SONARANGE® ultrasonic sensors

Ultrasonic sensors

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Ultrasonic sensors are mainly used in machine manufacturing and process control for distance measurement, as proximity switch or for room supervision.

 

The proximity type sensors work after the principle of time of flight measurement of sound. The time of flight in air (forth and back) is approx. 6ms per meter. The new innovative ultrasonic fork sensors however work after the principle of sound amplitude evaluation.

 

Compared to other measuring principles ultrasound is very robust. It passes dirty environment as well, and it is reflected by almost all surfaces. Thus it is independent of material, colour and surface structure of the target to be detected.

 

On the right one sees the remarkable influence of ultrasonic frequency on the sensor characteristics.
 

Why ultrasound?

• Independent of material, surface, colour, size
• Works under dust, dirt, fog, bright light
• Detects transparent and shining objects
• Wide measuring ranges from few mm up to >5m

 

Why ultrasonic sensors from SNT Sensortechnik AG?

SNT Sensortechnik AG is a pioneer in the field of ultrasonic sensors for distance measurement. The SONARANGE ultrasonic transducers are developed and manufactured in house. They differ from other products especially through their high emitted sound power. This enables them to detect also small and moving objects.

 

• SNT sensors have a measurably higher sound power thanks to SONARANGE transducer design and high transmitter voltage.
• This makes the sensors more sensitive and thus they detect also moving and small targets.
• SNT offers a wide product range
• SNT offers customized solutions
• SNT develops ultrasonic transmitters with help of FEM simulations

 

 

Limits of ultrasonic sensors

• Relatively slow (switching speed approx. 1...25Hz)
• Exception: Ultrasonic barrier (>200Hz)
• Resolution approx. 0.5...2mm (due to wave lenght of sound)
• Works only in air
• Have problems with very hot or very cold targets

 

Some applications

 

Why ultrasound?

• Level measurement in tanks and containers and in processes
• Waste water gauge measurement
• Monitoring liquid levels in bottling plants
• Checking for tailbacks on conveyor belts
• Monitoring contents of granulate hoppers on injection molding machines
• Distance monitoring on combine harvesters, beet lifters etc.
• Monitoring ground clearance and distance on agriculture and construction vehicles
     

 

Process control

• Controlling belt tension or sag
• Sensing and signaling valve positions
• Measuring roll diameter on reeling machines
• Monitoring the height of stacks (charges, storehouse, assembling machines)
• Detecting material feed
• Detecting the feed of strip stock to blanking machines and presses
• Detecting on plastic blow-molding machines
   

 

Counting / detection

• Counting persons at sales displays or show cases
• Access supervision at rotating doors, counters etc.
• Door automation
• Detecting transparent objects, foils, flat glass, bottles etc.
• Sensing objects in robot grippers
• Recognising full or empty pallets
• Count and detect objects with 'difficult' surface
• Detect wrong parts on conveyors
• Collision protection on vehicles
  
   

 

 

SONARANGE UPK Series

High sensitive ultrasonic distance and proximity sensors up to >5m (15 ft)

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• Measuring distances from 80mm up to >5m
• High detection sensitivity
• Very low profile, small size
• Versions with analogue and/or binary output
• Versions with synchronisation input
• Measurement independent of material,surface,
  colour and size of target
• Work under dust, dirt, fog, light
• Detect transparent and bright objects
• Protection class IP 67, fully watertight, robust
• M8 connector for screw or push mounting
• Versions with shielded integrated cable
• Customized versions available!

Click the PDF icon to view data sheet.

High power density

The outstanding feature of the UPK series is its high acoustic power combined with small sensor size. This is achieved with new optimized SONARANGE transducers, working at high electrical voltages. Thus also small, moving and poorly reflecting objects can be safely detected. Moreover the sensors work also under high contamination. With a length of <40mm the UPK sensors are the most compact ultrasonic sensors for such high measuring ranges.

 

AGC (Automatic Gain Control)

AGC is exclusively used in the UPK series. It adjusts automatically the detection sensitivity to the reflected signal intensity, allowing the detection of very small objects, too.

