is the time, and C is the speed of sound ~ 343
meters/second).
• For example, if a scientist set up an ultrasonic sensor aimed at a box
and it took 0.025 seconds for the sound to bounce back, the distance
between the ultrasonic sensor and the box would be
D = 0.5 x 0.025 x 343
or about 4.2875 meters.
Ultrasonic Object Detection in Driving Assistance
Both self-driving cars (as well as human-driven vehicles that incorporate
driver assistance technology) use sensors extensively to monitor road and
surrounding conditions. For example, ultrasonic sensors can detect cars in
adjacent lanes for “blind spot detection” and alert human drivers if a car is
in their blind spot.
Ultrasonic Distance Detection
For example, when parking your car, the sensors can monitor how close the
car comes to a wall or other vehicles and alert you to stop. This works in
traffic as well, because these sensors function accurately even when both
objects are in motion.
Ultrasonic Diameter Detection
Consider printing facilities, such as those that print newspapers or magazine
pages. The paper typically starts out in a roll; as the paper gets used, the roll’s
diameter diminishes. With ultrasonic sensors, the facility can automatically
detect when the roll is about to run out, so they can be prepared to swap it out
for a fresh roll without losing productivity.
Ultrasonic Sag Detection
Ultrasonic sensors can also ensure that any conveyor belts, wires, or cables
that might be used in a manufacturing or other industrial setting are
positioned as they should be. Cable sag can slow or stop production lines, and
these sensors can automatically detect if these objects are running evenly, or
even they need to be tightened.
Ultrasonic Level Detection
Here’s another example of process automation, this time in the food
production industry. Hoffmann + Krippner makes an ultrasonic sensor with a
hygienic design and fully encapsulated stainless steel that makes it perform
well even when working with food items. For example, it can help creameries
produce cheese continuously, rather than in batches, by monitoring milk and
rennet levels in a coagulator machine.
