💡 Radar vs. ultrasonic – what are the differences between the two measuring principles? | VEGA talk

VEGA Grieshaber KG

8 Dec 202002:13

Summary

TLDRThis video explores the differences between radar and ultrasonic measuring principles, comparing their signal types and reliability in various conditions. Radar, using electromagnetic waves, is faster and less affected by environmental factors like air quality and buildup, making it more reliable than ultrasonic sound waves, which require air to travel and can be influenced by wind, temperature, and gases. The video concludes by offering assistance in selecting the appropriate measurement technology for challenging applications.

Takeaways

🎯 Radar and ultrasonic measuring principles both use reflected signals to calculate distance.
🔊 Ultrasonic sensors emit sound waves, while radar sensors emit electromagnetic waves.
🏃‍♂️ Radar signals travel faster than ultrasonic waves, but speed is not the main factor for effectiveness.
🌬️ Ultrasonic signals are affected by air conditions such as wind, temperature, and gases.
🌀 An animation illustrates how wind can carry away ultrasonic signals.
🛡️ Radar is more reliable in the presence of buildup on the sensor surface.
🦇 The concept of echolocation in bats is used as an analogy for how these sensors work.
📏 Both measuring principles calculate distance based on the time elapsed from emission to reception of signals.
🔍 Radar's electromagnetic waves are less affected by environmental factors compared to ultrasonic sound waves.
💼 The video offers assistance in choosing the right measurement technology for difficult applications.

Q & A

What is the primary function of radar and ultrasonic measuring principles?
-The primary function of radar and ultrasonic measuring principles is to emit signals that are reflected by the medium in a tank, and then calculate the distance based on the total time elapsed from emission to reception.
How do radar and ultrasonic signals operate similarly to a bat?
-Both radar and ultrasonic signals operate similarly to a bat by emitting signals that are reflected by their target. The bat, and in this case the sensor, uses the time differences of these reflections to sense the environment and determine distances.
What is the main difference between radar and ultrasonic signals in terms of speed?
-Radar signals travel much faster than ultrasonic sound waves, but the speed doesn't really matter as long as they arrive back at the sensor.
What are the advantages of radar signals over ultrasonic sound waves?
-Radar signals have several advantages over ultrasonic sound waves, including not needing air to travel through, making them less affected by factors such as wind, temperature, vapors, or gases.
How does wind affect the reliability of ultrasonic signals?
-Wind can carry away ultrasonic signals, reducing their reliability as it affects the accuracy of the distance measurements.
In what conditions is radar considered more reliable than ultrasonic technology?
-Radar is considered more reliable in conditions where there is buildup on the sensor or when environmental factors like wind, temperature, vapors, or gases are present.
What is the significance of the animation showing the ultrasonic signal being carried away by the wind?
-The animation is used to visually demonstrate how environmental factors, specifically wind, can interfere with the accuracy of ultrasonic signals by carrying them away.
What should one consider when choosing between radar and ultrasonic measurement technology?
-One should consider the specific application requirements, environmental conditions, and the potential for buildup or interference when choosing between radar and ultrasonic measurement technology.
How can the company help if someone is looking for a solution for a difficult application?
-The company offers assistance by evaluating the specific application and helping to choose the right measurement technology, whether it's radar or ultrasonic, based on the unique challenges and requirements.
What is the final call-to-action for viewers interested in learning more about measurement technology solutions?
-The final call-to-action is for viewers to reach out to the company if they need help with a difficult application, so they can provide a tailored solution.
What is the main takeaway from the video script regarding the comparison between radar and ultrasonic measuring principles?
-The main takeaway is that while both radar and ultrasonic measuring principles are used to calculate distances, radar is generally more reliable and effective in challenging environments due to its independence from air and resistance to environmental factors.

