Ultrasonic sensors measure distances

The MassaSonic M-300/150 and M-300/95 provide precision, noncontact distance measurement for factory automation or industrial process control.

Vydas International Marketing has released the MassaSonic M-300/150 and M-300/95 smart ultrasonic sensors, offering increased ranges.

The M-300/150 detection range is up to 2.5m and the M-300/95 is up to 4.5m.

This complements the M-300/210, which has a range of 100mm to 1.3m maximum.

The M-300 ultrasonic sensor design incorporates ultrasonic and microprocessor technology to provide low-cost, precision, noncontact distance measurement for factory automation or industrial process control.

The sensor transmits narrow-beam sound pulses at a user-selected rate, processes return echoes and produces several outputs dependent on the position of the target.

Operating from 12 to 24V DC, the M-300 range includes several sensor models that operate at different ultrasonic frequencies with different ranges.

A linear output of 0 to 10V DC is provided, which is proportional to the measured distance to the target from the minimum detection distance to the nominal maximum target distance specified for the particular M-300 model.

This output voltage range, however, can be easily reprogrammed to start and end anywhere between 0 and 10V DC.

The corresponding target distance span can also be set to start and stop at any two target ranges.

This output voltage can also be programmed to operate as a digital switch at a specified target setpoint distance.

The system parameters and outputs are programmable via an RS-485 data link, eliminating problems associated with adjustment potentiometers or pushbuttons.

Some additional programmable adjustments include: analogue output slope, sampling rate, averaging of multiple distance measurements, loss-of-echo time-out, setpoint hysteresis when operating in the digital switch mode and a software sensor transmit trigger.

The M-300 ultrasonic sensors' user-friendly software operates with Windows operating systems using an RS-232/RS-485 or USB/RS-485 convertor.

This data link allows up to 32 sensors to be on the same multi-drop communications network using the supplied protocol.

This network also allows users to remotely program their sensors and read ranges for quick integration into their process control application.

For users that prefer not to use a PC, the sensors can be programmed at the factory to the customer's exact specifications for plug and play operation.

The sensor also has a totally sealed PVC housing containing an industry standard 1-inch NPT fitting for mounting, operation from -20C to 65C with built-in temperature compensation, diagnostic and monitoring outputs and protection from over-voltage, short circuits and reverse polarity.

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