4
Sensor Technolog\ with a Finger
on the Pulse of Automation
Nature shows us how precisel\ sonar s\stems work eYen the most sophisticateG camouʘage
cannot help a moth if it is in the range of a Eatşs natural sonar. 'olphins use the same principle
to ʗnG their pre\ in murk\ water. Both of these animals oEtain their Easic means of suEsistence
E\ Getecting anG eYaluating the echo of sonic waYes. Their sensors work reliaEl\, eYen unGer the
most challenging conGitions.
In industrial applications, ultrasonic sensors are
characteri]ed E\ their reliaEilit\ and, in particular,
E\ their tremendous Yersatilit\. The\ can Ee used
to solYe eYen the most comple[ of tasks inYolYing
the detection of oEMects or leYels, Eecause their
measuring method works reliaEl\ under almost all
conditions. Ultrasonic sensors are a relatiYel\ new
technolog\. B\ the time the\ were introduced to
the industr\, optical and inductiYe methods had
alread\ Eeen estaElished for man\ \ears.
But oYer the past 30 \ears, ultrasonic technolog\
has caught up and proYen its suitaEilit\ for
eYer\da\ use in impressiYe fashion. Pepperl+Fuchs
and Siemens pla\ed an important role in this
deYelopment. Since we took oYer Siemenşs
pro[imit\ switch diYision in 20 0, we haYe Eeen
aEle to draw on the 30 \ears of e[perience gained
E\ Eoth sides in this area.
