Current Ultrasonic Linear Position Sensors and Switches
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Ultrasonic linear position sensors and switches are devices designed to detect and measure discrete distances to moving objects. They provide a linear output that corresponds to the position of an object within a specified range. These sensors are particularly useful in environments where other sensing technologies might fail due to conditions such as dust, moisture, or particle-laden air.
Working Principle
Ultrasonic linear position sensors operate by emitting ultrasonic sound waves and measuring the time it takes for the waves to reflect back from an object. The time delay between emission and reception of the sound waves is used to calculate the distance to the object. This method is advantageous because it allows for precise distance measurements without physical contact with the object. The sensors are useful in a variety of environments, as they can function effectively in conditions that might impair other sensor types, such as dusty or wet environments.
Applications
Ultrasonic linear position sensors are used in a wide range of applications. For example, they can be employed in industrial automation to monitor the position of conveyor belts or robotic arms. In the automotive industry, they might be used to measure the position of components during assembly. Additionally, these sensors can be utilized in the agricultural sector to monitor the level of grain in silos or tanks.
Advantages over other Ultrasonic Linear Position Sensors and Switches
One of the key advantages of ultrasonic sensors is their ability to operate in harsh environmental conditions where other sensors might fail. They are not affected by dust, moisture, or other airborne particles, making them ideal for use in challenging environments. Additionally, ultrasonic sensors can provide accurate measurements over long distances, which can be a limitation for other sensor types.
Limitations
Despite their advantages, ultrasonic linear position sensors have some limitations. They may struggle with detecting objects that are very small or have irregular surfaces, as these can scatter the ultrasonic waves and affect measurement accuracy. Additionally, the speed of sound can vary with temperature and humidity, which might require calibration adjustments in certain environments.
Considerations
When selecting ultrasonic linear position sensors, several factors should be considered. Initial costs can vary depending on the sensor's range and accuracy specifications. Operating expenses are generally low, as these sensors do not require frequent maintenance. However, their accuracy can be influenced by environmental conditions, so it is important to ensure that the sensor is suitable for the intended application environment. Durability is typically high, but replacement and maintenance costs should be factored into the overall cost of ownership, especially in environments where sensors are exposed to extreme conditions.
from SensoPart
Ideal for monitoring the filling levels of liquids such as fats and oils. Automatic selection to current or voltage output. Easy pre-setting of sensor via digital display – sensor immediately ready for operation. Synchronisation of up to 10 devices in restricted spaces. Additional features... [See More]
- Output: Voltage; Current
- Resolution: 0.4000
- Measurement Range: 7.87 to 51.18
- Operating Temperature: -13 to 158
from SONOTEC Ultraschallsensorik Halle GmbH
The ultrasonic level switch SONOCONTROL 15 is designed to detect with speed and precision whether or not a tube is filled with liquid or liquefied gas. The compact sensor can be used for contactless measurement through the tube wall and is particularly suited to applications within the pharmacy and... [See More]
- Output: Current
- Ultrasonic Technology: Ceramic
from Banner Engineering Corp.
Offers 10 to 30V dc supply voltage with 4-20 mA or 0-10V dc analog output, depending on model. Senses from 30 to 300 mm. Automatically scales the analog output over the width of the programmed sensing window. Ideal for material handling and packaged goods applications, such as bottling or liquid... [See More]
- Output: Voltage; Current
- Operating Temperature: -4 to 140
- Measurement Range: 1.18 to 11.81
from Automation24, Inc.
The UGT580 square-shaped ultrasonic sensor from ifm electronic with a transducer frequency of 300 kHz, programmable switching output and scalable 4-20 mA analog output, has a range of 40-300 mm. The ultrasonic sensor UGT580 is easy to place into operation with the help of the programming buttons. [See More]
- Output: Current; Switched / Alarm
- Sampling Frequency: 0.3000
- Measurement Range: 1.57 to 11.81
- Operating Temperature: -4 to 158
from SensoPart
Automatic selection to current or voltage output. Easy pre-setting of sensor via digital display – sensor immediately ready for operation. Synchronisation of up to 10 devices in restricted spaces. Additional features with numerous supplementary functions. Choice of brass or stainless steel... [See More]
- Output: Voltage; Current
- Resolution: 0.4000
- Measurement Range: 13.78 to 134
- Operating Temperature: -13 to 158
from Banner Engineering Corp.
