Bonner Q45U Ultrasonic Sensor in Practical Use

Bonner Q45U Ultrasonic Sensor in Practical Use

The unique advantages of ultrasonic ranging and Q45U positioning

In industrial automation, non-contact distance measurement is widely required in scenarios such as liquid level control, material positioning, collision prevention, and roll diameter detection. Optoelectronic sensors are greatly affected by the color, transparency, and surface reflection of objects; Although laser sensors have high accuracy, they are expensive and sensitive to harsh environments; Ultrasonic sensors utilize the principle of sound wave reflection and are not affected by the color and material of the target (as long as they are not strong sound-absorbing materials). They remain stable and reliable in complex environments such as dust, fog, and changes in light.

Banner Q45U series is a short range piezoelectric ultrasonic analog output sensor with a detection distance of 100mm to 1400mm (approximately 4~55 inches). It provides switchable analog output with 0~10V voltage or 4~20mA current, and can be programmed with buttons or remote signals to set the distance limit of the detection window. It also has built-in temperature compensation to ensure output accuracy throughout the entire working temperature range. Its sturdy design reaches IP67/NEMA 6P protection level and can withstand 1200 psi high-pressure water washing, making it very suitable for harsh environments such as food processing, outdoor equipment, and mobile machinery.

This article is based on the official data manual and provides a detailed analysis of the hardware configuration, parameter settings, window programming, response adjustments, and common on-site problem handling of Q45U from the perspective of an engineer.

Product Model and Selection Basis

2.1 Model Composition

The Q45U series offers three models, with the difference being the cable type:

Applicable scenarios for model connection method

Q45ULIU64ACR 2-meter (6.5-foot) integral cable fixed installation, no need for frequent disassembly

Q45ULIU64ACRQ 5-pin 7/8-inch -16UNF quick release connector commonly used in North American industry, with high waterproof rating

Q45ULIU64ARQ6 5-pin M12 quick release connector meets European and international standards and is widely used

All models come with built-in analog output (selectable voltage or current), PNP polarity (output is source current type), as well as TEACH button and remote programming input (yellow line).

2.2 Output Types

Q45U provides both voltage output (black line) and current output (white line) signal lines, but only one of them can be enabled through internal DIP switch 2. Factory default enable voltage output (0~10V). Users can choose based on the type of PLC analog input module: if the PLC accepts 0-10V, use black wire; If accepting 4-20mA (strong anti-interference ability, suitable for long-distance transmission), use a white line and turn DIP switch 2 to the ON position.

Attention: The current output is PNP type (i.e. source current output), and the load should be connected between the Output (white line) and the negative terminal of the power supply (blue line). The load impedance needs to be between 1-500 Ω to ensure 4-20mA linearity.

Installation and environmental requirements

3.1 Mechanical Installation

The Q45U shell is made of molded PBT polyester, with a transparent top cover made of acrylic material and sealed with an O-ring. The sensor body is cylindrical with a diameter of 30mm and can be installed through various brackets:

SMB30S: Spherical rotating bracket for adjusting angles.

SMB30C: 30mm split clamping bracket, securely fixed.

SMB30MM: 12 stainless steel bracket with adjustable curved groove.

During installation, it is important to ensure that the ultrasonic transducer surface (emitting surface) is facing the target and there are no obstacles ahead. The blind zone of the sensor is 100mm (minimum limit at the near end), which means it cannot detect objects smaller than 100mm. The maximum detection distance at the far end is 1400mm, but the target object size needs to be large enough: at a distance of 500mm, the minimum target is a 10mm x 10mm aluminum plate; At 1400mm, the minimum target requires a 35mm x 35mm aluminum plate. For non flat or irregular targets, it is recommended to conduct actual testing.

3.2 Environmental Tolerance

Working temperature: -25 ℃~+70 ℃, with built-in temperature compensation for the full temperature range.

Humidity: 100% relative humidity (condensable).

Protection level: IP67/NEMA 6P (can be immersed in a water depth of 1 meter for a short time), and can withstand 1200 psi flushing.

Vibration and shock: comply with Mil. Std. 202F, 10~60Hz 10G, shock 75G (working), 100G (non working).

3.3 Temperature compensation characteristics

Temperature changes can cause changes in the speed of sound in the air, thereby affecting the measurement distance. Q45U has a built-in temperature sensor for real-time compensation. Specific requirements:

The position accuracy of the window limit remains within ± 1% of the set distance within the range of 0 ℃~50 ℃.

Within the full temperature range (-25 ℃~+70 ℃), the accuracy is ± 2.5%.