Electrostatic ultrasonic sensors and transducers deliver performance advantages that piezoelectric sensors cannot match—particularly in applications that require long range, soft-target detection, small-object recognition, or stable operation across temperature changes. By leveraging a lightweight electrostatic membrane rather than a heavy ceramic disk, these sensors achieve up to 40 dB higher sensitivity, and maintain consistent performance in conditions where piezo devices struggle.
Below are the applications where engineers consistently see electrostatic technology outperform piezoelectric alternatives.
Long-Range Detection: Reliable Ranging Up to 40 Feet
Most piezoelectric ultrasonic devices peak around 8–15 feet, and many struggle beyond that due to limited acoustic output and receive sensitivity. Electrostatic sensors also maintain a strong signal-to-noise ratio at long distances, allowing reliable detection up to 40 feet. Where this matters:
- Agricultural boom height control – Ensure sprayer booms maintain consistent clearance above crops or uneven terrain.
- Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) – Longer look-ahead distance at higher vehicle speeds.
- Warehouse automation – Pallet detection, aisle navigation, and collision avoidance in long, narrow spaces.
Small Object Detection: Precision That Piezo Sensors Miss
With significantly higher sensitivity and more powerful transmit signals, electrostatic sensors excel at detecting small, thin, or low-profile objects—a common failure point for piezoelectric devices. Where this matters:
- Manufacturing quality control – Detecting screws, caps, tabs, gaskets, or packaging components on fast-moving lines.
- Robotics – Identifying slender obstacles such as rods, wires, handles, or tool edges.
- Electronics assembly – Presence/absence checks for small, high-value components.
Soft-Target Detection: Foliage, Fabrics, and Other Challenging Surfaces
Piezoelectric sensors depend on strong acoustic reflections, which soft materials simply don’t provide. Electrostatic devices, with greater output and bandwidth, detect soft, absorbent, or irregularly contoured targets much more reliably. Where this matters:
- Agriculture – Detecting foliage, crop canopy, and leaf density.
- Packaging – Detecting padded, foam, or fabric-lined materials.
- Outdoor or irregular environments – Human clothing, absorbent materials, or non-rigid surfaces.
Temperature-Stable Sensing: Reliable Performance in Variable Environments
Piezoelectric ceramics drift significantly with temperature, causing inconsistent performance. Electrostatic sensors maintain stable performance across a wide temperature range. Where this matters:
- Cold storage automation
- Outdoor robotics and infrastructure
- Industrial process control near heat sources
High-Speed Measurement: Faster Response for Dynamic Systems
The lightweight, low resonance diaphragm in an electrostatic transducer can be cycled faster than a ceramic element. This enables rapid-fire measurements with higher accuracy at fast sample rates. Where this matters:
- Web handling and roll-to-roll production – Continuous height or loop control.
- High-speed sorting lines – Real-time object detection at fast line speeds
- Dynamic robotic systems – Sensing rapid motion without lag.
Level Sensing Without Contact: Detecting Liquids, Grains, and Bulk Materials
Electrostatic ultrasonic sensors handle non-contact level sensing extremely well, especially for materials that scatter or absorb acoustic energy. Transducers are mounted outside the tank or above the material—no fluid contact required. Where this matters:
- Wet agricultural environments – Fertilizers, slurries, water tanks.
- Industrial bins and silos – Grains, powders, pellets.
- Chemical and processing facilities – Non-invasive measurement without corrosion or contamination risk.
SensComp: The Leader in Electrostatic Ultrasonic Technology
As the world’s only manufacturer of low-cost electrostatic ultrasonic sensors, SensComp provides unmatched capability for applications that demand accuracy, range, and reliability. With U.S.-based manufacturing, ISO9001 certification, and exclusive ownership of Polaroid’s amazing transducer technology, SensComp offers sensors that outperform many piezoelectric alternatives in real-world conditions.