Are you looking for detailed information on the ultrasonic transducer working principle? This comprehensive guide will help you understand ultrasonic transducers layer-by-layer.
An ultrasonic transducer is a type of sound-related transducer. These transducers transmit sound waves to the object, and once the wave reaches the target, they return to the transducer. In this, transducers are used to test the density/distance of the object.
These waves are produced at a higher level than the human hearing range (frequency spectrum of over 20KHz) and are called ultrasound. A device that can generate or calculate these ultrasound waves is called a transducer or ultrasonic sensor.
There are various frequency ranges used in this method.
- Very Low Frequency: 3 to 30KHz
- Low Frequency: 30 to 300KHz
- Medium Frequency: 300 to 3000KHz
- High Frequency: 3 to 30MHz
- Very High Frequency: 30 to 300MHz
- Ultra-High Frequency: 300 to 3000MHz
- Super High Frequency: 3 to 30GHz
- Highly HIgh Frequency: 30 to 300GHz
In this post, we will briefly describe the ultrasonic transducer working principle and circuits of an ultrasonic transducer.
Ultrasonic Transducer: Definition
The first step to understanding the ultrasonic transducer working principle is understanding what an ultrasonic transducer is.
In short, an ultrasonic transducer is also referred to as a capacitive or piezoelectric transducer. This device can convert electric waves into ultrasound signals and vice versa.
The Ultrasonic Transducer is primarily used in non-destructive testing, material measurement, and recognizing minor faults in the lower wavelength. This is an essential device to identify level, flow, distance and is also used in biomedical, power, and other ultrasound applications. Different ultrasonic transducer working principles might vary depending on the industry and application.
How Do Ultrasonic Transducers Work?
A transducer simply transmits electric waves to the target, then the wave/signal hits the target and returns to the transducer. Following the ultrasonic transducer working principle, it calculates the distance of the object rather than the amplitude and sound quality. Transducers use ultrasonic waves to identify a few parameters. However, they are typically used to measure distance.
When talking about the ultrasonic transducer working principle, it might vary depending on the transducer’s sensitivity or resolution.
1. Transducer Resolution
A transducer’s ability to disconnect electric signals produced by two different reflectors is called resolution.
2. Transducer Sensitivity
A transducer’s ability to detect and flag the faults in the material or object is referred to as sensitivity.
An excellent transducer will help reduce the reflected signals and allow the transducer to closely identify and study the faults.
This system is used to catch and produce ultrasonic waves. It primarily includes backing, a wear plate, and an active element (a piezoelectric or single crystal). This active element can convert or transform electric waves into ultrasonic energy and vice versa. An additional device called “Fault Detector” is also attached, which is used to produce an electric pulse.
Ultrasonic transducer working principle changes in non-destructive testing. In NDT, this transducer transforms the electric pulse produced by the fault detector into mechanical energy into sound waves that transmit to the target. These sound waves are retrieved from the test object, and the transducer converts them into electric waves to demonstrate the target.
Ultrasonic Transducer Working Principle
An electric signal applies to an ultrasonic transducer and vibrates through a specified range of frequencies to generate sound waves. These waves transmit and send back the data to the transducer if any hurdle appears. That’s how the data is transformed into electrical signals.
The transducer also tracks the time interval between the transmitted sound wave and the signals received by the object. In other terms, the ultrasonic transducer working principle is wholly based on transforming one energy form to another.
At 40KHz, the ultrasonic signals are transmitted by the ultrasonic transducer that transmits by air. These ultrasonic transducers aren’t influenced by dust, black materials, etc. Thus, they are preferred over any other infrared sensor. Based on the ultrasonic transducer working principle, the device works efficiently to suppress noise distortion.
Ultrasonic transducers use ultrasonic waves to calculate the distance and use the following formula.
D = ½ * T * C
Where ‘D’ in this formula stands for ‘Distance,’ ‘T’ signifies the time gap between transmitting and receiving signals from the transducer. And, ‘C’ solely stands for sonic velocity.
Ultrasonic Transducer Types
There are different ultrasonic transducers based on multiple factors such as frequency, footprints, and arrangement of active elements. Ultrasonic transducer working principle also varies, depending on this.
Here are the efficiency types of ultrasonic transducers.
- Linear Type
- Phased Type
- Standard/Regular
Ultrasonic Transducer Applications
The applications of ultrasonic transducers can significantly vary depending on the usage in healthcare, industrial usage, etc. These have become a more preferred option due to the controllable ultrasonic waves.
Best usage of ultrasonic transducer applications
- Surgical applications
- Cancer treatment
- Internal organ testing
- Heart examination
- Diagnostic testing
- Eyes and uterus checkups
Apart from this, transducers are heavily utilised in industrial areas. They are used to measure the distance of particular objects, control liquid level, detect wire breaks, and many more.
Ultrasonic Transducer Advantages and Disadvantages
Hope you are clear about the ultrasonic transducer working principle; let’s have a look at its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of the ultrasonic transducer
- They can be used to measure any material or substance
- They work effectively regardless of dust, water, temperature, or other hindrances.
- They can efficiently measure high sensing intervals.
Disadvantages of the ultrasonic transducer
- They are sensitive thus detect any vibration in the temperature
- The unpredicted temperature might affect their detection capability
- Shows false reports when detecting reflections from small objects
Wrap Up!
We hope you are clear about the ultrasonic transducer working principle. If you want to purchase ultrasonic transducers, look no further than Modsonic. With a range of ultrasonic instruments, we are a trusted manufacturer of ultrasonic testing equipment.
Whether you need a single crystal, angle probes, replaceable angle wedges, or any other type of transducer, we can meet all your needs.
Reach out to us with your requirements at modsonic@modsonic.com
