Application Note Ultrasonic Sensing Basics Mubina Toa, Akeem Whitehead ABSTRACT Ultrasonic sensors use sound waves above the 20 kHz range to detect objects in proximity, similar to how bats use echolocation to maneuver without colliding into obstacles. In the automotive space, ultrasonic sensors are prevalent for ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistant Systems) applications, specifically for parking assist where 4–16 sensors are used to detect obstacles when parking a vehicle. In the industrial space, ultrasonic sensors are used in robotics and other applications that require reliable presence, proximity, or position sensing. This application report discusses what ultrasonic time-of-flight sensing is, as well as system considerations and what additional factors affect ultrasonic sensing. Table of Contents 1 What is Ultrasonic Time-of-Flight Sensing?........................................................................................................................ 2 1.1 Principles of Ultrasound..................................................................................................................................................... 2 1.2 Why Use Ultrasonic Sensing?............................................................................................................................................2 1.3 How Does Ultrasound Compare to Other Sensing Technologies?.................................................................................... 3 1.4 Typical Ultrasonic-Sensing Applications............................................................................................................................ 3 2 Ultrasonic System Considerations....................................................................................................................................... 5 2.1 Introduction to the Ultrasonic System................................................................................................................................ 5 2.2 The Ultrasonic Echo and Signal Processing...................................................................................................................... 5 2.3 Transducer Types...............................................................................................................................................................7 2.4 Transducer Topologies....................................................................................................................................................... 8 2.5 Transducer Frequencies.................................................................................................................................................... 8 2.6 Transducer Drive (Transformer Drive & Direct Drive) and Current Limit............................................................................ 9 2.7 Pulse Count........................................................................................................................................................................9 2.8 Minimum Detection Range............................................................................................................................................... 10 3 What Factors Influence Ultrasonic Sensing?.....................................................................................................................10 3.1 Transmission Medium...................................................................................................................................................... 10 3.2 Acoustic Impedance......................................................................................................................................................... 10 3.3 Radar Cross Section........................................................................................................................................................ 12 3.4 Ambient Conditions (Temperature, Humidity, Debris)...................................................................................................... 12 3.5 Device Selection.............................................................................................................................................................. 13 4 Additional Resources........................................................................................................................................................... 14 5 Revision History................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Trademarks All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. SLAA907D – SEPTEMBER 2019 – REVISED DECEMBER 2021 Submit Document Feedback Ultrasonic Sensing Basics 1 Copyright © 2021 Texas Instruments Incorporated
Ultrasonic Sensing Basics
May 17, 2023
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