Provides 10 to 30V dc supply voltage with 0-10V dc or 4-20 mA analog output, depending on model. Housed in T-style right-angle housing with 30 mm threaded nose. Available with range of 100 mm to 1 m with a selectable 45 ms or 105 ms response time, 200 mm to 2 m with a selectable 92 ms or 222 ms... [See More]
- Output: Voltage; Current
- Linearity: 0.2500
- Measurement Range: 3.94 to 118
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 158
from Automation24, Inc.
The UGT582 cube-shaped ultrasonic sensor from ifm electronic with a transducer frequency of 230 kHz, programmable switching output and scalable 4-20 mA analog output, has a range of 60-800 mm. The ultrasonic sensor UGT582 is easy to place into operation with the help of the programming buttons. Its... [See More]
- Output: Current; Switched / Alarm
- Sampling Frequency: 0.2300
- Measurement Range: 2.36 to 31.5
- Operating Temperature: -4 to 158
from SensoPart
Automatic selection to current or voltage output. Easy pre-setting of sensor via digital display – sensor immediately ready for operation. Synchronisation of up to 10 devices in restricted spaces. Additional features with numerous supplementary functions [See More]
- Output: Voltage; Current
- Resolution: 0.4000
- Measurement Range: 2.56 to 13.78
- Operating Temperature: -13 to 158
from Automation24, Inc.
The UGT584 cube-shaped ultrasonic sensor from ifm electronic with a transducer frequency of 200 kHz, programmable switching output and scalable 4-20 mA analog output, has a range of 80-1200 mm. The ultrasonic sensor UGT584 is easy to place into operation with the help of the programming buttons. Its... [See More]
- Output: Current; Switched / Alarm
- Sampling Frequency: 0.2000
- Measurement Range: 3.15 to 47.24
- Operating Temperature: -4 to 158
from SensoPart
Long scanning range of 6 m. Automatic selection to current or voltage output. Easy pre-setting of sensor via digital display – sensor immediately ready for operation. Synchronisation of up to 10 devices in restricted spaces. Additional features with numerous supplementary functions [See More]
- Output: Voltage; Current
- Resolution: 0.4000
- Measurement Range: 23.62 to 236
- Operating Temperature: -13 to 158
from Automation24, Inc.
The crm+130/IU/TC/E M30 cylindrical ultrasonic sensor from microsonic with a transducer frequency of 200 kHz and an analog output (4-20 mA/0-10 V) has an operating range of 200-1300 mm. The stainless steel housing, its high chemical resistance and protection rating IP67 make use of the ultrasonic... [See More]
- Output: Voltage; Current
- Sampling Frequency: 0.2000
- Measurement Range: 7.87 to 51.18
- Operating Temperature: -13 to 158
from SensoPart
Robust M12 metal housing for harsh operating conditions. Analogue output: 4 … 20 mA. Simple sensor adjustment via control input [See More]
- Output: Current
- Resolution: 0.4000
- Measurement Range: 1.18 to 15.75
- Operating Temperature: -13 to 158
from Automation24, Inc.
The crm+25/IU/TC/E M30 cylindrical ultrasonic sensor from microsonic with a transducer frequency of 320 kHz and an analog output (4-20 mA/0-10 V) has an operating range of 30-250 mm. The stainless steel housing, its high chemical resistance and protection rating IP67 make use of the ultrasonic... [See More]
- Output: Voltage; Current
- Sampling Frequency: 0.3200
- Measurement Range: 1.18 to 9.84
- Operating Temperature: -13 to 158
from SensoPart
Robust M18 metal housing for harsh operating conditions. Detection regardless of object colour and surface. Analogue output: 4 … 20 mA. Rising/falling output characteristic adjustable [See More]
- Output: Current
- Resolution: 0.4000
- Measurement Range: 1.18 to 11.81
- Operating Temperature: -13 to 158
from Automation24, Inc.
