Posted to News on 12th May 2009, 15:40
30mm ultrasonic sensors gain performance improvement
Sick UK is upgrading its successful 30mm ultrasonic sensors, launching the UM30-2 series to offer additional performance and usability, meeting the requirements of an even wider range of applications.
Launched at the same competitive cost as Sick's current 30mm ultrasonic sensor range, the improved UM30-2 series includes a filter setting adjustment that enables users to change between a high-security mode, which protects against false signal switching but has a slower update, and a fast-response mode for highly dynamic applications that do not require such a high level of false switching security. This gives customers the facility to fine-tune the sensor's performance, enabling the UM30-2 to be used in even more diverse applications.
Multiplex switching
Another new feature is the multiplex switching mode that enables up to 10 UM30-2 sensors to be connected to measure large areas, with integrated phase switching to prevent mutual interference and false switching. Targets of different colours or even transparent materials, water and film present no difficulty.
Despite now being 25 per cent shorter than the original sensor (between 84 and 105mm long), the UM30-2's 30-8000mm operating range is said to be one of the widest available for this class of sensor, covering applications from level sensing and product detection to crane and vehicle collision control. The clear display indicates distance to target and larger buttons increase ease of set-up.
Darren Pratt, Product Manager for Sick UK, comments: "Sick listened carefully to what customers wanted from ultrasonic sensors and launched a sensor which meets today's requirements, whilst at the same time retaining the features which have made it a best seller - like temperature compensation in the transducer head, which delivers the very best measurement results possible.
"Set up and rapid programming via integrated pushbuttons has always been important for Sick sensors. Teach devices like special programming keys, used by some other manufacturers, risk being mislaid or even dropped during use. If it is into a food hopper or to the bottom of a tank of liquid, that is bad news."
Digital and analogue output variants of the UM30-2 are available, with the analogue variants capable of producing 4-20mA or 0-10V outputs. Selection of analogue output type is either automatic, where the sensor detects the impedance of the load at power up, or manual, via the intuitive menu structure. Such flexibility reduces the number of different models required to meet installation needs, and therefore reduces inventory costs.
