ifm ultrasonic distance sensors, used as tank level gauges.
Some ratings are not filled in yet. Check the manufacturer’s current datasheet before wiring.
¶ What it measures
Distance to a surface — see Ultrasonic Level.
| Models | Sensing range | Blind zone | Beam (angle of aperture) | Converter frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UGT203, UGT509 | 150–1600 mm | 150 mm | 15° (±2°) | 230 kHz |
| UGT207, UGT513 | 200–2200 mm | 200 mm | 14° (±2°) | 200 kHz |
The sensing range is rated against a 200 × 200 mm target. The values above are from the UGT203 and UGT207 datasheets; the UGT509 and UGT513 share the same IO-Link device description but their datasheets have not been checked.
| Resolution | UGT203: 1 mm; UGT207 analog output: < 3 mm |
| Repeatability | 1 % |
| Hysteresis | < 2 % |
| Switch-point drift | −2 to +2 % |
| Temperature compensation | Yes |
| Response time | UGT207 analog output: < 300 ms |
¶ Electrical interface
| Supply | 10–30 V DC (cULus: Class 2 source required) |
| Current consumption | 55 mA |
| Power-on delay | < 0.3 s |
| Protection | Protection class III; reverse-polarity, short-circuit and overload protected |
| Output | IO-Link on pin 4 |
| Switch outputs | UGT203: 2 × PNP (OUT1, OUT2), N.O./N.C. configurable. UGT207: 1 × PNP (OUT1), N.O./N.C. configurable |
| Analog output | UGT207 only: OUT2 is 4–20 mA (or 20–4 mA inverted), max. load 500 Ω |
| Switching output rating | 100 mA DC continuous, max. voltage drop 2.2 V |
| Switching frequency | UGT203: 3 Hz; UGT207: 2 Hz |
| IO-Link | Revision 1.1, COM2 (38.4 kBaud), SIO mode supported, min. cycle time 3.2 ms, master port class A |
| Connector | M12, 4-pin |
| UGT509 / UGT513 ratings | From datasheet — to be filled in |
¶ Environment and mechanical
| Ingress rating | IP67 |
| Ambient temperature | −20 to +70 °C (storage −30 to +80 °C) |
| Housing | Threaded barrel, M18 × 1, length 97.5 mm (UGT203 and UGT207) |
| Materials | PBT; PA; epoxy glass ceramics |
| Tightening torque | 1 Nm |
| Supplied | 2 plastic lock nuts, 2 rubber washers |
| Indicators | 2 × yellow LED (switching status), 1 × green LED (echo); teach button |
¶ Notes
- The bottom of each range is the sensor’s blind zone: a surface closer than 150 mm (UGT203) or 200 mm (UGT207) cannot be detected. Mount the sensor so the highest possible liquid level stays below the blind zone.
- Over IO-Link the sensor reports distance in whole millimeters over a slightly wider span than the rated sensing range (UGT203: 100–1700 mm; UGT207: 150–2300 mm). Readings outside the rated sensing range are not guaranteed.
- A sensor aimed at nothing still reports, with a “no target” reply, rather than going silent.
- Mount the sensor square to the liquid surface: the datasheet allows a maximum deviation of ±4° from 90° between sensor and target.
- The beam spreads (14–15° cone), so keep tank walls, ladders, pipes and inlet streams out of the cone between the sensor and the lowest level you need to read.
- The stated accuracy is reached only after a warm-up time of at least 20 minutes.
- On the UGT207, OUT2 is an analog output, not a second switch. Wire it to an analog input, or leave it unconnected.
- The plastic M18 thread takes only 1 Nm; overtightening the lock nuts can damage the housing.
¶ Maintenance
- Check the echo. The green LED is on while the sensor receives an echo. Over IO-Link the sensor also reports echo quality (none, low, mid, good, excellent). A falling echo quality with the tank level unchanged points to a dirty sensor face, foam, condensation or a changed mounting angle.
- Clean the sensor face. If readings become erratic, wipe deposits and condensation off the transducer face, then check the echo again.
- Check the mounting. Confirm the sensor is still square to the surface (±4°) and the lock nuts are snug.
- Re-teach switch points after moving the sensor or changing the tank. Use the teach button on the sensor, or the teach commands and set-point parameters over IO-Link.
- Factory reset. A “Restore Factory Settings” command is available over IO-Link if the configuration is unknown.
- Service data. The sensor counts power cycles and operating hours, readable over IO-Link.
¶ Using it with a controller
Wiring and configuration live with each controller:
- InteliHive — on an IO-Link port. See Supported Devices and IO-Link Devices.
¶ Sources
- ifm UGT203 product page
- ifm UGT207 product page
- ifm UGT203 data sheet, UGT203-01, 15.10.2020 (copy hosted by Octopart)
- ifm UGT207 data sheet, UGT207-01, 15.10.2020 (copy hosted by Octopart)