Ultrasound— Small, durable, versatile—the

but Different. advantages of the unique sensor

technology consistently improved.

Ultrasonic Sensor Systems

USi®-industry and USi®-safety
Technology
Multipurpose Sensor Family for Ultrasonic
Detection in a Wide Range of Applications
State-of-the-art ultrasonic technology: the USi-industry and USi-safety reliably monitor
or safeguard machines, vehicles, and access areas. The sensors are designed for
demanding indoor and outdoor environments and for safety applications.

Unrestricted Detection with Ultrasound Elliptical Sonic Lobe, Wide Sensing Range

Sound waves are reliably reflected by people and objects. Sound waves spread out from ultrasonic sensors in a cone shape.
Contours, material, and optical properties have no effect on In the USi system, the shape of the sonic lobe has been
this behavior—nor do dust, dirt, vapors, or precipitation. This optimized for typical applications: its cross-section is not round,
dependability makes noncontact ultrasonic detection highly but elliptical. The sonic lobe covers a larger area because of
robust; it forms the physical basis for reliable detection. The its wide transverse axis. This means that the system generates
possible applications are virtually unlimited—in distance a large detection field and ensures reliable protection even
measurement and in environmental, access, and area monitoring. just above the floor level or close to a wall.

Rugged Ultrasonic Transducers in Miniature

Housing Design

The ultrasonic transducers are decoupled from the evaluation

unit. They can be up to 3 m in cable length apart and two
transducers can be connected to one evaluation unit. Together
with the miniaturized design, this concept offers great
flexibility in placement, even under very restrictive conditions.
The transducers have IP69 degree of protection, which means
they are exceptionally resistant to dust and moisture. They can
also function unhindered in areas exposed to the elements.

2
 Resistant to Tampering and Interference Echo Highlights

The teach-in mode allows the function of the USi systems to be ■ Detached sensor system provides installation
adapted to the environment. Defined reference points, such flexibility—the miniature ultrasonic transducers fit
as a fixed machine part in the sensing range, can be used to rule in tight spaces
out tampering with the sensor systems.
■ Optimal area monitoring through unique elliptical
When using multiple USi systems in parallel, unwanted mutual 3-D detection field
influences can occur due to interference echoes. These are
reliably suppressed by an intelligent software algorithm. ■ Easy sensor integration and high tamper protection
A physical connection between the sensor systems is not due to simple teach-in of the environment
required for this purpose.
■ Maximum reliability: mutual interference echo
suppression ensures smooth operation

■ Detection regardless of target material, surface

structure, and surface color

21 mm

13 mm

27 mm

For more information, visit

pepperl-fuchs.com/pf-usi

3
System
Flexible Concept for Maximum Reliability
The USi system comprises two decoupled ultrasonic transducers, two intelligent
evaluation units for selection, an optional temperature sensor, and intuitive
parameterization software in two versions.

Intuitive Parameterization Software

■ Simple parameter adjustment
■ Real-time display of echo signals
(for diagnosis and visualization)
■ Environment can be learned through external
teach-in
■ USi-industry: two switchable parameter sets
per ultrasonic transducer
■ USi-safety: simple initialization of periodic
tests, automatically generated safety
protocols

4
 USI*-F264* Evaluation Unit for
Standard Applications
■ Control unit for connection of one or two
ultrasonic transducers
■ Various operating modes
■ Inputs and outputs for a variety of applications
■ Built-in temperature sensor for automatic
temperature compensation

USI-F262* Evaluation Unit for USI2500-27X13E* Ultrasonic Transducer

Safety Applications ■ Miniaturized design, IP69 degree of protection
■ Control unit for connection of one or two ultrasonic ■ Decoupled unit, up to 3 m cable length for flexible
transducers positioning
■ Two integrated microcontrollers for redundant ■ Up to two independent ultrasonic transducers
function monitoring per evaluation unit
■ System single-fault tolerance in accordance with ■ Optional: mounting kits for various installation situations
EN ISO 13849-1
■ Two safe, short-circuit, and crossed-circuit-
monitored OSSD outputs
■ Additional message output per sensor channel

USI-TEMP* Temperature Sensor (Optional)

■ Flexible positioning
■ Automatic temperature compensation of the ultrasonic
measurement in the event of large temperature fluctuations

5
USi-industry
Adaptable to Any Situation

The USi-industry ultrasonic sensor system is characterized by its especially high flexibility
in use. Independent sensor channels, switchable parameter sets, and different operating
modes allow adaptation to a wide variety of applications.