 

 

SONARANGE UPR Series

Small M18 ultrasonic distance and proximity sensors with axial or r adial transducers up to 1.5m (5 ft)

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• Measuring range up to 1500mm
• Version with 90°(radial) transducer
• Versions with synchronisation input
• Small size M18 x 1
• Measurement independent of material,surface,
  colour and size of target
• Work under dust, dirt, fog, light
• Detect transparent and bright objects
• Protection class IP 67, oil resistant, robust
• Plastic or stainless steel housing
• Customized versions available!

Click the PDF icon to view data sheet.

Description

Outstanding features of the UPR series are the compact M18 size and the version with 90?(radial) SONARANGE transducer for confine mounting conditions. The sensors are available as pure proximity switches and as distance sensors with V or mA analogue output as well. Typical applications are detection of objects and distance and level measurement.

 

 

 

SONARANGE UPR CP Series

Ultrasonic distance and proximity sensors resistant against chemicals (PVDF/PTFE housings)

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• Measuring range up to 1000mm
• Highly resistant against most chemicals such as acids and lyes
• Housing made of PVDF or PTFE
• Small size
• Measurement independent of material, surface,
  colour and size of target
• Work under dust, dirt, fog, light
• Detect transparent and bright objects
• Protection class IP 67, fully watertight, robust
• Customized versions available!
   

Click the PDF icon to view data sheet.

Description

The UPR CP series sensors are specially designed for use in a chemically harsh environment. The high resistance is based on PVDF resp. PTFE material. A detailed list of durability is available upon request. A typical application is the level measurement of acids and lyes in smaller containers. The basic sensor is a model UPR 1003 … However any UPR series sensor can be built in CP version (see data sheet UPR series). The front part exposed to the medium is made of PVDF (upon request also of PTFE). Both are extremely robust and resistant materials. PTFE is even little more resistant, but softer than PVDF. The outstanding feature is the ultrasonic transducer which is PTFE foil covered, too. The rear part of the sensor with cable and potentiometer is made of stainless steel resp. polyamide (not resistant against acids).

 

 

For OEM applications the shape of the housing can be ordered customized.

 

Chemical resistance list for sensor materials

 

 

 

 

 

SONARANGE UPX Series

Compact proximity switches for 60...500mm in popular 'R-shape' housing

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• Detection range up to 500mm
• Small size in popular, R-Shape'
• Versions with synchronisation input
• Measurement independent of material, surface, color
  and size of target
• Work under dust, dirt, fog, light
• Detect transparent and bright objects
• Waterproof, IP 67, ATEX 22, oil resistant, robust
• Customized versions available!

Click the PDF icon to view data sheet.

 

 

 

SONARANGE UPL Series

Good value proximity switch with fixed switching distance 200mm

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• Detection range up to 200mm
• Short M30 housing with M12 connector
• No blind range for most materials
• Measurement independent of material, surface, colour and size of target
• Works under dust, dirt, fog, light
• Detects transparent and bright objects
• Protection class IP 67, fully watertight, robust
• Good value

Click the PDF icon to view data sheet.

Properties

Ultrasonic sensors are best suited for detection of objects with very different surfaces and materials, as well as under difficult environmental conditions such as dust, dirt, fog, bright light. There they have clear advantages compared to inductive, capacitive and optical sensors.

 

The ultrasonic proximity switch UPL 200 is designed for detection in the rather close range up to 200mm. It has a fixed switching distance and no setting elements (only an LED). Thus it is most suited for lateral approximation of objects, e.g. on conveyors. In order to detect targets in the whole range between 0…200mm, the object should have a minimum size of approx. 15mm and it should not be made of sound absorbing material. In the range 80…200mm the sensor detects also much smaller and sound absorbing objects.

 

  

Blind range

The typical zone close to the ultrasonic sensor is called blind zone. Conventional sensors cannot detect in the blind range. However the UPL type detects most objects also in the blind range due to its high power SONARANGE transmitter and the M30 surface, i.e. in the whole range from 0…200mm. Only very bad reflecting (e.g. some textiles) or very small objects (<15mm) can be detected only above 80mm distance. Thus for most objects the sensor works without blind zone.

 

 

 

UPS Series standard

Miniature sensors in M12 housing with narrow detection beam

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• Measuring range up to 200mm
• Very small blind range
• Narrow detection beam
• Small size M12x1
• Teach-In
• Binary or analogue outputs
• Measurement independent of material, surface, colour and size of target
• Work under dust, dirt, fog, light
• Detect transparent and bright objects

Click the PDF icon to view data sheet.

