High resolution (0.2 mm) and fast response (2 ms) range finder for industrial use in air

An ultrasonic range finder makes it possible to obtain distance information without regard to optical condition. This feature meets the demand for most range-finding operations required in factory automation (FA). However, conventional ultrasonic range finders are often not usable in the industrial environment because of their poor resolution and/or slow response. A range finder that overcomes this limitation is described. To improve its resolution and response, the FM-CW method was used in place of the conventional pulse-echo method. A transducer for use in air with 850 kHz center frequency and 150 kHz bandwidth was developed for the FM-CW range finder. The range finder was designed to be used in a severe industrial environment. It can be operated in a temperature range of -10°C to 55°C and has a waterproof structure