Microsonic zws Ultrasonic Sensors
Miniature Cuboidal Ultrasonic Sensors with Teach-In for Compact Distance, Object & Level Detection
Microsonic zws ultrasonic sensors combine a miniature cuboidal housing with a broad choice of short- to mid-range sensing distances for non-contact distance measurement, object detection, positioning, and level-monitoring applications.
The zws family is available in multiple operating-range classes from 70 mm up to 700 mm, with switching or analog output configurations. A top-mounted Teach-in button simplifies setup, while the compact housing is installation-compatible with many optical sensors, making zws a practical ultrasonic alternative where target colour, transparency, reflectivity, or surface conditions can affect optical detection.
- Material: stainless steel or high purity PVDF plastic housing
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Temperature Range: -40°C to +200°C
Microsonic zws Ultrasonic Sensors
Image | Part Number | Resolution | Switching Output | Interface | Maximum Sensing Distance | Body Size | Connection | Quantity | Product Details | Add to Cart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 0.20 mm | PNP NO/NC | 200 mA | Teach-in | 250 mm | ZWS Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.20 mm | NPN NO/NC | 200 mA | Teach-in | 250 mm | ZWS Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.20 mm | Analog 4-20mA | Teach-in | 250 mm | ZWS Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.20 mm | Analog 0-10 V | Teach-in | 250 mm | ZWS Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.20 mm | PNP NO/NC | 200 mA | Teach-in | 350 mm | ZWS Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.20 mm | NPN NO/NC | 200 mA | Teach-in | 350 mm | ZWS Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.20 mm | Analog 4-20mA | Teach-in | 350 mm | ZWS Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.20 mm | Analog 0-10 V | Teach-in | 350 mm | ZWS Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.20 mm | PNP NO/NC | 200 mA | Teach-in | 350 mm | ZWS Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.20 mm | NPN NO/NC | 200 mA | Teach-in | 350 mm | ZWS Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.20 mm | Analog 4-20mA | Teach-in | 350 mm | ZWS Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.20 mm | Analog 0-10 V | Teach-in | 350 mm | ZWS Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.20 mm | PNP NO/NC | 200 mA | Teach-in | 600 mm | ZWS Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.20 mm | NPN NO/NC | 200 mA | Teach-in | 600 mm | ZWS Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.20 mm | Analog 4-20mA | Teach-in | 600 mm | ZWS Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.20 mm | Analog 0-10 V | Teach-in | 600 mm | ZWS Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.20 mm | PNP NO/NC | 200 mA | Teach-in | 100 mm | ZWS Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.20 mm | NPN NO/NC | 200 mA | Teach-in | 100 mm | ZWS Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.20 mm | PNP NO/NC | 200 mA | Teach-in | 1000 mm | ZWS Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.20 mm | NPN NO/NC | 200 mA | Teach-in | 1000 mm | ZWS Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.20 mm | Analog 4-20mA | Teach-in | 1200 mm | ZWS Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | 0.20 mm | Analog 0-10 V | Teach-in | 1200 mm | ZWS Miniature | M8 | 4-pin | |
Why Choose Microsonic zws Ultrasonic Sensors
The zws family is designed for applications that need compact ultrasonic sensing with more range flexibility than a single-range miniature family can provide. Its small cuboidal housing supports installation in tight spaces and can often fit locations commonly used by miniature optical sensors.
Multiple sensing ranges and switching or analog output versions allow zws sensors to cover a wide variety of short- and mid-range applications. Teach-in configuration, temperature compensation, Twin mode, external synchronization, and optional SoundPipe accessories add flexibility for machine integration and close-proximity sensing.
Key Features & Advantages
- Miniature cuboidal housing: Compact design for space-constrained machine and automation installations.
- Optical-sensor mounting compatibility: The compact zws housing fits many mounting footprints used by optical sensors, providing a practical path to ultrasonic sensing where optical detection is affected by target colour, transparency, reflectivity, gloss, or surface variation.
- Broad range selection: Available in six detection-range classes, including 70 mm, 150 mm, 240 mm, 250 mm, 350 mm, and 700 mm operating ranges.
- Switching and analog outputs: Available with PNP or NPN switching output, or analog 4–20 mA / 0–10 V output configurations.
- Teach-in button: Top-mounted push-button allows convenient sensor setup.
- Three switching modes: Switching versions support single switching point, two-way reflective barrier, and window mode.
- Fast zws-7 version: zws-7 can achieve up to 250 Hz switching frequency with response time under 3 ms for high-speed counting and small-gap detection.
- Twin mode: Two nearby switching zws sensors can operate in Twin mode to help reduce mutual interference.
