Now even more versatile

Further developments in the field of ultrasonic sensors

Ultrasonic sensors are suitable for an extremely wide range of applications. Now ipf electronic is presenting new products whose application flexibility has been increased many times over thanks to the integrated IO-Link interface.

The solutions are available in four different thread sizes (M8, M12, M18, M30), plus a cuboid version.

The immense potential of IO-Link technology is evident in the devices with switching output as well as analog output.

Freely selectable operational mode

The ultrasonic sensors with switching output can be easily switched between diffuse reflection sensor and reflex mode via IO-Link. This allows the devices to be set not only to an object to be detected, but also to a background (e.g. a machine part). Irregular, structured, round or angled object surfaces in particular can deflect the signal echo of an ultrasonic scanner to such an extent that it cannot provide a reliable function. This problem is solved in reflex mode, as all deviations from the object background (object in the detection range) are reliably detected and result in switching behavior.

The diffuse reflection sensors with switching output also offer greater flexibility during start-up thanks to IO-Link. A total of three different teach modes are available for this, whereby the auto teach mode was specially developed for dynamic sensor adjustment for moving objects.

Individual setting options

Thanks to the IO-Link interface, each sensor also provides a range of valuable information despite its compact design, offers intelligent additional functions, such as temperature compensation that can be activated, and also enables individual settings, such as the output function of the switching output, turn-on/turn-off delays and switching hysteresis. Diagnostic data is also available, such as the number of switch-on processes, an elapsed hour counter or the minimum and maximum object distance.

Maximum flexibility

The same applies to the even more versatile ultrasonic sensors with analog output, which provide a choice of three measurement signals via IO-Link (4-20mA, 0-20mA or 0-10V). Along with the analog output, the solutions integrate a multifunctional teach input that can be parameterized via IO-Link as a switching output, among other things. This means that all the functions and setting options are available that the sensors with switching output also offer. If several devices are mounted next to each other in a confined space, two further options are available via the teach input to suppress mutual interference: synchronization and multiplex mode. In these operational modes, the inputs of the devices concerned are electrically connected to communicate with each other. In synchronization mode, all sensors generate a sound pulse at the same time or synchronously and then switch to receiver. In multiplex mode, on the other hand, only one sensor generates a sound pulse at a time and then switches to receiver to evaluate the echo before the next sensor becomes active.