 

Description

The ultrasonic sensors of the UPS series are specially small, and they have a narrow detection beam. Thus they are well suited to detect objects in the near range up to 200mm and under confined conditions. The sensors are available as well as pure proximity switches as also as distance sensors with analogue mA or V output. The switch or measuring distances can be learned by a teach-in procedure. Typical applications are detection of objects and distance and level measurement.

 

 

Model selection

The UPS versions have different outputs.

                                                                                                                                    

 

UPS 200 TVPA 24 C

Ultrasonic sensor with a binary output with 2 teachable switching points (NO, NC or window function).

 

 

UPS 200 TOR 24 CA

 

Ultrasonic sensor for distance measurement with an analogue output 0...10V. The lower and upper limits are teachable.

 

 

UPS 200 TOR 24 CI

Ultrasonic sensor for distance measurement with an analogue output 4...20mA. The lower and upper limits are teachable.

 

Teach-In Box

Data Sheet PDF
 

 

UPS Series FB (Focus BEAM)

Miniature sensor with focusing device for smallest containers

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• Measuring range 0...150mm
• even smaller detection lobe
• Teach-In
• Binary or analogue outputs

Click the PDF icon to view data sheet.

 

Description

The ultrasonic sensors series UPS FB are equipped with a focusing device made of glass-fibre reinforced polypropylene, which makes the sound beam particularly narrow. Therefore they are suitable in the near range up to 150mm to watch into narrow cavities. A typical application is measuring of liquid level in small tubes or containers.

 

 

 

UPS Series CP (chemically resistant)

Minitaure sensor with chemically resistant head

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The diaphragm of the series UPS 150 CP is coated with a thin PTFE foil. The head made of chemically resistant PVDF serves as mechanical fixation for the foil and protection of the sensor front part. Thus the front part of the ultrasonic sensor becomes resistant to most chemicals.

 

                                                                                                                                    

 

Data Sheet PDF

 

• Measuring range 20...150mm
• Teach-In
• Binary or analogue outputs

 

 

SONARANGE UPY Series

Non-contact ultrasonic switch for door automation

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• Built-in the cover of electric switch box (surface mount
  or wall mount)
• For use where contact by hand is not allowed
  (e.g. food processing, clean rooms, hospitals)
• Works under dirt, dust, fog, bright light
• Switches independently of material, surface, colour
  and size of target
• Water tight, protection class IP 67, robust
• Reach 30cm (independent of target!)
• With relay output for connection of a door control unit
• 24VDC operation
• Customized versions available!

Click the PDF icon to view data sheet.


 

Description

The ultrasonic switch UPY 300 RA 24 is used instead of a conventional electric wall mounted switch when a non contact operation is necessary (e.g. sliding doors, lights etc.). This complies with certain hygienic demands (food processing industry, hospitals, clean rooms).

The advantage of ultrasonic sensors compared to optical switches is that they are least susceptible to dirt and fully water resistant. The sensor diaphragm is protected against mechanical wear by an orifice. The sensor reacts only to presence and not to movements. As soon as an object (e.g. a hand) is within the 30cm detection zone, the built-in relay switches. Since the sensor does sense the time of flight and not an intensity (as usual with optical sensors), it has a 100% background suppression. Loads of up to 30VAC/DC and 6A can be switched with the mono stable relay.

The UPY switch is offered as one unit together with the box cover (incl. sealing and 4 M3 screws). The box cover fits to a surface mount housing (APG) or to an in-wall mount housing (ELK) as well. For mounting into a wall one needs additionally a mounting plate (MPL).

 

 

SONARANGE UPB Series

High performance ultrasonic barrier up to 1500mm (200Hz!)

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• Large detection range up to 1500mm
• Small size in popular "R-Shape"
• Microprocessor controlled
• No blind range
• Very high switching frequency (200Hz)
• For detection of fast objects and objects with small
  distance to each other
• For detection of non right-angled surfaces
• Adjustable transmitter power
• Adjustable switching delay
• Works under dust, dirt, fog, bright light
• Detects transparent and bright objects
• Waterproof, IP 67, ATEX 22, oil resistant, robust
• Customized versions available!