The crm+340/IU/TC/E M30 cylindrical ultrasonic sensor from microsonic with a transducer frequency of 200 kHz and an analog output (4-20 mA/0-10 V) has an operating range of 350-3400 mm. The stainless steel housing, its high chemical resistance and protection rating IP67 make use of the ultrasonic... [See More]
- Output: Voltage; Current
- Sampling Frequency: 0.1200
- Measurement Range: 13.78 to 134
- Operating Temperature: -13 to 158
from SensoPart
Detection regardless of object colour and surface. Compact miniature housing for use when machine space is limited. Synchronisation input – simultaneous operation of several sensors in highly limited spaces. Analogue output: 0 … 10 V or 4 … 20 mA [See More]
- Output: Current
- Resolution: 0.2000
- Measurement Range: 0.7874 to 5.91
- Operating Temperature: -13 to 158
from Automation24, Inc.
The crm+35/IU/TC/E M30 cylindrical ultrasonic sensor from microsonic with a transducer frequency of 360 kHz and an analog output (4-20 mA/0-10 V) has an operating range of 85-350 mm. The stainless steel housing, its high chemical resistance and protection rating IP67 make use of the ultrasonic... [See More]
- Output: Voltage; Current
- Sampling Frequency: 0.3600
- Measurement Range: 3.35 to 13.78
- Operating Temperature: -13 to 158
from SensoPart
Detection regardless of object colour and surface. Compact miniature housing for use when machine space is limited. Synchronisation input – simultaneous operation of several sensors in highly limited spaces. Analogue output: 0 … 10 V or 4 … 20 mA [See More]
- Output: Current
- Resolution: 0.2000
- Measurement Range: 1.97 to 9.45
- Operating Temperature: -13 to 158
from Automation24, Inc.
The crm+600/IU/TC/E M30 cylindrical ultrasonic sensor from microsonic with a transducer frequency of 200 kHz and an analog output (4-20 mA/0-10 V) has an operating range of 600-6000 mm. The stainless steel housing, its high chemical resistance and protection rating IP67 make use of the ultrasonic... [See More]
- Output: Voltage; Current
- Sampling Frequency: 0.0800
- Measurement Range: 0.2362 to 23.62
- Operating Temperature: -13 to 158
from SensoPart
Long scanning distance of 700 mm with small and compact housings. Analogue output: 0 … 10 V or 4 … 20 mA. Ideal for monitoring filling levels, e.g. of liquids. Detection regardless of object colour and surface [See More]
- Output: Current
- Resolution: 0.2000
- Measurement Range: 4.72 to 27.56
- Operating Temperature: -13 to 158
from Automation24, Inc.
The lcs+340/IU square-shaped ultrasonic sensor from microsonic, with a transducer frequency of 120 kHz and an analog output of 4-20 mA/0-10 V, has an operating range of 350-3,400 mm. By using the programming buttons, the lcs+340/IU ultrasonic sensor can easily be put into operation. Its high... [See More]
- Output: Voltage; Current
- Sampling Frequency: 0.1200
- Measurement Range: 13.78 to 134
- Operating Temperature: -13 to 158
from SensoPart
Detection regardless of object colour and surface. Compact miniature housing for use when machine space is limited. Synchronisation input – simultaneous operation of several sensors in highly limited spaces. Analogue output: 0 … 10 V or 4 … 20 mA [See More]
- Output: Current
- Resolution: 0.2000
- Measurement Range: 0.7874 to 5.51
- Operating Temperature: -13 to 158
from Automation24, Inc.
The lcs+600/IU square-shaped ultrasonic sensor from microsonic, with a transducer frequency of 80kHz and an analog output of 4-20 mA/0-10 V, has an operating range of 600-6,000 mm. By using the programming buttons, the lcs+600/IU ultrasonic sensor can easily be put into operation. Its high... [See More]
- Output: Voltage; Current
- Sampling Frequency: 0.0800
- Measurement Range: 0.2362 to 23.62
- Operating Temperature: -13 to 158