Banner QT50U DC User Manual

U-GAGE QT50ULB Series Sensors with

70137

Analog Output

Datasheet

Long-range ultrasonic sensors with TEACH-mode programming

• Fast, easy-to-use TEACH-Mode programming; no potentiometer adjustments

• Scalable output automatically distributes the output signal over the width of the
programmed sensing window

• Minimum and Maximum window limits can be adjusted independently

• Selectable 0 to 10 V dc or 4 to 20 mA output, selected via DIP switch

• Access to bank of 8 DIP switches through sealed cover for superior user
functionality

• Rugged encapsulated design for harsh environments

• Unique housing design allows for multiple mounting configurations

• Choose models with integral 2 m (6.5 ft) or 9 m (30 ft), or with Mini-style or
Euro-style quick-disconnect fitting

• Wide operating range of –20 °C to 70 °C (–4 °F to 158 °F)

• Temperature compensation

• Programmable for either positive or negative output slope

Models

QT50ULB
QT50ULBQ 5-pin Mini-style QD
QT50ULBQ6 5-pin Euro-style QD

1

WARNING: Not To Be Used for Personnel Protection
Never use this device as a sensing device for personnel protection. Doing so could lead to

serious injury or death. This device does not include the self-checking redundant circuitry necessary

to allow its use in personnel safety applications. A sensor failure or malfunction can cause either an
energized or de-energized sensor output condition.

Sensing Range Cable

5-wire, 2 m (6.5 ft) cable

200 mm to 8 m (8 inches to

26 feet)

2

Supply

Voltage

10 to 30 V dc

Output

Selectable: 0 to 10 V dc or 4 to 20
mA

Principles of Operation

Ultrasonic sensors emit one or multiple pulses of ultrasonic energy, which travel through the air at the speed of sound. A
portion of this energy reflects off the target and travels back to the sensor. The sensor measures the total time required
for the energy to reach the target and return to the sensor. The distance to the object is then calculated using the
following formula: D = ct ÷ 2

D = distance from the sensor to the target
c = speed of sound in air
t = transit time for the ultrasonic pulse

To improve accuracy, an ultrasonic sensor may average the results of several pulses before outputting a new value.

Temperature Effects

The speed of sound is dependent upon the composition, pressure and temperature of the gas in which it is traveling. For
most ultrasonic applications, the composition and pressure of the gas are relatively fixed, while the temperature may
fluctuate.

In air, the speed of sound varies with temperature according to the following approximation:

1

Information about discrete-output models is available on Banner’s website: www.bannerengineering.com.

2

To order the 9 m cable models, add the suffix “w/30” to the model number of a cabled sensor (e.g., QT50ULB w/30). Models with
a QD connector require a mating cable.

Original Document
70137 Rev. B

4 April 2014

C

m/s

= 20 √

273 + T

C

ft/s

=

49 √460 + T

F

C

Current-Sourcing Models

Target Position

Positive

Slope

Near

Window

Far

Window

Analog Output (mA)

20

4

Negative

Slope

Voltage-Sourcing Models

Target Position

Positive

Slope

Near

Window

Far

Window

Voltage Output (V dc)

10

0

Negative

Slope

3

ON

DIP

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

ON

DIP

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

ON

DIP

ON Position

U-GAGE QT50ULB Series Sensors with Analog Output

In metric

In English units:

units:

C

= speed of sound in meters per second C

m/s

= speed of sound in feet per second

ft/s

TC = temperature in °C TF = temperature in °F

The speed of sound changes roughly 1% per 6° C (10° F). QT50U series ultrasonic sensors have temperature
compensation available, via the 8-pin DIP switch. Temperature compensation will reduce the error due to temperature by
about 90%.

NOTE: NOTE: If the sensor is measuring across a temperature gradient, the compensation will be less
effective.

Analog Output Slope

The U-GAGE QT50ULB Sensor may be programmed for either a positive or a negative output slope, depending on which
conditions are taught for the Min and Max Analog limits. If the Min Analog limit is the Near Window setting and the Max
Analog limit is the Far Window setting, then the slope will be positive. If the opposite is true, then the slope will be
negative.

Figure 1. Positive and Negative Output Slops

Configuration

The U-GAGE QT50ULB Sensor features an
8-pin DIP switch bank for user setup. The
DIP switches are located behind the access
cover on the back of the sensor as shown. A
spanner tool is included with each sensor
for removing the cover.

Figure 2. Removing the Access Cover

Switch Function Settings

1 Voltage/Current Mode ON = Current mode: 4 to 20 mA

2 Loss of Echo ON* = Min-Max Mode

2 www.bannerengineering.com - tel: [phone] P/N 70137 Rev. B

Figure 3. DIP Switch Location

OFF* = Voltage mode: 0 to 10 V dc

U-GAGE QT50ULB Series Sensors with Analog Output

Switch Function Settings

OFF = Hold Mode

3 Min-Max ON = Default to maximum output value on loss of echo

OFF* = Default to minimum output value on loss of echo

4 Teach/Enable Control ON* = Configured for remote teach

OFF = Configured for enable

5 and 6 Analog Voltage Output Response for 95%

of Step Change

100 ms with 100 ms update OFF OFF
500 ms with 100 ms update* ON* OFF*
1100 ms with 100 ms update OFF ON
2300 ms with 100 ms update ON ON

7 Temperature Compensation ON* = Enabled

8 Factory Calibration ON = For factory calibration only; switch should be set to OFF for use

Switch 5 Switch 6

OFF = Disabled

OFF* = DIP-switch settings in control

* Factory default setting

DIP Switch Selectable Functions

CAUTION: To avoid damage to the sensor caused by static discharge (ESD), observe proper ESD

precautions (grounding) while adjusting the DIP switches.