- External synchronization: SyncBox2 can synchronize up to 50 zws sensors for larger multi-sensor installations.
- Improved temperature compensation: Analog models reach their operating point within approximately 45 seconds after power-up.
- Two status LEDs: Provide visible indication of switching or analog output status.
- SoundPipe zws1 accessory: Optional waveguide concentrates the ultrasonic field for small openings, bores, narrow gaps, and small-container level measurement.
- 20–30 VDC operation: Compatible with common industrial control-voltage systems.
- UL Listed: Listed to applicable Canadian and U.S. safety standards.
Typical Applications
- Short- and mid-range non-contact distance measurement
- Object presence and position detection
- Fill-level and level monitoring
- Conveyor and material-handling systems
- Packaging and assembly machinery
- Electronics and circuit-board handling
- Wafer and small-part detection
- High-speed counting with zws-7
- Detection of narrow gaps between fast-moving objects
- Applications where ultrasonic sensing is preferred over optical sensing because target colour, transparency, reflectivity, or surface conditions may affect reliable optical detection
- Installations requiring multiple nearby ultrasonic sensors
- Small openings, bores, and microplate-well level measurement with SoundPipe zws1
How to Choose a Microsonic zws Sensor
- Operating range: Select the zws range that comfortably covers the normal required sensing distance. Available classes extend from very short 70 mm sensing through 700 mm operating range.
- Switching output: Choose a PNP or NPN switching version for presence, position, level-switching, or counting applications.
- Analog output: Choose a 4–20 mA or 0–10 V version for continuous distance or level measurement.
- High-speed detection: Consider zws-7 where fast counting, narrow gaps, or rapid target movement require high switching frequency and short response time.
- Optical-sensor replacement: Consider zws where an existing compact optical-sensor mounting position can be retained but ultrasonic sensing is better suited to the target.
- Multiple nearby sensors: Use Twin mode for two nearby switching sensors or SyncBox2 where larger groups of zws sensors must operate close together.
- Small openings or focused sensing: Consider SoundPipe zws1 with zws-7 or zws-15 where the ultrasonic field must be concentrated through a narrow 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 zws sensors, the operating range should be treated as the primary working-distance specification when selecting a model.
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.
Use the operating range as the primary selection specification and confirm the exact maximum sensing distance on the individual model page.
The family includes several range classes, including:
- zws-7: 70 mm operating range / 100 mm maximum range
- zws-15: 150 mm operating range
- zws-24: 240 mm operating range
- zws-25: 250 mm operating range
- zws-35: 350 mm operating range
- zws-70: 700 mm operating range / up to 1,200 mm maximum sensing distance depending on model
The overall zws family covers six operating-range classes, with maximum sensing distances extending up to 1,200 mm depending on model and output configuration.
Need Help Selecting a Microsonic zws Sensor?
IBIS can help compare zws models based on operating range, switching or analog output requirements, response speed, mounting space, optical-sensor replacement needs, synchronization requirements, target characteristics, and focused-sensing applications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Microsonic zws Ultrasonic Sensors
What are Microsonic zws ultrasonic sensors used for?
Microsonic zws sensors are used for compact non-contact distance measurement, object detection, position monitoring, and level sensing on industrial machinery and automated equipment. Their miniature cuboidal housing and broad range selection make them useful across many short- and mid-range applications.
What operating ranges are available for zws sensors?
The zws family includes operating-range classes of approximately 70 mm, 150 mm, 240 mm, 250 mm, 350 mm, and 700 mm, providing one of the broadest range selections among Microsonic’s miniature cuboidal families.
What output options are available?
zws sensors are available with PNP or NPN switching outputs and analog 4–20 mA or 0–10 V outputs, depending on model and range.
Why is zws useful as an alternative to optical sensors?
The zws housing is designed to fit many mounting footprints commonly used by compact optical sensors, which can make physical replacement straightforward. This gives machine builders and maintenance teams a practical way to move from optical to ultrasonic sensing when target colour, transparency, reflectivity, gloss, or surface variation makes reliable optical detection difficult.
Can multiple zws sensors operate close together?
Yes. Two switching zws sensors can use Twin mode to reduce mutual interference. For larger groups, the optional SyncBox2 can synchronize up to 50 zws sensors.
What is special about the zws-7 model?
The zws-7 is designed for very fast short-range detection. It provides a 70 mm operating range, 100 mm maximum range, switching frequency up to 250 Hz, and response time under 3 ms, making it useful for high-speed counting and detecting narrow gaps between moving objects.