Independent Sensor Channels with Switchable Selective Evaluation in Three Operating Modes
Parameter Sets
There are three modes of operation available: the sensor can
Up to two ultrasonic transducers with their own channels can respond to the presence or absence of objects, or report
be connected to the USi-industry evaluation unit. The two both types of object change. The selective evaluation is set after
sensor units can be programmed differently; for each, two the environment has been taught in. The sensor cycle time
switchable parameter sets (e. g., for distance, evaluation, can be specified in a range between 10 and 200 ms, depending
outputs) can be selected and configured with PACTware. Since on the application. A short sensor cycle time is required to
only one evaluation unit is required for two ultrasonic transducers, detect objects in quick motion. A higher value stabilizes the
the investment costs remain low. measurement in sonically noisy environments.

6
 Highlights

■ Maximum flexibility due to independent channels,

each with two switchable parameter sets

■ Three selectable operating modes and adjustable

sensor cycle time for optimum adaptation to the
application

Extract from USI*-F264* evaluation unit USI2500* ultrasonic transducer

technical data
Sensing principle Ultrasonic diffuse mode sensor

Sensing range 2,500 mm

Operating voltage 9 V DC … 30 V DC

Output type 4 switching outputs (PNP)/

1 analog output (current), 3 switching outputs (PNP)/
1 analog output (voltage), 3 switching outputs (PNP)
Degree of protection IP65 IP69

Dimensions 98 × 77 × 35 mm 27 × 13 × 21 mm

For more information, visit

pepperl-fuchs.com/pf-usi-industry

7
USi-industry—Applications
One Sensor, Many Options
From warehouse technology to aviation: the USi-industry ultrasonic
sensor system offers optimal solutions for three-dimensional area
monitoring in many different applications.

Obstacle Detection on the Conveyor Belt Vehicle

Baggage conveyor vehicles need to maneuver right up to the aircraft but must not
collide with it—even the slightest damage could cause high consequential costs.
The USi-industry ultrasonic sensor system monitors the movements of the vehicle
and the boom in three dimensions. The miniaturized ultrasonic transducers fit
into the smallest installation space; the system is resistant to weather influences,
contamination, and optical interference. The wide contact area of the sonic lobe
reliably detects every obstacle.

8
Collision Protection for Fast AMR Traffic

In large warehouses and distribution centers, hundreds of autonomous mobile robots

(AMRs) can be on the move at the same time. The USi-industry ultrasonic sensor
system enables quick, smooth processes through the use of reliable collision
protection. The compact ultrasonic transducers can also be accommodated in small
bots. The elliptical sonic lobe enables noncontact monitoring of the movement area
while in motion and reports any obstacles. The integrated interference suppression
allows the simultaneous use of any number of USi systems.

9
USi-safety
Safety without Limitations

Dust and dirt, wind and rain, extremely confined spaces—until now, it has not been technically
possible to create a safe solution for every environment. The USi-safety ultrasonic sensor
system opens up completely new possibilities.

Two Safe Sensors, One Safe Evaluation Unit Your Choice of Safe Areas

Up to two ultrasonic transducers can be connected to the Two decoupled ultrasonic transducers can be installed
evaluation unit and each form a sensor unit. The evaluation unit independently of each other, with a cable length of up to 3 m
has two channels and assigns two fail-safe outputs to each of away from the evaluation unit. A single USi-safety system
the two ultrasonic transducers. For the signal output to a safety can protect two sides or two movement directions of a vehicle.
controller, each sensor unit has a signal output for the warning If the sonic lobes of both transducers point in the same
area and category 3 PL d safe OSSD outputs for the safety direction, the sensing range is extended. A “sound curtain” of
area. Each sensor channel provides reliable protection; one this type can be used to control access to security areas,
ultrasonic transducer is sufficient for a safe sensor system. for example.