Outlines

00:00

📡 Understanding Radar vs. Ultrasonics

The script introduces the topic of the video, which is the difference between radar and ultrasonic measuring principles. It explains that both systems emit signals—radar waves and ultrasonic sound waves, respectively—that are reflected by the medium in a tank. The distance is calculated based on the time it takes for these signals to return to the sensor. The analogy of a bat using echolocation to navigate and find prey is used to illustrate how these systems work. The script then sets up a discussion about the differences between radar and ultrasonics, hinting at advantages radar has over ultrasonic sound waves.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡radar

Radar, which stands for Radio Detection And Ranging, is a technology that uses radio waves to determine the position of objects. In the context of the video, radar is one of the two measuring principles discussed. It is used to measure distances by emitting radio waves that bounce off objects and return to the sensor, allowing for the calculation of distance. The video script mentions that radar signals travel much faster than ultrasonic waves, which is an advantage in certain applications.

💡ultrasonics

Ultrasonics refers to the use of ultrasonic waves, which are sound waves with frequencies higher than the audible range of human hearing. In the video, ultrasonics is compared with radar as a measuring principle. Ultrasonic sensors emit sound waves that reflect off objects and return to the sensor, from which the distance can be calculated. The script points out that ultrasonic signals can be affected by environmental factors such as wind, temperature, and gases.

💡measuring principles

Measuring principles are the fundamental concepts or methods used to determine a quantity or characteristic. In the video, the focus is on comparing the measuring principles of radar and ultrasonics. The script explains that both principles involve emitting signals and calculating distance based on the time it takes for the signals to be reflected and received.

💡sound waves

Sound waves are mechanical waves that transmit energy through a medium, such as air or water, by creating pressure waves. In the video, sound waves are used by ultrasonic sensors to measure distance. The script uses the analogy of a bat using sound waves to navigate and find prey, highlighting how sound waves reflect off objects and are used to determine distance.

💡radar waves

Radar waves are a type of electromagnetic wave used in radar technology. Unlike sound waves, radar waves do not require a medium to travel and can propagate through air, vacuum, and other materials. The video script mentions that radar waves have advantages over ultrasonic waves, such as being less affected by environmental factors.

💡reflection

Reflection is a phenomenon where waves, such as sound or radar waves, bounce back after encountering an obstacle or surface. In the context of the video, reflection is crucial for both radar and ultrasonics measuring principles. The script describes how the signals emitted by sensors are reflected by the medium in the tank and how the time it takes for these reflections to return is used to calculate distance.

💡distance calculation

Distance calculation is the process of determining the distance between a sensor and an object based on the time it takes for a signal to travel to the object and back. The video script explains that both radar and ultrasonics use this principle by measuring the time elapsed from emission to reception of the signals to calculate the distance.

💡environmental factors

Environmental factors are conditions in the surrounding environment that can influence the performance of a system or process. In the video, it is mentioned that ultrasonic signals can be affected by environmental factors such as wind, temperature, vapors, or gases, which can impact the accuracy of distance measurements.

💡buildup

Buildup refers to the accumulation of material on surfaces, which can interfere with the performance of sensors. The video script states that radar is more reliable in the presence of buildup compared to ultrasonics, suggesting that radar sensors are less likely to be affected by such accumulations on surfaces.

💡reliability

Reliability is the ability of a system or component to perform its required functions under stated conditions for a specified period of time. The video script discusses the reliability of radar and ultrasonics as measuring principles, concluding that radar is generally more reliable and effective, especially in difficult applications.

💡difficult application

A difficult application refers to a scenario where the conditions or requirements are challenging for a technology to meet. The video script offers assistance for viewers who are looking for solutions to difficult applications, implying that the right choice of measurement technology, such as radar or ultrasonics, is crucial for success in such situations.

Highlights

Introduction to the topic: comparing radar and ultrasonics measuring principles.

Both principles emit signals that are reflected by the medium in the tank.

The distance is calculated from the total time elapsed from emission to reception.

Analogy to bats using echolocation to sense their environment.

Difference in speed between radar and ultrasonic signals.

Speed of radar signals is not a critical factor for distance measurement.

Advantages of radar signals over ultrasonic sound waves.

Ultrasonic sound waves require air to travel.

Factors affecting ultrasonic signals: wind, temperature, vapours, or gases.

Demonstration of ultrasonic signal being carried away by the wind.

Radar's reliability in the presence of buildup.

Radar is considered more reliable and effective overall.

Offer to help choose the right measurement technology for difficult applications.

Invitation to contact for solutions tailored to specific applications.

Closing remark and anticipation for the next video.