Frequently Asked Questions

A: Ultrasonic sensors service the market by providing a cost effective sensing method with unique properties not possessed by other sensing technologies. By using a wide variety of ultrasonic transducers and several different frequency ranges, an ultrasonic sensor can be designed to solve many application problems that are cost prohibitive or simply cannot be solved by other sensors.

• Long range detection: In industrial sensing, more and more applications require detection over distance. Ultrasonic sensors detect over long ranges up to forty feet, while limit switches and inductive sensors do not.
• Broad areadetection: While some photo electric sensors can detect over long distances they lack the ability to detect over a wide area without using a large number of sensors. The advantage of Migatron’s ultrasonic sensors is that both wide and narrow areas can be covered. All it takes is the proper ultrasonic transducer selection.
• Widest range of target materials: Only ultrasonic sensors are impervious to target material composition. The target material can be clear, solid, liquid, porous, soft, wood and any color because all can be detected.
• Non contact distance measuring: Because sound can be timed from when it leaves the transducer to when it returns, distance measuring is easy and accurate to .05% of range which equates to +or- .002 of an inch at a distance of 4 inches

It is Migatron’s continuing goal to provide ultrasonic sensors in industrially hardened packages that are electrically and electronically compatible with standard controls used in today’s industrial marketplace.

A: When used for sensing functions, the ultrasonic method has unique advantages over conventional sensors… Measures and detects distances to moving objects. Impervious to target materials, surface and color. Solid-state units have virtually unlimited, maintenance-free lifespan. Detects small objects over long operating distances. Resistant to external disturbances such as vibration, infrared radiation, ambient noise and EMI radiation. Ultrasonic sensors are not affected by dust, dirt or high-moisture environments. Ask your representative about Migatron’s full line of over 150 ultrasonic sensing devices: loop controls, robotic sensing, sensors to sort and transfer product by height, to count and measure, level detection of liquids and solids, distance measuring, part distinction, reflective counting, web brake detection, roll diameter, tension control and winding/unwinding regulation, slacking height control, proximity and ranging detection for AGV’s, people detection for counting or security, thickness measuring and much more including custom sensor manufacturing for OEM applications. Migatron’s experience with so many successful applications has enabled standardization and a reduction of sensor costs! Plus, sensors are available with options to accommodate specific applications for stringent operating requirements. Options include: sealed transducers, high gain, hysteresis control, separate transducers for thru beam detection, analog outputs and multi-channel systems.

A: At Migatron, we’re asked everyday to solve specific application problems with unique design parameters. As a result, we offer over one hundred and fifty different types of sensors and countless application solutions. For example, one Migatron customer needed to monitor the liquid level of a warm acid bath and provide a continual status report to a process control. The bath tank was five feet deep. Migatron considered the problem and recommended an ultrasonic sensor with the following: A stainless steel transducer and housing to withstand the acid fumes. A threaded sensor for easy mounting. An operating frequency that eliminates ambient and background noise, yet offers a consistent range of at least 80″. An analog signal output compatible with the controllers. Use of available on-site voltage to drive the sensor. The recommended sensor was the RPS-426A-80 which features a stainless steel threaded barrel unit with a 80″ range and analog output. It proved to be the perfect solution.

A: Proximity detection: An object passing anywhere within the preset range will be detected and generate and output signal. The detect point is independent of target size, material or degree of reflectivity. Ranging Measurement: Precise distance(s) of an object moving to and from the sensor are measured via time intervals between transmitted and reflected bursts of ultrasonic sound. The example shows a target detected at six inches from the sensor and moving to ten inches. The distance of change is continuously calculated and outputted.

A: Since 1979, Migatron has led the industry in the design and manufacture of industrially hardened sonic sensors and advanced solution-based technology for difficult sensing/control applications. Migatron offers:

• Wide and narrow beam units with digital or analog outputs.
• Units that operate over a variety of voltage ranges.
• Self-contained units with a wide variety of housings such as plastic, metal and stainless steel.
• Multi-transducer units that include temperature control compensation.
• Heated units for outdoor use.

Migatron’s transducers can be provided with:

• Time delays and/or span adjustments;
• Sensing ranges from 2 inches to 40 feet
• Multiplex controls to prevent cross talk between transducers

Migatron also offers custom manufacturing systems.

A: Migatron provides a control for those that have experienced the difficulty in applying analog devices. In the past, our customers used various control methods to convert the signal to usable engineering units as well as implementing various controls to monitor the signal. To simplify this process, Migatron has designed a stand alone control system that sets up easily. The control has both voltage and current inputs. Scaling allows real engineering units to be displayed while four programmable relay outputs give event and real-time control. The control has optional temperature compensation, two sensor input and/or a RS485 communications port. By electing the proper sensor, the meter offers a further dimension of control.

A: There are many cases where multiple transducers are required to provide systems information. Examples are contouring, sizing, measuring, quality control, sort and multiple part-selection. Migatron provides two-to-eight transducer systems with both analog and digital outputs. These systems come in a robust encloser and can measure to .05% of range which equates to +/-.002 of an inch at 4 inches. Migatron serves a diverse customer base. Our experience with some of the nations leading companies is your assurance of quality, excellent service and reliability. Industries using Migatron’s ultrasonic sensors include automotive, petrochemical, machine-tool, pharmaceutical, printing, baking, food processing, glass, film and steel to name a few.

A: Target angle: This term refers to the “tilt response” limitations of a given sensor. Since ultrasonic sound waves reflect off the target object, target angles indicate acceptable amounts of tilt for a given sensor. If an application requires a target angle beyond the capabilities of a single sensor, two sensors can be teamed up to provide even a broader angle of tilt. Beam Spread: This term is defined as the area in which a round wand will be sensed if passed through the target area. This is the maximum spreading of ultrasonic sound as it leaves the transducer.