Ultrasonic sensors have become quite the thing to use all around the world. As the technology has started to improve and more things rely on robotics, we can certainly see why an ultrasonic sensor would be something we might need.
We have indeed started to use more autonomous products, and there would be no surprise to see how much we can incorporate these sensors into these products. Now is the time when we will be able to see how useful they are to us compared to when they were first introduced to us. Here are a couple of things you need to know:
What is an ultrasonic sensor?
When talking about an ultrasonic sensor, the simplest way that we can explain what it is a device that emits a sound wave, and when having that sound get reflected, it measures the distance depending on the time it needs to be reflected.
This type of sensor emits a wave that has a frequency that we as humans cannot hear. So whatever object we want to measure the distance to, we can use an ultrasonic sensor.
The wave that this sensor creates and sends out is faster compared to an audible sound. This means that a sound that we can hear will take longer to travel from one place to another instead of an ultrasonic wave.
This type of device can be used anywhere, above ground, underground, indoors, outdoors, etc. Any moving object that you would want to detect, it will detect it for you. If you want to know more about how it is used, follow the link.
What is it made of?
Something that we don’t see as much is an ultrasonic sensor that has a separate receiver and transmitter. Even though it doesn’t happen as much, some people still use it.
What is mainly used is a sensor that has a transmitter and receiver built into it. They are mostly placed next to each other with the most minimal distance possible. This is because when they are placed as close as possible, the sound that travels will have a straighter line than when they would be placed as far as possible. This creates a smaller chance for any error to occur while sending and receiving a sound.
There are some sensors that have a transmitter and receiver built into a single unit, with the same expectation of allowing as few as possible errors to occur.
How they work
When using a sensor that has a transmitter and receiver built next to each other, the way that it works it has a wave or a sound left from the transmitter. When it leaves the transmitter, it does so as when a light is coming from a flashlight. This means that the space it takes is spread more further and vertical as it goes.
So it is better to have a beam that will spread wider because it will cover a larger area. Having a beam cover a smaller area will lead to more false results when detecting a certain area.
When using a sensor that has a built-in transmitter and receiver, a signal is sent out from the transmitter. Then the receiver will send back a signal when it detects the echo from it. This sensor is known as an ultrasonic transceiver. And we all know why by now.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of these sensors?
Just like any other technology we have? This one is also bound to have strong and weak points. There are no such things that have been made to be perfect all around.
When it comes to this technology, let’s mention what kind of strong points it has. First of all, an ultrasonic sensor can detect anything, as we discussed before. This means that while it tries to detect something or someone, the color of it will have no effect on it. This means that whatever you are trying to detect with this sensor, no matter what color it has in front of it, it will not affect the end result.
When you are trying to detect something, the distance can be very important from the object you are trying to detect. And this is something that you won’t have to worry about when using these sensors. They can detect anything as near as possible and as far as 20 meters.
They can be pretty inexpensive, and that is something that most people look for when buying something. Not only is it inexpensive, but it will do its job the way it needs to.
Now let’s focus a bit on the weaker points. Even though it is known that a sensor like this can be used anywhere and no matter the condition, sometimes, if the conditions are pretty harsh, then you may experience some malfunctions. The measurements you are looking for might not come out as precise as needed.
Like we said before, this sensor can detect anything, but the downside is that it can’t see the color and the shape of the object in front of it.
It is best to try to maintain and clean them since they can get dirt and water on them, they can freeze from being in the colder temperature. And afterward, it won’t function as before or at all.
Who to choose when buying?
Since this technology has taken over the world, there is almost no one that has not dipped their finger in it. There can be many manufacturers and companies to choose from, and it can be overwhelming. One option you can check is SensComp, and you can tell us after if they were good or not.
There is no chance that this technology will come to a stop, and it will only grow from here on out with its low cost and great functionality that is no surprise to any of us. There will be more products coming out, so be ready for all of them.