mic+

in the M30 housing design covers a measuring range from 30 mm to 8 m with its five sensing ranges. The internal resolution of the distance measurement is 0.025 or 2.4 mm, depending on the sensing range. All sensors have integrated temperature compensation.

All settings are made on the sensors. The easy-to-read three-digit LED display constantly shows the current distance value and automatically switches between mm and cm display. Two buttons located below the LED display are used to call up the parameterisation and navigate through the self-explanatory menu structure. The switching points of the switching outputs and the window limits for the analogue output can be preset numerically using the digital display without the object to be scanned having to be within the detection range. This makes it possible to completely adjust the sensor without the aid of auxiliary reflectors, even outside the actual application.

Two three-colour LEDs

always indicate the current status of the switching outputs or the analogue output.

Additional functions (add-ons)

are available as options within the TouchControl menu structure: For example, the measured distance value can be applied with the ten-stage software filter from F00 (direct measured value output without filter effect) to P09 (very strong filtering and measured value attenuation). High measured value attenuation is useful for level measurements with wave movements or in situations where parts can sporadically fly between the sensor and the actual measuring surface. The F01 filter is set as standard. This means that the sensors are preset ex works for fast counting and control processes. As an additional function, the switching hysteresis of the switching outputs can be changed in their standard settings if required. The LED display can be permanently switched off or dimmed.

verify the load connected to the output and automatically switch to 4–20 mA current output and 0–10 V voltage output depending on the resistance value. The load verification by the sensor is always initiated upon connection of the operating voltage.

In the add-on menu of TouchControl, the user can, however, also preset the sensor to current or voltage output. In this menu, the measuring value output on the LED display with analogue sensors can additionally be changed to indicate percentage. The window limits of the analogue characteristic curve then correspond to the 0% or the 100% value respectively.

Synchronisation

of up to ten sensors automatically also operates in a mixed configuration of sensors with different detection ranges. The measurement repetition rate is then determined by the sensor with the largest detection range. If the sensors are electrically connected via pin 5 of the M12 circular connector, the synchronisation is active. In synchronised operation, all sensors initiate the measuring process at exactly the same time. With relatively narrow mounting distances between the sensors, a sensor may also receive echo signals from an adjacent sensor.

This can be used as an advantage, e.g. to broaden a sensor’s detection range.

If more than 10 sensors need to be synchronised, this can be achieved using the SyncBox1, which is available as an accessory.

Multiplex operation 

ensures that each sensor can only receive echo signals from its own transmission pulse, which completely avoids any interference between the sensors (crosstalk).

Each sensor is assigned an address from 1 to 10 for this purpose in the add-on menu. The sensors then work in multiplex mode and carry out their measurements one after the other in ascending address order.

is either carried out by means of numerically entering the desired distance values  or by means of a Teach-in procedure.
Thanks to this, the user can select the preferred setting mode.

In the microsonic Teach-in process

the object to be detected must be placed in the desired distance (1) to the sensor. The button assigned to the output must then be pressed until (or ) appears on the LED display. Finally, the Teach-in procedure must be confirmed by a further short keystroke. Ready.

the object to be detected must first be placed on the sensor-close window limit (1) and the key assigned to the output must be pressed until appears on the display. Then, the object to be detected must be moved to the sensor-distant window limit (2) and the Teach-in procedure must be terminated by a further short keystroke. Ready.

To set window mode with two switching points, the same procedure applies to one switching output.

The switching outputs and rising/falling characteristic curve for the analogue sensors can also be set using the teach-in procedure. To do this, press and hold the button associated with the output until the symbol or appears on the display. Each additional press of the button switches between the settings normally open/normally closed ( / ) or rising/falling (  / ). After approx. 10 seconds, the new setting is automatically applied.

consists of the LinkControl adapter and the LinkControl software and allows the mic+ sensors to be set up using a PC or laptop under all common Windows® operating systems. All settings from the TouchControl menu can be read out during operation, edited on the PC, temporarily stored and written back to the sensor. In particular, the two measurement recorders for visualising the distance values help in the development of solutions for complex automation tasks.

in version 1.1 for sensors with switching output.