New ultrasonic sensors

Currently available from Vydas International Marketing are the new MassaSonic M-300/150 and M-300/95 smart ultrasonic sensors from the popular M-300 series. Offering even longer ranges, the RoHS-compliant M-300/150 model has a detection range up to 2.5m, while the M-300/95 has a range up to 4.5m.

These two new products complement the already established M-300/210, which has a range between 100mm and 1.3m. US-based Massa Products, the manufacturers of the M-300 series, say their ultrasonic sensors stand out from other systems because of their ease of operation, versatile user-controlled outputs, user-friendly software and the ability to be set up without using a target.

The series has been designed with a number of key features, including a totally sealed PVC housing, built-in temperature compensation for systems to operate from –20°C to 65°C, diagnostic/monitoring outputs, and protection from over-voltage, short circuits and reverse polarity.

Each sensor’s parameters and outputs are programmable via an RS-485 data link, which eliminates the problems associated with adjustment potentiometers and push buttons. Programmable adjustments include: an analog output slope; a loss-of-echo time-out; and a software sensor transmit trigger.

The M-300 series software operates with Windows using an RS-232/RS-485 or USB/RS-485 converter. This data link allows up to 32 sensors to be on the same multi-drop communications network utilizing the supplied protocol. The network also allows users to remotely programme their sensors and read ranges for quick integration into their process-control applications.

For users who prefer not to use a PC, the system can be programmed to the customers’ exact specifications for ‘plug and play’ operation.