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Ultrasonic sensor UC18GS with illuminated switching LED
Building on experience. Driving technology. Maximizing performance.

Ultrasonic Sensor Series UC18GS with IO-Link

Benefits

  • Ticking All Imaginable Boxes

    The UC18GS series literally ticks all the boxes—in terms of functionalities and features it combines everything you can expect from a state-of-the-art ultrasonic sensor.

  • Application-Specific Adaption

    The adjustable sound beam width, small dead band, and built-in interference target suppression enable optimal adaption of the UC18GS ultrasonic sensors to the application settings while significantly increasing process reliability.

  • Easy Synchronization of Multiple Sensors

    By means of the automatic synchronization feature, the UC18GS series supports the easy synchronization of multiple sensors without parameterization.

  • Extensive Programming Options

    Whether traditional pushbuttons or interfaces like IO-Link or IrDA—UC18GS ultrasonic sensors give users maximum freedom when it comes to programming options.

In More Detail …

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Ticking All the Boxes …

The UC18GS series literally ticks all the boxes. In terms of functionalities and features it combines everything you can expect from a state-of-the-art ultrasonic sensor. It is the culmination of our ultrasonics technology knowledge in a single series built for one purpose only—to provide you with a highly-flexible yet reliable solution for every application. Learn more about all the features and benefits it holds on the following slides …

UC18GS ultrasonic sensor monitoring inside of tank while supressing metal interference target

Interference Target Suppression

Built-in interference target suppression enables optimal adaptation of the UC18GS ultrasonic sensors to the application settings while simultaneously increasing process reliability. Possibly occurring interference echoes from machine parts can be easily suppressed via software without affecting the measurement. Target distances (e.g. liquid levels) are precisely being detected even in the suppressed range. For example, it is possible to suppress a component at the edge of a container and perform a measurement in the middle of it.

Visualization of sound beam adjustment with sensor mounted on top of metal tank.

Adjustable Sound Beam Width and Small Dead Band

The small dead band and adjustable sound beam width of the UC18GS ultrasonic sensor allow for fault-free operation in a wide variety of possible application scenarios even in challenging surroundings and confined measuring spaces. The sound beam of the sensor can be adjusted without loss of range. If objects are causing interference—like steps on the interior wall of a tank or other machine parts—the sound signal can be narrowed. This means no expensive changes need to be made to the tank.

Multiple UC18 GS ultrasonic sensors with connected synchronization inputs on bottle filling machine

Automatic Synchronization

By means of the automatic synchronization feature, the UC18GS series supports the easy synchronization of multiple sensors without parameterization. As each sensor features a synchronization input for suppressing ultrasonic mutual interference („crosstalk“), several sensors (up to 10) can be synchronized together by interconnecting their respective synchronization inputs. In this case, each sensor alternately transmits ultrasonic pulses in a self-multiplexing mode. Further synchronization modes are also available (common mode / externally-triggered).

Laptop showing PACTware screenshot with UC18GS parameterization

Extensive Programming Options

Whether traditional pushbuttons or interfaces like IO-Link or IrDA—UC18GS ultrasonic sensors give users maximum freedom when it comes to programming options. While the IrDA interface allows live data access in running applications for maintenance or analysis purposes, comfortable and detailed configuration to meet each individual application are being performed via IO-Link master or via DTM. The output configuration as well as the sound beam width can also be set directly on the sensor using the programming buttons.

Application Examples

Adaptable Level Measurement in Confined Spaces

Adaptable Level Measurement in Confined Spaces

UC18GS series ultrasonic sensors reliably detect the fill level of liquids and granules, regardless of their color and other optical properties. A small opening in the tank cap is sufficient for installation. The diameter of the cone-shaped sound beam can be adjusted for the target area. It strikes the surfaces of the medium over a wide area. In the case of irregular or moving surfaces, the sensor determines an average value and thus indicates the actual level —instead of a potentially distorted punctual value.

Disturbance variables such as support struts or other objects reaching into the measuring field are suppressed by software (PACTware). The level is precisely detected even in the suppressed area. The sound beam radius can be easily adjusted with push buttons on the instrument itself or via software. The range is not affected by this, the level is always reliably detected in the measuring range.

Fail-Safe Bottle Detection in Filling Machines

UC18GS series ultrasonic sensors reliably detect the presence of bottles in the end positions. Instead of taking a point-by-point measurement, their sound beam hits the surface of the container over a wide area. This ensures detection even with varying contours and position deviations and makes the color and texture of the container surfaces irrelevant. The output configuration as well as the sound beam radius can be set with push buttons on the device.

The IO-Link interface allows comprehensive parameterization via the controller without physical access to the sensor. This not only makes commissioning particularly easy, but also enables fast product changeover without time-consuming re-parameterization. Even the complete individualization of products—automated production in batch size 1—is possible via IO-Link.

UC18GS Ultrasonic Sensors at Work

Gain more insights into the UC18GS features and how they are utilized in the aforementioned application examples.

Illustration of sound beam adjustment via IO-Link

IO-Link: The Intelligent Communication Technology

An internationally standardized, cross-vendor open interface, IO-Link is an integral part of Pepperl+Fuchs’ IIoT solutions. It is standardized according to IEC 61131-9 and is compatible with any fieldbus on the market.

IO-Link sensors like the UC18GS can be configured via the control system. This simplifies commissioning and makes quick recipe changes possible without extended downtime. Even complete individualization—batch size 1 production—is possible. For example, the beam width on an UC18GS ultrasonic sensor can be adjusted to accommodate different container shapes in a level measurement application.

Trust the Ultrasonic Sensor ExpertsIn-House Quality That You Can Rely On

Visual with different pictures of ultrasonic sensors and sensor manufacturing

Ultrasonic sensors from Pepperl+Fuchs are built in our own technology center, where transducer development and manufacturing take place. For more than 30 years, our forward-thinking team of experts has been working continually to advance ultrasonic technology for the solutions of tomorrow. That means our customers always receive the highest performance products on the market.

This approach has led to the broadest portfolio in the industry— supported by numerous patents and innovations—for the highest level of flexibility in product selection and optimal application solutions. In addition to our standard portfolio, Pepperl+Fuchs has the knowledge and infrastructure to respond to customer requirements with speed and flexibility.

What's more, our extensive range of accessories offers you the right modules for customized integration, whether in tough installation conditions or for special applications, custom programming, and coordinated connection technology. They turn any sensor application into a high-performance, future-proof system solution.

Ultrasonic Technology GuidesGet Your Free Download Now!

Several pages out of ultrasonic sensor technology guides

In our downloadable documents, we share our expertise with you—sign-up for your free digital copies of our technology guides on ultrasonic sensors now! They will help you select the ideal sensor for your applications and get the most out of your device.

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