Switch 1: Output Mode Select

ON = 4 to 20 mA current output is enabled
OFF = 0 to 10 V dc voltage output is enabled

Switch 1 configures the sensor internally to use either the current output or voltage output configuration.

Switch 2: Loss of Echo Mode Select

ON = Min-Max Mode
OFF = Hold Mode

Switch 2 determines the output response to the loss of echo. “Min-Max Mode” (Switch 2 ON) drives the output to either
the minimum value or the maximum value when the echo is lost. (Minimum or Maximum value is selected via Switch 3.)

“Hold Mode” (Switch 2 OFF) maintains the output at the value which was present at the time of echo loss.

Switch 3: Min-Max Default

ON = Default to maximum output value at loss of echo (10.5 V dc or 20.8 mA)
OFF = Default to minimum output value at loss of echo (0 V dc or 3.6 mA)

Switch 3 selects the output response to loss of echo when “Min-Max Mode” is selected via Switch 2. When Switch 2 is OFF,
Switch 3 has no function.

Switch 4: Teach/Transmit Enable Control

ON = Gray (or yellow) wire configured for remote teach
OFF = Gray (or yellow) wire configured for transmit enable/disable: High (5 to 30 V dc) - Transmit Enabled (Power LED

solid Green); Low (0 to 2 V dc) - Transmit Disabled (Power LED flashes at 2 Hz)
When Switch 4 is ON, the gray wire is used to teach window limits to the sensors.
When Switch 4 is OFF, the gray wire is used to enable and disable the sensor’s transmit burst. The sensor output will react

as if a “loss of echo” occurred and either hold the output or change to minimum or maximum value (depending on switch 2
and 3 settings). This function may be used when multiple sensors are in close proximity, which may make them vulnerable
to crosstalk interference. A PLC can be used to enable the sensors one at a time to avoid crosstalk.

Switches 5 and 6: Response Speed Adjustment

P/N 70137 Rev. B www.bannerengineering.com - tel: [phone]

U-GAGE

MIN

SIGNAL

TM

MAX

POWER

ANALOG

WINDOW

LIMIT

MIN

ANALOG

MAX

U-GAGE QT50ULB Series Sensors with Analog Output

Switches 5 and 6 are used to set the speed of the output response. The four values for response speed relate to the
number of sensing cycles over which the output value is averaged.

Switch 7: Temperature Compensation

ON = Temperature compensation enabled

OFF = Temperature compensation disabled
Changes in air temperature affect the speed of sound, which in turn affects the distance reading measured by the sensor.

An increase in air temperature shifts both sensing window limits closer to the sensor. Conversely, a decrease in air
temperature shifts both limits farther away from the sensor. This shift is approximately 3.5% of the limit distance for a 20
°C change in temperature. With temperature compensation enabled (Switch 7 ON), the sensor will maintain the window
limits to within 1.8 percent over the –20 °C to 70 °C range.

The temperature sensor in the sensor’s bezel cannot adapt to temperature change as quickly as an external temperature
device can. When there are fast fluctuations in temperature, it may be best to use an external temperature monitor and
feed its signal and the uncompensated distance measurement into a controller and perform the compensation calculations
within the controller.

Consult the factory for details on performing temperature compensation calculations.

• If temperature compensation is enabled, exposure to direct sunlight can affect the sensor’s ability to accurately
compensate for changes in temperature.

• With temperature compensation enabled, the temperature warmup drift upon power-up is less than 0.8% of the
sensing distance. After 15 minutes, the apparent distance will be within 0.5% of the actual distance. After 30
minutes, the apparent distance will be within 0.3% of the actual distance.

Switch 8: Factory Calibration

ON = Factory calibration only
OFF = Normal operation

MIN - Minimum limit indicator
MAX - Maximum limit indicator
POWER - Sensor power indicator
SIGNAL - Target signal strength indicator

Figure 4. Sensor Features

General Notes on Programming

• The sensor returns to RUN mode if the limit is not registered within 120 seconds after entering TEACH Mode.

• Press and hold the programming push button for more than 2 seconds (before teaching the limit) to exit PROGRAM
mode without saving any changes. The sensor will revert to the last saved program.

• If the push buttons do not respond, perform a remote lockout procedure to enable push buttons.

Sensor Programming

Two TEACH methods may be used to program the sensor:

• Teach individual minimum and maximum limits

• Use the Auto-Window feature to center a sensing window around the taught position

The sensor may be programmed either via its two push buttons, or via a remote switch. Remote programming also may be
used to disable the push buttons, preventing unauthorized personnel from adjusting the programming settings. To access
this feature, connect the gray wire of the sensor to 0–2 V dc, with a remote programming switch between the sensor and
the voltage.

NOTE: The impedance of the Remote Teach input is 12 kΩ.

Programming is accomplished by following the sequence of input pulses. The duration of each pulse (corresponding to a
push button “click”), and the period between multiple pulses, are defined as “T” where 0.04 seconds < T < 0.8 seconds.

4 www.bannerengineering.com - tel: [phone] P/N 70137 Rev. B