#Netherlands #Eindhoven #ScioSense #UFC23 #ultrasonic flow converter

ScioSense Launches the Game-Changing UFC23 Ultrasonic Flow Converter

In a significant advancement for smart metering solutions, ScioSense has unveiled its latest innovation, the UFC23, a fourth-generation ultrasonic flow converter. This device is specifically engineered to cater to the needs of modern meter manufacturers aiming for precision and efficiency in their designs.

Understanding the UFC23

The UFC23 sets itself apart by integrating improved resolution and enhanced offset stability into its operations, while maintaining exceptionally low power consumption. This makes it an ideal candidate for battery-operated applications such as water, heat, and gas meters, as well as leak detection systems. One of the key features of the UFC23 is that it allows manufacturers to retain control over their preferred microcontroller systems, crucial for optimizing measurement accuracy and extending battery life, especially in low flow conditions.

ScioSense has designed the UFC23 with a pure front-end architecture, eliminating the need for an on-chip Central Processing Unit found in previous versions. This shift allows Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) greater flexibility in aligning the product with current market demands, thereby enhancing analogue performance as well.

Key Performance Metrics

When employed in a standard DN15 water meter configuration, the UFC23 offers a remarkable single-shot standard deviation of just 35 picoseconds, alongside an offset stability of ±7 picoseconds. These figures, achieved through 128-sample averaging and a drift of less than 10 picoseconds across a temperature range of 0 to 50°C, are crucial for high-end meter designs that comply with R1000-class measurements.

Moreover, the UFC23 is engineered for ultra-low power operation, boasting a standby current as low as 0.8 microamperes and an operational current as minimal as 6.6 microamperes when sampling at an 8Hz rate. This power efficiency mitigates energy concerns, extending the lifespan of battery-operated devices.

Advanced Features for Productivity

The UFC23 not only drives ultrasonic transducers but also captures incoming signals to extract high-precision time-of-flight data. It's built to support various applications: it includes a programmable gain amplifier that improves its ability to process weak signals and a programmable ultrasonic burst generator that operates up to 4.4 MHz. This flexibility allows designers to tailor their setups depending on the transducers and specific applications they are working with.

Additionally, the converter includes functionalities that enhance system-level efficiency and measurement reliability. The ability to monitor the amplitude of up to three received waves and implement extended pulse-width measurements contributes to improved first-hit detection. Furthermore, a batch mode feature allows the sensor to accumulate up to 12 measurement bundles before engaging the host controller, resulting in a reduction in total system power consumption.

The UFC23 is also capable of temperature measurement through external platinum sensors, catering specifically to heat meters and hot-water systems, thus broadening its applicability.

Versatile Applications

With its adaptable design, the UFC23 can be integrated into numerous product lines, making it suitable for various functions, including smart water and heat meters, smart gas meters, control systems for pumps, and even smart faucets. This versatility is particularly appealing to meter manufacturers looking to utilize the same sensor across different product families, optimizing both production processes and cost management.

Norbert Breyer, Director of Marketing and Product Management at ScioSense, encapsulates the significance of the UFC23: “This product directly addresses the metering market's demand for high-precision, ultra-low-power solutions that align with modern design architectures. It empowers manufacturers to pair ScioSense's exceptional analogue performance with their chosen host microcontrollers.”

Conclusion

Operating within a supply voltage range of 2.5V to 3.6V and designed to function in environments with temperatures from -40°C to 85°C, the UFC23 is packaged in a compact QFN32 form. ScioSense has already made sample units available, with evaluation kits accessible through key distributors. For those keen on exploring this innovative product further, detailed information can be found on the ScioSense website.

In summary, the UFC23 from ScioSense represents a leap forward in ultrasonic flow conversion, combining advanced technology with user-centered design to meet the evolving needs of the metering industry.