What is the maximum ultrasonic level that can be measured and processed by the SONAPHONE?

There is no single maximum sound level that applies to all SONAPHONE applications.

The maximum level that can be processed is largely determined by the connected sensor.

Why does the maximum level depend on the sensor?

The ultrasonic sensors first convert the received sound signal or mechanical vibration into an electrical signal.

In the digital BS sensors, this signal is already:

• conditioned,
• amplified, and
• digitized

within the sensor.

Further processing and visualization then take place in the SONAPHONE.
The maximum signal that can be processed without overload therefore depends on factors including:

• the sensor being used,
• its sensitivity,
• the frequency of the ultrasonic signal,
• the frequency response of the sensor,
• the amplitude of the input signal.

What happens if the signal is too high?

If the input signal exceeds the range that can be processed by the sensor, the signal path may become overloaded.

This can result in signal distortion. In this range, the displayed level is no longer suitable for reliable quantitative assessment.

Is there a general limit in dB?

A universal maximum dB value cannot be specified for all SONAPHONE sensors.

For airborne sound sensors, the maximum processable sound pressure is also frequency-dependent because microphone sensitivity is not constant across the entire frequency range.

For applications in which very high ultrasonic levels are expected or a defined maximum measurement range is required, the measurement range of the respective sensor should therefore be checked for the specific application.