Ultrasonic Sensors - Different Devices and Various Applications

Ultrasonic sensors depend highly upon sound waves or radio sounds in order to interpret the echoes and evaluate certain attributes of their targets. They are often referred to as transceivers especially when they function both in the sending and receiving of sound waves similar to the roles of the sonar or the radar. They work as high-frequency waves of sound are generated and evaluated. The sensor calculates the interval by which the signal is received thereby interpreting its distance from the object.

There are many uses for ultrasonic sensors aside from the interpretation of the distance of the target to another object. One is for the measurement of wind direction or speed relying upon the anemometer technology. Air and water speed, as well as tank fullness, may also be measured. Multiple detectors are also utilized in the process. Ultrasonography, burglar alarms, and humidifiers depend much upon these sensors too. Look into some devices found under this product category. Find out about some of its applications too.

Transducers and detectors

Ultrasonic transducers are devices used in order to convert energy into sound waves. The most common examples are piezoelectric transducers wherein piezoelectric crystals are utilized. The crystals have the capacity to change sizes especially when a certain amount of voltage is applied. It works with the use of an alternating current thus making the crystals oscillate during high frequencies. As these high frequencies are produced, sound waves are also increased.

Detectors are also highly important devices in ultrasound detection. Systems may look for separate transmitters and receivers while others may employ both inside the piezoelectric transceiver. Other methods that are considered in ultrasonic sensors are capacitive actuation and magnetostriction.

Applications in medicine and other industries

These sensors are popular in the medical field especially in the area of ultrasonography. Medical transducers have different sizes and shapes and are utilized in order to take pictures of various body parts. The transducer is used in different ways: it may be inserted into body openings, or it may be placed on top of body surfaces.

In other industries though, ultrasonic sensors work well with process plants and automated factories. On and off digital outputs for sensors are used to detect object presence too. Some cleaning devices make use of these sensors. These gadgets operate once the transducer is attached to a pan made out of stainless steel. Square waves are also applied in order to impart energy to the liquid either in the form of water or isopropanol.