Long-range MassaSonic™ ultrasonic sensor

Citation

(2001), "Long-range MassaSonic™ ultrasonic sensor", Sensor Review, Vol. 21 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2001.08721cad.008

Long-range MassaSonic™ ultrasonic sensor

Long-range MassaSonic™ ultrasonic sensorKeywords: Ultrasonic, Sensors

The MassaSonic™ M-5000/95 is the latest version of this Smart Ultrasonic Sensor series (Plate 8). The new model, with maximum range up to 6m, incorporates state-of-the-art ultrasonic and microprocessor technology, to provide a self-contained, precision non-contacting sensing system for measuring and/or controlling position, distance or level in many factory automation or industrial process control applications.

The M-5000/95 sensor is manufactured by Massa Products Corp, USA, for more than 50 years a recognised leader in the design and manufacture of electroacoustic transducers and systems for use in air and under water. The product is available in Europe from sensing and instrumentation specialist Vydas International Marketing.

Plate 8 The MassaSonic M-5000/95

The M-5000/95 stands out over all other systems because of its extraordinary ease of use and operation, genuinely user-friendly software, versatility in user controlled outputs, and the ability to be set up without using a target.

The sensor transmits narrow beam sound pulses at a user-selected rate (or it can be externally triggered), processes return echoes, and produces several outputs depending on the position of the target.

Operating from 12 to 28V DC, the M-5000/95 provides non-contact measurement over a nominal target range of 0.3m-4m (1-13ft). Maximum programmable distance is 6m (20ft) for special applications.

Outputs include a 0-20mA or 4-20mA DC analogue current loop, two independent setpoint switches, and echo status by both an LED indicator and an echo status output switch. The system parameters and outputs are fully user programmable via an RS-485 data link, thereby eliminating the sealing and tampering problems associated with adjustment potentiometers or push buttons. The sensor has built-in compensation for speed-of-sound changes due to air temperature variations.

Applications for this innovative sensor include precision distance measurement, liquid and solids level measurement, automatic filling operations, mechanical positioning, roll diameter measurement, Web loop monitoring, automatic packaging, machine tool fluid level, paper and plastics film processing and many others.

Some additional programmable features include, analogue output slope, sampling rate, averaging of multiple target distance measurements, loss-of-echo time-out, and set-point hysteresis. These feature-rich functions permit Massa's M-5000/95 Sensor to perform as a versatile stand-alone controller in many applications.

Massa's extremely user-friendly software works with a PC running under Windows® 95, 98, NT or 2,000 operating systems. The M-5000/95 connects to a serial port of the PC using an RS485/RS-232 converter. The RS-485 data link allows up to 32 of the M-5000/95 sensors to be on the same multi-drop communications network.

For users that prefer not to use a PC, the sensors can be programmed at the factory to the customer's exact specifications for true "plug and play" operation.

Other features of the M-5000/95 include industry standard 30mm diameter CPVC housing, environmentally sealed to IEC IP 67 and NEMA 6 specifications, operation from –20°C to +65°C with built-in temperature compensation, diagnostic and monitoring outputs, and protection from over-voltage, short circuits, and reverse polarity.

For more information, contact: Vydas International Marketing, Swan House, Passfield Business Centre, Lynchborough Road, Passfield, Hants GU30 7SB, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1428 751822; Fax: +44 (0)1428 751833; E-mail: info@vydas.co.uk; Web site: www.vydas.co.uk