How to Compare Ultrasonic Sensors for Your Application
When selecting an ultrasonic sensor, engineers often face an overwhelming number of variables such as: range, output type, housing material, power requirements, and environmental ratings, to name a few. Choosing the right model for your application starts with understanding how these factors interact to affect sensing performance, signal reliability, and long-term durability.
To make that process easier, Migatron has developed a comprehensive ultrasonic sensor comparison chart. It provides a side-by-side view of our entire product family, from compact analog sensors to long-range, intrinsically safe models, so you can quickly identify which series best fits your project’s needs.
Comparing Key Sensor Parameters
1. Sensing Range
Different applications demand different measurement distances. Migatron’s lineup spans from short-range precision models such as the RPS-412A (ideal for fine-tolerance measurement and position control) to long-range options like the RPS-4000, capable of monitoring targets up to several feet away. Knowing your target distance and required resolution helps narrow the field to the right series.
2. Output Type
Ultrasonic sensors can deliver analog or digital feedback depending on the control method.
- Analog output sensors—offering 0–10 V or 4–20 mA signals—are ideal for continuous level or distance measurement.
- Switching output models provide on/off control for presence detection or simple limit monitoring.
Many Migatron sensors, such as the RPS-409A and RPS-150, are available with multiple output configurations to match your PLC or control system.
3. Environmental Conditions
Harsh or hazardous locations require special consideration. Migatron’s intrinsically safe sensors, like the RPS-409A-IS2 and RPS-409A-IS3 have approvals for Class I, Div 1 and Zone 0 environments, ensuring safe operation in hazardous locations/explosive atmospheres. For standard industrial settings, rugged PVC or stainless steel housings withstand dust, moisture, and temperature extremes commonly found in manufacturing, water treatment, and material handling applications.
4. Housing and Mounting
Physical size and construction play a major role in integration. The RPS-412A’s 47 mm stainless-steel barrel suits precision fixtures and laboratory setups, while compact models such as the LCU-40APW simplify installation on conveyor lines or robotic tooling.
5. Accessories and System Integration
Selecting the proper interface hardware ensures reliable performance. Controllers such as the SPC-701/704 set-point modules and ZSB-409A safety barriers make system integration straightforward—especially in intrinsically safe applications—by converting, isolating, or protecting analog signals from field devices.
Why Use the Migatron Comparison Chart
The Migatron sensor comparison chart consolidates these technical details into one reference. You can easily filter by:
- Measurement range and resolution
- Output type (analog current, voltage, or discrete)
- Input voltage and temperature limits
- Housing material and IP rating
- Approvals for hazardous locations
Engineers and OEM designers use it as a starting point to identify compatible sensors for new designs or to qualify drop-in replacements for existing systems.
Experience You Can Trust
For over 50 years, Migatron has specialized exclusively in ultrasonic technology. Our engineering-driven approach ensures that every sensor, whether its standard or custom, is optimized for accuracy, stability, and reliability in demanding industrial environments.
Need Help Selecting the Right Sensor?
Our applications team can help you interpret comparison data and match the right sensor to your specific distance, level, or position sensing challenge.
Contact us today with your technical questions to discuss your ultrasonic sensor application and selection.
| Model Number | Sensing Range | Output Type | Housing Material | Temperature Compensation | Hazardous Location Rating | Type | Key Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RPS-401 | 4″ – 80″ (varies by model) | 2 Solid State Relays | PVC | No | — | Object Detection | Short-range tank or distance monitoring |
| RPS-401A | 4″ – 80″ (varies by model) | Analog Voltage (0–10V) or Current (4–20mA) | PVC | No | — | Distance Measurement | Conveyor and material handling systems |
| RPS-426 | 4″ – 80″ (varies by model) | 2 Solid State Relays | Stainless Steel | No | — | Object Detection | Food and beverage or wash-down zones |
| RPS-426A | 4″ – 80″ (varies by model) | Analog Voltage (0–10V) or Current (4–20mA) | Stainless Steel | No | — | Distance Measurement | Chemical processing |
| RPS-409A | 4″–144″ (varies by model) | Analog Voltage (0–10V) | PVC | Yes | — | Distance Measurement | Tank level, material detection, general automation |
| RPS-409-2P | 3″ – 144″ (varies by model) | Analog Voltage (0–10V) or Current (4–20mA) varies by model | PVC | Yes | — | Object Detection | OEM automation machinery |
| RPS-429AA-IS | 4″-80″ (varies by model) | Analog Current (4–20mA) | PVC | Yes | Class I, Div 1, Zone 0 | Distance Measurement | Intrinsically safe level monitoring |
| RPS-429AV-IS | 4″-80″ (varies by model) | Analog Voltage (1–5V) | PVC | Yes | Class I, Div 1, Zone 0 | Distance Measurement | Intrinsically safe level monitoring |
| RPS-409A-IS2 | 4″–216″ (varies by model) | Analog Voltage (0–10V) | PVC | Yes | Class I, Div 1, Zone 0 | Distance Measurement | Intrinsically safe level monitoring |
| RPS-409A-IS3 | 4″–216″ (varies by model) | Analog Voltage (0–10V) | Stainless Steel | Yes | Class I, Div 1, Zone 0 | Distance Measurement | Intrinsically safe level monitoring |
| RPS-412A | 3″–16″ (varies by model) | Analog Voltage (0–10V) or Current (4–20mA) varies by model | Stainless Steel | Yes | — | Distance Measurement | High-precision measurement; lab and process control |
| RPS-4000 | 24″–480″ | Analog Current (4–20mA) | Stainless Steel | Yes | — | Distance Measurement | Tank or Silo Level |
| RPS-400-6P | 2″–6″ | NPN | PBT | No | — | Object Detection | Compact tank or distance measurement |
| RPS-400-30 | 5″–30″ | NPN | POM | No | — | Object Detection | Transparent/clear plastic container detection |
| RPS-150 | 2″–80″ (varies by model) | 2 Solid State Relays | PBT | No | — | Object Detection | Short-range sensing, automation lines |
| RPS-150A | 2″–80″ (varies by model) | Analog Voltage (0–10V) or Current (4–20mA) | PBT | No | — | Distance Measurement | Short-range sensing, automation lines |
| LCU-40APW | 4″–40″ | Analog Voltage (1–10V) or Pulse Width | PVC | No | — | Object Detection | Conveyor object detection, packaging lines |
| RPS-450 | 5″ – 72″ (varies by model) | 2 Solid State Relays | PBT | No | — | Object Detection | High-Speed Conveyor Product Presence & Overflow Detection |