What is an ultrasonic sensor? Introduction to Principles and Applications
2024.10.20
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Ultrasonic sensor is a type of sensor that uses ultrasonic waves for distance measurement, speed measurement, or obstacle detection. It usually consists of ultrasonic generator, receiver, signal processing circuit and other parts. The ultrasonic generator emits high-frequency ultrasonic signals. After being reflected by the environment, the ultrasonic signals are received by the receiver and sent to the signal processing circuit for processing, obtaining information such as distance and speed, thereby achieving functions such as distance measurement, speed measurement, and obstacle detection.
2、 The working principle of ultrasonic sensors
The working principle of ultrasonic sensors is based on the characteristics of ultrasonic waves, namely short wavelength and high frequency, which can propagate in substances such as air and water. The workflow can be summarized into three steps:
1. Ultrasonic emission and reception
The ultrasonic generator generates high-frequency ultrasonic waves. In general, it uses the piezoelectric effect to convert electrical signals into mechanical vibrations, and ultrasonic signals are generated during the vibration process. The emitted ultrasonic signal is reflected by objects in the environment and ultimately received by the receiver.
2. Data processing
After receiving the ultrasonic signal, a series of processing is required to obtain information such as the distance and velocity of the object. During the processing, it is important to note the issue of attenuation of ultrasonic waves during transmission, so it is necessary to compensate for the attenuation of the signal.
3. Data output
After completing data processing, the ultrasonic sensor will output ranging, speed measurement and other information to the corresponding system for processing and application.
3、 Application scenarios of ultrasonic sensors
Ultrasonic sensors have a wide range of applications, including measurement, automation control, robotics, and other fields.
1. Measurement field: Ultrasonic sensors can be used to measure information such as distance, velocity, and liquid level of objects, such as flow meters, water level gauges, etc.
2. In the field of automation control: Ultrasonic sensors can achieve functions such as opening and closing automated garages and access control systems, as well as obstacle avoidance.
3. Robotics field: Ultrasonic sensors can be used for robot positioning, obstacle detection, and other functions. For example, robots can perceive their surroundings and avoid obstacles through ultrasonic sensors.
4、 Advantages and disadvantages of ultrasonic sensors
The advantages of ultrasonic sensors are high sensitivity, long measurement distance, high accuracy, and minimal environmental impact, making them suitable for various harsh environments. The disadvantage is that the measurement accuracy may be affected by factors such as environmental temperature, air pressure, humidity, etc., and when the measurement distance is too far, attenuation will affect the signal quality.
【 Conclusion 】
Ultrasonic sensor is a very commonly used sensor that uses its high-frequency ultrasonic signal to measure distance, speed, or detect obstacles. It has a wide range of application fields and plays an important role in measurement, automation control, robotics, and other fields, playing an increasingly important role.
