Microsonic sks Ultrasonic Sensors
Miniature Cuboidal Ultrasonic Sensors for Short-Range Distance, Presence & Level Detection
Microsonic sks ultrasonic sensors provide short-range non-contact sensing in one of Microsonic’s smallest cuboidal housings, making them well suited for compact machinery, electronics handling, conveyor applications, and small-container level monitoring where installation space is limited.
The sks family provides a 150 mm operating range, 250 mm maximum sensing distance, and 0.10 mm resolution. Output options include PNP, NPN, Push-Pull with IO-Link, analog 4–20 mA, and analog 0–10 V configurations. Teach-in, temperature compensation, and a focused ultrasonic field support flexible integration in space-constrained applications.
- Material: stainless steel or high purity PVDF plastic housing
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Temperature Range: -40°C to +200°C
Microsonic sks Ultrasonic Sensors
Image | Part Number | Resolution | Switching Output | Interface | Maximum Sensing Distance | Body Size | Connection | Quantity | Product Details | Add to Cart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 0.10 mm | Push-pull | 100 mA | IO-Link | 250 mm | SKS Sub-Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.10 mm | Analog 4-20mA | Teach-in | 250 mm | SKS Sub-Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.10 mm | Analog 0-10 V | Teach-in | 250 mm | SKS Sub-Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.10 mm | PNP NO/NC | 200 mA | Teach-in | 250 mm | SKS Sub-Miniature | M8 | 3-pin | | |||
 | 0.10 mm | NPN NO/NC | 200 mA | Teach-in | 250 mm | SKS Sub-Miniature | M8 | 3-pin | |
Why Choose Microsonic sks Ultrasonic Sensors
The sks family is designed for applications where sensor size and installation space are critical. Its miniature cuboidal housing is approximately one-third smaller than Microsonic’s zws housing and is installation-compatible with many optical sensors, making it a practical ultrasonic alternative where optical or capacitive sensing may be unreliable.
All sks models share the same short-range sensing class, allowing selection to focus primarily on output type and control requirements. Switching, analog, and IO-Link configurations are available, while Teach-in and temperature compensation simplify setup and help maintain stable measurement performance.
Key Features & Advantages
- Miniature cuboidal housing: One of Microsonic’s smallest cuboidal ultrasonic sensor designs for space-constrained installations.
- Photoelectric-sensor mounting compatibility: The compact sks housing is designed to fit many mounting locations used by miniature photoelectric sensors, making it a practical ultrasonic alternative where optical sensing may be unreliable.
- 150 mm operating range: Provides a consistent short-range working distance across the family.
- 250 mm maximum sensing distance: Supports detection beyond the normal operating range under suitable target conditions.
- 0.10 mm resolution: Provides fine short-range measurement resolution.
- Multiple output options: Available with PNP, NPN, Push-Pull, 4–20 mA, or 0–10 V outputs.
- IO-Link on Push-Pull model: sks-15/CF/A supports IO-Link 1.1 for digital parameterization, process data, and diagnostics.
- Smart Sensor Profile: The IO-Link Push-Pull version supports standardized Smart Sensor Profile functionality.
- Teach-in configuration: Sensor functions can be configured directly using the Teach-in button.
- Narrow ultrasonic field: Helps support short-range detection in confined or closely spaced applications.
- Temperature compensation: Helps maintain measurement performance as ambient temperature changes.
- Synchronization: Multiple sks sensors can be synchronized using an external clock generator.
- IP67 housing: Suitable for industrial environments requiring protection against dust and water ingress.
- UL Listed: sks sensors are listed to applicable Canadian and U.S. safety requirements.
- SoundPipe sks1 accessory: Optional waveguide attachment further concentrates the ultrasonic field for measurement through small openings or bores.
Typical Applications
- Short-range non-contact distance measurement
- Object presence and position detection
- Small-container fill-level monitoring
- Conveyor and material-handling systems
- Electronics and circuit-board handling
- Wafer and small-part detection
- Packaging and assembly machinery
- Replacement of miniature photoelectric sensors where target colour, transparency, reflectivity, or surface conditions interfere with reliable optical detection
- Installations with very limited sensor mounting space
- Applications requiring analog distance measurement
- Applications requiring IO-Link process data, parameterization, or diagnostics on the Push-Pull model
How to Choose a Microsonic sks Sensor
- Operating range: All sks models provide a 150 mm operating range and 250 mm maximum sensing distance, so model selection is primarily based on output type.
- Push-Pull + IO-Link: Choose the /CF/A version when a Push-Pull switching output and IO-Link communication are required.
- PNP switching output: Choose the /D version when a standard PNP switching output is required.
- NPN switching output: Choose the /E version when a standard NPN switching output is required.
- 4–20 mA analog output: Choose the /CI version for continuous current-output distance or level measurement.
- 0–10 V analog output: Choose the /CU version for continuous voltage-output distance or level measurement.
- Compact installation: Consider sks where available sensor space is limited or where a compact ultrasonic sensor is replacing an optical sensor.
- Narrow measurement area: Consider the optional SoundPipe sks1 where the ultrasonic field must be concentrated through a small opening or bore.
- Target and environment: Confirm target size, surface, orientation, available mounting space, ambient conditions, and required sensing distance before selecting the model.
Operating Range vs. Maximum Range
For Microsonic sks sensors, the operating range should be treated as the primary working-distance specification when selecting and applying the sensor.
The maximum range represents the farther detection capability available under suitable target and alignment conditions and should not be treated as the normal recommended working distance.
Across the sks family:
- Operating range: 150 mm
- Maximum sensing distance: 250 mm
- Blind zone: 20 mm
Because all five models use the same sensing range, selection is primarily based on the required switching or analog output and whether IO-Link is needed.
Need Help Selecting a Microsonic sks Sensor?
IBIS can help compare sks models based on switching or analog output requirements, IO-Link needs, available mounting space, target characteristics, and applications requiring compact short-range ultrasonic sensing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Microsonic sks Ultrasonic Sensors
What are Microsonic sks ultrasonic sensors used for?
Microsonic sks sensors are used for short-range non-contact distance measurement, object detection, position monitoring, and level sensing where installation space is limited. Their miniature cuboidal housing is especially useful on compact machinery, conveyors, electronics-handling equipment, and small containers.
What sensing range is available for sks sensors?
All sks models provide a 150 mm operating range and a 250 mm maximum sensing distance, with a 20 mm blind zone. Because the sensing range is consistent across the family, output type is usually the main model-selection factor.
What output options are available?
The sks family includes PNP, NPN, Push-Pull with IO-Link, 4–20 mA analog, and 0–10 V analog versions. This allows the same compact sensor format to support both switching and continuous measurement applications.
Are Microsonic sks sensors available with IO-Link?
Yes. The sks-15/CF/A Push-Pull model supports IO-Link 1.1 and Smart Sensor Profile for digital parameterization, process data, and diagnostics. The PNP, NPN, and analog versions should not be described as IO-Link models.
Why is the sks family useful in space-constrained applications?
The sks uses a very small cuboidal housing and is installation-compatible with many compact optical sensors. This makes it useful where mounting space is limited or where an ultrasonic sensor is needed as an alternative to optical or capacitive sensing.
What is the SoundPipe sks1 accessory used for?
The optional SoundPipe sks1 concentrates the ultrasonic field so the sensor can measure through small openings or bores. It can be useful where the normal ultrasonic field must be more tightly guided toward the target.