Analog
An output type that can vary proportional to measured distance. Analog output types can be either current loop outputs or voltage outputs.

Analog Window
The range of distances between the two analog endpoints, within which the analog output will vary between the analog low limit and analog high limit in proportion to the measured distance.

Current Loop Output
An analog output type that drives an electrical current proportional to measured distance. Senix sensors can provide industry standard 4-20 ma. current loop outputs. Computer configurable models allow user-entered analog limits.

Deadband
A distance band, starting at zero distance, within which the sensor cannot measure distance. The deadband varies with each sensor model. Targets within the deadband may still be detected but their distance cannot be determined.

Endpoint
One end of the analog window. Two endpoints define the analog window.

Hysteresis
The difference between the distance that a switch turns ON and the distance that same switch turns OFF. This distance can be entered on some computer configurable models to implement simple control systems.

Ingress Rating
An enclosure rating that identifies how susceptible a product is to the entry (ingress) of external objects or liquids.

Switch
An output type that is either ON or OFF. Most switches are solid state outputs. Some are relay outputs.

Switch Window
A range of distances within which a switch output will be set to a defined state when a target is within the window and the opposite state when it is not. This feature is only available on some computer configurable models.

Measure Rate
The repetitive rate at which the sensor performs distance measurements.

Material Window
The range of distances between the minimum range and maximum range values.

Maximum Range
The maximum distance at which the sensor will detect a target and report distance. Computer configurable models allow this value to be user-entered.

Minimum Range
The minimum distance at which the sensor will begin to detect a target and report distance. Computer configurable models allow this value to be user-entered.

Analog High Limit
The maximum (highest) value of an analog output. For example, the Analog High Limit value for a 4-20 ma. current loop analog output is 20 ma. Computer configurable models allow this value to be user-entered.

Analog Low Limit
The minimum (lowest) value of an analog output. For example, the Analog Low Limit value for a 0-10 VDC analog output is 0 volts. Computer configurable models allow this value to be user-entered.

RS-232
An electrical interface standard used to transfer information using serial data communications. This is a single ended interface with a specified maximum range of 15 meters (50 feet) that typically supports one device.

RS-485   

An electrical interface standard used to transfer information using serial data communications. This is a differential interface with a specified maximum range of 600 meters (2000 feet) that is capable of supporting multiple addressable devices.

Serial Data    A method of transferring information using a sequential (serial) on/off pattern to encode the data. Two common industry standards are RS-232 and RS-485. SenixView™ software uses serial data communications to configure sensors and to convey sensor measurements.

Setpoint    The measured distance at which a switch output turns ON.

SenixView™    A Senix® software product used to adjust all computer configurable sensor models.

Target    Any object or material that reflects ultrasonic energy back to the sensor thus allowing the sensor to measure its distance.

Teach    A Senix product feature that uses the sensor’s pushbutton to tell the sensor to store a current target distance measurement into memory and automatically calibrate the output(s).

Ultrasonic
A sound wave of a frequency greater than 20,000 Hz, typically above the range of human hearing.

Transducer
A transducer converts one form of energy to another.  Senix ultrasonic sensors use combination ultrasonic transducers.  These transducers produce and also detect ultrasonic signals.

Voltage Output
An analog output type that drives an electrical voltage proportional to measured distance. Senix sensors can provide industry standard 0-10 and 0-5 VDC outputs. Computer configurable models allow user-entered analog limits.

Zero Distance
The distance at the front surface of the sensor. Sensors cannot measure to zero distance but only as close as the deadband.