 

Data Sheet PDF

 

 

 

 

 

SONARANGE UPF Series

Ultrasonic fork sensors for web guide and edge control

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• Ultrasonic fork barrier with analogue output 0...10V
• The analogue signal is a function of lateral covering
• For edge control and web guidance systems
• For transparent foils
• For contaminated air
• High accuracy and temperature stability
• High detection width
• Small plane change error
• High sampling rate
• Teach-In

 

Data Sheet PDF

 

Descriptions

The new edge sensors type UPF-A TOR are based on the experience of SNT Sensortechnik AG with ultrasonic through beam sensors. New software algorhythms and a unique SONARANGE ultrasonic transducer material allow an accuracy and temperature stability so far only realized with optical systems. But the ultrasonic fork barrier is much less sensitive to dirt and dust compared to optical sensors. Further more transparent materials such as foils can be perfectly handled. The so called plane change error has been minimized to almost zero. Together with the high sampling speed of the sensor this means that fast moving and thus fluttering webs are well aligned.

 

The sensor can ideally be adjusted to the actual air conditions by the help of the teach-in function. Furthermore acoustically transparent materials such as textiles can be measured. With teach-in the signal output can be defined at fully closed as well as at fully open fork. In addition, the output signal can also be inverted via teach-in. The new sensors can be teached by push buttons or through the connector. 3 LED indicate the actual position in 5 steps.

 

The new larger fork widths are of particular interest if the material web is vertically heavily flattering or if it does not always pass at the same height.

 

 

The 5 advantages of SNT ultrasonic fork sensors

 

1. The SNT ultrasonic transducers have a large diameter.

    Result: large measurement range combined with high linearity and resolution.

 

2. The all new SONARANGE material of the ultrasonic transducers has a Young’s modulus which is constant up to higher temperatures compared to the past.

    Result: high temperature stability.

 

3. The signals are compensated with computed data as well as with a temperature sensor.

    Result: precise operation up to 60°C.

4. The sensors have the teach-in feature.

    Result: They can be adapted to the actual air condition and the material.

 

5. Software and transducers are designed to eliminate the influence of multiple echoes.

    Result: Very small influence of plane change and high measuring speed.

The UPF-A is an ultrasonic through beam sensor with separated transmitter and receiver. In contrast to conventional barriers it does not offer a simple on/off output signal, but it measures the degree of covering of the ultrasonic receiver as a linear analogue output signal. If the receiver is fully covered, the output is 0V and if not covered at all 10V. With its large measuring range of 13mm it is the perfect tool for web guiding applications in dusty environment and with transparent web material. This new sensor can be used in packaging industry for web guiding control. But many other applications are open to this product, such as edge detection for many materials.

 

Accessories for ultrasonic sensors

Cables

Connector thread Connector Type Wires   Length   Material   Type               M8 straight 3 2m PUR KAB 2K3VGPUR M8 straight 3 5m PUR KAB 5K3VGPUR M8 90° 3 2m PUR KAB 2K3VWPUR M8 90° 3 5m PUR KAB 5K3VWPUR M8 straight 4 2m PUR KAB 2K4VGPUR M8 straight 4 5m PUR KAB 5K4VGPUR M8 90° 4 2m PUR KAB 2K4VWPUR M8 90° 4 5m PUR KAB 5K4VWPUR M12 straight 3 2m PVC KAB 2L2VGPVC M12 straight 3 2m PUR KAB 2L2VGPUR M12 straight 4 2m PUR KAB 2L4VGPUR

  

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Teach-In Box for UPS Series

 

The ultrasonic sensors of the UPS series are set with a teach-in procedure. This can happen either manually by connecting the teach wire to 0V or +24VDC, or with the help of the Teach-In Box. The Teach-In Box has two 2m long cables for connection between sensor (M12, f) and sensor cable (M12, m). Thus it is put into the actual sensor cabling, and it can be removed after the teach-in procedure. The teach-in happens by a quick touch of the switch either to the left or right.

 

Data Sheet PDF

 

 

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UPM mounting bracket made of glass fibre reinforced polyamide

For mounting ultrasonic sensors UP and UPK series.

 

 

OPTORANGE® sensors

SNT Sensortechnik AG offers the ultrasonic sensors but also a wide range of optical sensors for automation. We did specialize in sensors for detection of small parts.

