ULTRASONIC 3D ECHOLOCATION SENSOR

Cost-efficient and suitable for many industries

For the future of robotic, automotive, and industrial markets, there is a need for reliable, robust, and cost-efficient solutions. Whether you want your robot to avoid collisions or you want to avoid scratching your rims on curbstones.

Our Ultrasonic 3D Echolocation sensor will help you to solve these tasks.

The sensor works by combining the time-of-flight principle of conventional ultrasonic sensors with triangulation and advanced signal processing algorithms.

“The game-changing technology can be used for collision avoidance of autonomous vehicles, people tracking in smart buildings and gesture control for consumer electronics.”

How does the sensor work?

Measurement cycle of an Ultrasonic 3D Echolocation Sensor:

Transducer sends out an ultrasonic pulse
Pulse is reflected by surrounding objects
Reflected pulse is received by an array of microphones on the sensor
Positions of the echoes are calculated as 3D coordinates, based on the different times when echoes arrive at the individual microphones
3D coordinates are outputted at the end of each measurement cycle

Locate object positions in 3D, based on proven ultrasonic technology

Detect objects in the dark, through dust and dirt and in varying lighting conditions

Robust, energy-efficient, and suitable for a wide variety of industries

“Through powerful software, the sensor enables the precise detection of objects in real time […] This completely new method of positioning generates new ways […] of seeing the world via sound.”

Technical data

Acoustic Properties


Frequency	40 kHz ± 1kHz
Sound Pressure Level	120 dB SPL @ 30 cm
Mode of Operation	Pulsed (20 pulses max, cyclic)
Ultrasonic transmission by industry standard.

Performance


Acoustic Transmission Frequency	40 kHz
Operating Range	20 cm – 500 cm*
Opening Angle	120°
Distance Resolution	± 30 mm
Distance Accuracy	± 10% of distance measurement
Angular Resolution	3° ( = 40 angular steps over 120°)
Refresh Rate	20 Hz typical
Latency	Approx. 50 ms

*False positives present below 20 cm

Interface


User Interface	USB Serial Connection (UART)
USB	Mini-USB-B-Port Virtual COM-Port UART-Bridge [Silicon Labs CP210x OnBoard]
Serial Connection (UART)	Molex Microlock Connector 576000 Baud No Parity 8 Data / 1 Stop – Bit
Logic Level (@3.3Vdc)	Low: ~1.2 V \| High: ~1.9 V