Banner Q45UBB63DAQ6 Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor

A rugged 1.4 m ultrasonic window sensor with M12 connector and DIP-switch setup

The Q45UBB63DAQ6 is a U-GAGE Q45U ultrasonic proximity sensor from Banner Engineering with two bipolar discrete outputs and a 5-pin M12 quick-disconnect. It detects an object inside a sensing window whose near and far limits are set with a single push button, from a minimum near limit of 100 mm out to a far limit of 1.4 m. Because it uses sound rather than light, it is equally at home with clear film, glass, liquids, dust and dark or shiny surfaces.

The potted, molded PBT housing is o-ring sealed with a transparent acrylic top cover and stainless steel hardware, and Banner states that Q45U sensors are designed to withstand 1200 psi washdown. This part has no temperature compensation (the DAC variants add it).

Technical specifications

Setting the sensing window

Programming uses one push button: the near limit and far limit are taught with the object at each position, and a five-segment moving-dot LED shows where the target sits within the window. A four-position DIP switch then selects normally open or closed output, between high/low level control (pump in or pump out) and on/off presence sensing, and the digital filter speed. Typical applications are tank and hopper level control, roll diameter and loop control, and presence detection.

Temperature has a known effect on ultrasonic ranging: on uncompensated models such as this one an increase in air temperature moves both limits closer by approximately 3.5 % of the limit distance for a 20 degree C change, which Banner’s temperature-compensated C models hold to within 1 % from 0 to 50 degrees C.

Part number options

The datasheet lists six models: Q45UBB63DA (2 m cable), Q45UBB63DAQ (7/8 in-16UNF QD) and Q45UBB63DAQ6 (M12 QD) without temperature compensation, and the same three with a C in the suffix (DAC, DACQ, DACQ6) with compensation. The 9 m cable version is ordered with the W/30 suffix, and QD models need a mating cable ordered separately.

Please confirm the sensing window, the connector style and whether temperature compensation is required before ordering.

Mounting and aiming the Q45U sensor

Ultrasonic sensing depends on a clean echo returning from the target, so the mounting position matters as much as the settings. Aim the sensor face perpendicular to the surface it must detect, keep the sound path clear of tank walls, ladders, pipes and agitator blades, and allow for the spread of the sound beam as it travels toward the far limit shown in the datasheet beam pattern. Mount the sensor on a rigid bracket so vibration does not change its aim.

In tanks and hoppers, avoid positions above the fill stream, where falling material or splashing liquid creates false echoes. Foam, heavy dust clouds and steam can absorb sound and weaken the return, so test detection under real process conditions rather than only with an empty vessel.

Commissioning the sensing window

Teach the near and far limits with the actual target or liquid surface at each position, then watch the moving-dot display while the target moves through the window to confirm that the full range of interest is covered. Set the DIP switches for output logic and mode to match the control requirement, and choose a response time that balances quick reaction against stability on a moving or rippling surface.

Check both discrete outputs against the PLC or relay inputs they feed, confirming whether the input card expects sourcing or sinking signals, and simulate high and low conditions to verify that pumps, valves or alarms respond correctly. Note the taught distances and switch positions on the loop sheet so a replacement unit can be set up identically.

Heat, sun and dust at Omani sites

The temperature effect described above has practical weight in Oman and the GCC. Air temperature at an outdoor tank or conveyor can change widely between early morning and mid-afternoon, so a window taught in cool conditions may shift as the air heats. Teach the limits at a representative operating temperature, leave margin at both ends of the window, and shade the sensor from direct sun to reduce heating of the housing and the air in front of it. Where the shift cannot be tolerated, the temperature-compensated models listed on this page are the better choice.

Wind-blown dust can coat the sensor face and humid coastal air can leave condensation on it. During routine checks, clean the face gently without scratching it, inspect the M12 connector and mating cable for damage, and verify that the outputs still switch at the taught limits. Recording the result of each check helps reveal slow drift before it disturbs the process.

Documents and quotation

Open the attached Banner U-GAGE Q45UBB Ultrasonic Sensor datasheet, p/n 44177 (manufacturer, unaltered) for the complete data and dimension drawings. Before you place an order, confirm the sensing window, connector and temperature compensation with the system designer, then submit your request with the exact code; our team prepares the quotation. Related items are listed under Sensors & Transmitters.