10
 Highlights

■ Unique ultrasonic technology meets safety standards

up to category 3 PL d even in harsh environments

■ Safe monitoring of up to two independent areas with

just one USi-safety ultrasonic sensor system

■ Comprehensive parameterization software

automatically creates safety protocols and makes
commissioning and documentation simpler

Extract from USI-F262* evaluation unit USI2500* ultrasonic transducer

technical data
Sensing principle Ultrasonic diffuse mode sensor

Sensing range 2,500 mm

Operating voltage 21 V DC … 28 V DC

Output type 2 OSSD outputs per channel

1 transistor output (PNP) per channel
Degree of protection IP65 IP69

Dimensions 125 × 91 × 41 mm 27 × 13 × 21 mm

For more information, visit

pepperl-fuchs.com/pf-usi-safety

11
USi-safety—Applications
Reliable Protection in Any Environment
Tight installation spaces, dusty environments—the unique ultrasonic technology guarantees
maximum reliability in vehicle and machine protection. Whether for collision avoidance in the tips
of forklifts or machine safeguarding in the timber industry, there are no limits to the USi-safety.

Collision Avoidance in the Fork Tip

When safeguarding automated guided vehicles (AGVs), not To protect the reverse travel of automated forklifts, the area in
only the main direction of travel but also the secondary front of the fork is particularly critical. Due to their miniature
direction as well as side protection are relevant. Due to structural housing, the ultrasonic transducers of the USi-safety can be
characteristics, these are often very difficult or impossible to integrated directly into the fork tips. With a cable length of
implement with conventional safety sensor technology. This is up to 3 m, the detached evaluation unit finds its place in the
where the USi-safety sets new standards. chassis of the AGV.

12
Robust Protection with Optimized Sound Beam

Mounted directly above the floor, the three-dimensional, elliptical

“wide and shallow” sound beam optimally safeguards the blind
zone between the AGV and the pallet up to PL d. Even whirled-up
dust or other environmental influences do not affect the ultrasonic
sensor system. With its unique features, the USi-safety is the
perfect complement to conventional safety equipment in the AGV.

13
Personal Safety in Lane-Guided AGVs

Lane-guided AGVs follow a lane applied to the ground and transport

goods from one station to the next. If this is an area where people
cross the specified paths of the vehicles, collisions must be reliably
avoided to ensure personal safety. At the same time, the transport
should not be interrupted unnecessarily.

The detection range of the ultrasonic transducers can be quickly

and easily adapted to the conditions via the parameterization
software. In addition to safe OSSD outputs for the safety field, each
channel has a signal output that can be used to slow the AGV or
issue a warning signal, for example.

14
Safe Access Control for Machines

Usually, machines are safeguarded by photoelectric light curtains.

However, in demanding environments, such as in the timber industry,
these have a major disadvantage: wood dust or other particles flying
around can lead to false alarms and the machine switches into the
safe state. The light grid must be cleaned and the machine restarted
manually in order to continue with the process.

Used as a “sound curtain”, the USi-safety is insensitive to wood dust

or other particles due to the ultrasonic technology. Unlike optical
sensors, the USi-safety does not need to be kept clean, nor is the
production process interrupted unnecessarily, and the machine is
still reliably safeguarded.

In addition, the system offers a further advantage: fixed machine parts

can be taught-in via the teach-in function and used for manipulation
protection. If this reference target is no longer recognized due to
manipulation, the system switches to the safe state.

15
www.pepperl-fuchs.com Pepperl+Fuchs Quality
Download our latest policy here:
Subject to modifications · © Pepperl+Fuchs
Printed in Germany · Part. No. 70183345 08/24 · public www.pepperl-fuchs.com/quality