CeramTec’s air coupled matching layer uses a proprietary material that optimizes loss-less transmission of ultrasonic signals through air. This translates into the ability of achieving greater precision and building greater complexity into air-coupled ultrasonic transducers during mass production. The company’s manufacturing process achieves consistent matching of components. In ultrasonic flow measurement applications, this usually removes the need to individually pair sensors to minimize undesirable acoustic interference, thereby opening the technology for mass manufacture, as well as lowering the average zero flow offset between pairs of transducers and increasing the accuracy of these ultrasonic sensors.
The accuracy and sensitivity of the transducers also makes them suitable for applications requiring pinpoint precision of sensing, including the possibility of using three or more transducers in a triangulated configuration for three-dimensional ultrasonic mapping. Potential applications include ultrasonic medical sensors, ultrasonic gas flow measurement and ultrasonic automotive sensors, where the transducers’ greater precision over bending mode transducers and unimorph configurations will cost-effectively improve performance.
The matching layer minimizes signal loss as the sound travels into the air while being lightweight yet robust, pressure-resistant, temperature stable, and unaffected by harsh chemicals.
The forthcoming range of sensors will exhibit sensitivities in excess of-40 dB and will be available in 400-kHz and 200-kHz versions as standard. The ultrasonic matching layer is suitable to be used in a wide range of environments, and has been tested over a temperature range of -35°C to +80°C, with the option to customize to work at higher temperatures, if necessary. With a small footprint of under 25-mm in diameter and 30-mm deep, allied to a short ring down time, the ultrasonic air-coupled transducers are versatile enough to measure distances to millimeter accuracy. More details and specs are available from CeramTec.
CeramTec North America Corp.
Laurens, SC
864-682-3215