6
Ultrasound for
Superior Performance
1. Principles |
1.1. Function
Structure of an ultrasonic sensor.
Ultrasonic sensors precisel\ detect oEMects made from Yarious materials
regardless of their shape, color, or surface contour. The\ operate using
high-freTuenc\ sound waYes that are inaudiEle to the human ear.
1.1.1. Physical Principles
Sound waYes with a freTuenc\ aEoYe appro[imatel\
6 kH] are referred to as ultrasonic. These sound
waYes can traYel through a wide Yariet\ of media
and effectiYel\ detect or monitor oEMects with a
relatiYel\ high densit\. Common ultrasonic targets
include solids, liTuids, and granular materials.
Sound waYes cannot traYel in a Yacuum.
Because the transmission properties and speed
of sound change in different media, sensors must
Ee adapted specificall\ to each medium.
Pepperl+Fuchsş ultrasonic sensors are optimi]ed
for the propagation of sound waYes in the air. The
ultrasonic transducer operates freel\ in the air and
cannot Ee used underwater.
Ultrasonic transducers work at different freTuencies
in the range of 60 kH] to 0 kH]. As the ultrasonic
freTuenc\ increases, so does the attenuation of
the sound waYes in the air. Therefore, long-range
sensors work at low freTuencies, and short-range
sensors work at high freTuencies.