 

 

A speciality are the glass fibre wave guides. Optical wave guide sensors are ideally suited when objects have to be detected in confine conditions. The sensor is separated from the small scanner head. Glass-fibre wave guides are more robust and have longer service life compared to plastic guides. They have lower attenuation and thus allow also very long wave guides. SNT can offer wave guide as along as 10m.

 

 

  
 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                     

 

 

                                                                                                                                                   
  wave guide sensors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 fork light barriers

                                                                                                                                               

 

OPIORANGE OPF Series

Fast and precise fork light barriers

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• Simple and quick mounting
• Detection of smallest parts
• Fork widths 30...120mm
• High switching frequency up to 4kHz
• Water proof, IP 67, robust
• Versions with red light and laser light as well
• Customized versions available

Click the PDF icon to view data sheet.

 

 

Fork width	Type red light with potentiometer	Type red light with Teach-in	Type laser light with potentiometer
30 mm	OPF 30 PA 24 C	OPF 30 TA 24 C	OPFL 30 PA 24 C
50 mm	OPF 50 PA 24 C	OPF 50 TA 24 C	OPFL 50 PA 24 C
80 mm	OPF 80 PA 24 C	OPF 80 TA 24 C	OPFL 80 PA 24 C
120 mm	OPF 120 PA 24 C		OPFL 120 PA 24 C

Description

Fork light barriers have several advantages compared to standard barriers. Transmitter and receiver are perfectly aligned. Mounting is therefore very easy. There is no mechanical misalignment possible after mounting. Furthermore each version of fork width is optimized in light intensity, sensitivity and measuring frequency. Thus fork light barriers have a high resolution and reproducibility. They are ideally suited for detection of small parts and for precise edge detection.

The versions with laser instead of red light are even approx. 10 times more precise. The teach-in versions offer a user friendly teach of smallest objects

 

 

OPIORANGE OPF Label Series

Fork light barriers for label sensing

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• Simple and quick installation
• Teach-In
• Detection of labels with infrared light
• Fork widths 2mm and 5mm
• High switching frequency 3kHz
• Water proof, IP 67, robust

Click the PDF icon to view data sheet.

 

 

Fork Width	Type infrared light with teach-in
2 mm	OPF 02 TA 24 C
5 mm	OPF 05 TA 24 C

Description

The OPF label fork light barriers with teach-in function allow quick and easy installation in label processing systems. The sensor detects the gap between labels. Thanks to infrared light the barrier has high penetration power.

OPIORANGE Optical proximity switches Series OPD and OPE

Robust devices for SNT optical wave guide sensor

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OPD Series

High light power and rugged wave guide sensor

• Universal device for all SNT glass fibre wave guides type FO
• very high light power
• rugged metal housing
• Teach-in
• PNP output

 

 

The OPD proximity switch is the basic electronics for the SNT optical wave guides types FOY and FOI. It can be used as a stand-alone proximity switch as well. The switching distance on a white surface without wave guide is min. 1500mm. The OPD is least susceptible to parasitic light sources thanks to infrared light. It can be set by teach-in or manually as well.

                                                                                                                                                                                                   

OPE Series

Good value and rugged wave guide sensors

• For all FO glass fibre wave guides of SNT Sensortechnik AG (scanners and barriers)
• Infrared light
• detection of smallest parts
• low cost versions with potentiometer setting
• Rugged design
• Versions with 110/230VAC and relais output

 

OPIORANGE FOY Series

Miniature scanners for limited space

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• Miniature glass-fibre scanners
• For detection under very confine conditions
• High scanning distances
• High temperature range, ATEX
• No aging
• Various cross sections and scanner heads
• Smallest diameters 1mm
• Lenghts from 25cm to >5m
• Customized versions offered
• Operates together with OP... proximity switches

Click the PDF icon to view data sheet.

 

 

 

OPIORANGE FOI Series

Miniature heads for limited space

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• Miniature glass-fibre light barriers
• For barrier widths up to 1500mm
• Very robust thanks to glass instead of plastic
• High temperature range, ATEX
• No aging
• Various cross sections and scanner heads
• Smallest diameters 1mm
• Various lenghts
• Customized versions offered
• Operates together with OP... proximity switches

Click the PDF icon to view data sheet.