MassaSonic M-320 Programmable Ultrasonic Sensors

Applications for this sensor include, liquid level control, mechanical positioning, roll diameter measurement, web loop/break monitoring, asset tracking, remote monitoring, automatic filling operation, automatic packaging, bulk level control, paper and plastic film processing and many others.

Manufactured by Massa Products Corp USA, the M-300/320 ultrasonic sensor design incorporates state-of-the-art ultrasonic and microprocessor technology to provide low cost precision non-contact distance measurement for factory automation or industrial process control. Massa has been producing ultrasonic transducers that operate in air for industrial applications for over fifty years and have designed hundreds of different types of transducers, having a wide variety of electroacoustic characteristics, for use in a large number of applications.

The new lower cost MassaSonicT series M-300/150, M-320/150 (range 2.5M) and M-300/95, M-320/95 (range 4.5M) RoHS compliant smart ultrasonic sensors are now available from Vydas stock in the UK.

The M300/M320 series ultrasonic sensors stand out over all other systems because of their affordability while providing extraordinary ease of operation, genuinely user-friendly software, versatility in user-controlled outputs, and the ability to be set up without using a target. The sensor transmits narrow beam sound pulses at a user-selected rate (or it can be software triggered), processes return echoes, and produces several outputs dependent on the position of the target.

Operating from 12 to 24 V DC, the M-300/M-320 family includes several sensor models that operate at different ultrasonic frequencies with different ranges, as close as 4 inches (100mm) to 15 feet (4.5 meters). A linear output of 0 to 10 VDC or 4-20mA is provided, which is proportional to the measured distance to the target from the minimum detection distance to the nominal maximum target distance specified for the particular M-300 series model.

This output voltage range, however, can be easily reprogrammed to start and end anywhere between o/p 0-10 V DC or 4-20mA. The corresponding target distance span can also be set to start and stop at any two target ranges. This output voltage can also be programmed to operate as a digital switch at a specified target set-point distance.

The system parameters and outputs are programmable via an RS-485 data link, thereby eliminating problems associated with adjustment potentiometers or pushbuttons. Some additional programmable adjustments include: analog output slope, sampling rate, averaging of multiple distance measurements, loss-of-echo time-out, setpoint hysteresis when operating in the digital switch mode, and a software sensor transmit trigger.

The M-300/320 ultrasonic sensors user-friendly software operates with Windows® operating systems 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 using the supplied protocol.

This network also allows users to remotely program their sensors and read ranges for quick integration into their process control application. For users that prefer not to use a PC, the sensors can be programmed at the factory to the customer's exact specifications for true plug and play operation.

Other features of the M300/320 series ultrasonic sensor series include: a totally sealed PVC housing containing an industry standard 1 NPT fitting for mounting, operation from -20°C to 65°C with built-in temperature compensation, diagnostic and monitoring outputs, and protection from over-voltage, short circuits, and reverse polarity.