Radar sensors for distance and ground speed measurement applications

Ground speed measurement in the railway industry

Radar ground speed sensors are increasingly used in rail track service cars for measuring speed. Ground speed is critical for variety of operational, safety and efficiency-related reasons. Accurate and reliable speed monitoring ensures that these vehicles operate within safe and optimal parameters, improving the effectiveness of track maintenance and inspection, while minimizing risks and costs.

ifm’s radar sensors are durable and robust providing long-lasting performance with minimal failure rates in demanding environments. The Doppler principle offers high accuracy which is needed for track inspection and maintenance activities to ensure proper operation.

Ground speed measurement in the agriculture industry

A ground speed sensor is an essential tool for improving operational efficiency, ensuring precise application of inputs, and optimizing fuel consumption. It allows for accurate control of machinery, ensures uniformity in field operations, and helps maintain the health of both crops and soil.

By integrating this technology into farming systems, farmers can increase yield, reduce costs, enhance sustainability, and ultimately improve the profitability of their operations. Whether in precision farming, autonomous equipment, or harvesting, the ground speed sensor contributes significantly to the modern agricultural industry’s push for efficiency and sustainability.

ifm offers light weight, compact, robust, user-friendly, and precise radar sensors for ground speed measurement. Using the Doppler principle, the sensor detects the speed of the vehicle and outputs the true speed automatically via CAN interface.

Ground speed measurement in the construction industry

In the mobile equipment industry, ground speed sensor are critically important for ensuring the safe, efficient, and precise operation of machinery. These sensors play a central role in helping heavy duty vehicles navigate construction sites effectively and perform tasks accurately.

ifm offers light weight, compact, robust, user-friendly, and precise radar sensors for ground speed measurement. Using the Doppler principle, the sensor detects the speed of the vehicle and outputs the true speed automatically via CAN interface.

Sprayer height control in the agriculture industry

Controlling the height of a sprayer is important to ensure effective and efficient application of chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, and  fertilizers on crops. The distance between the nozzles and the target surface must be measured for height control. Proper height control directly impacts the precision and outcome of the spraying process.

Ultrasonic sensors are commonly used to measure the distance between the nozzle and the target surface. However, their performance is affected by weather (e.g., wind and rain) and the spraying process. Fluctuation of measured values create false triggering.

The radar sensor is ideal for the application. It is not affected by environmental factors and it is highly accurate and precise, especially in various field conditions. No false triggering occurs during the spraying process. The smart sensor with multiple zone settings can differentiate between crop surface and ground.

Over-the-row harvester height control

A height control system plays a very important role for over-the-row harvesters. It directly impacts the efficiency and quality of the harvest, and the overall effectiveness of the machine. Maintaining optimal height during the harvesting process ensures that the harvester is working effectively across varying field conditions and crop characteristics. A reliable height control system will prevent crop damages, maximize harvest efficiency, adapt to field terrain and crop growth, prevent damage to the machine, improve harvest quality and yield, and optimize fuel efficiency.

Radar sensors are perfect for the application. Robust and reliable distance measurement in all-weather conditions.

Level monitoring on rock and wood processing equipment

Level monitoring is key for improving operational efficiency, reducing maintenance costs, ensuring the safety of operators, and optimizing fuel and resource use. Whether it’s monitoring the level of material in the hopper or the fluid levels in the engine or hydraulic system, it ensures that the equipment runs smoothly, preventing overloading, damage, and unnecessary downtime. Level monitoring also helps maintain high-quality performance and consistency, contributing to better outcomes in various applications such as biomass production, landscaping, construction, road-building and wood processing. 

The radar sensor is mounted on top of the conveyor belt and measures distance to the material surface. ifm’s radar sensor has a wide opening angle that covers a large area of the conveyor belt. The sensor is not affected by the extreme dusty environment and ambient light, ensures reliable and robust performance constantly.