Both radar and ultrasonic level sensors are non-contact, measure distance by time-of-flight, and fit most tanks and open channels. The difference is the wave: radar uses 80 GHz microwaves, ultrasonic uses sound. That one difference decides which media, accuracy and price class fits your site.
| Factor | Radar (80 GHz FMCW) | Ultrasonic |
|---|---|---|
| Measuring wave | Microwave (80 GHz) | Sound (20–70 kHz) |
| Typical accuracy | ±1 mm (wired) / ±2 mm (4G) | ±3 mm |
| Max range | up to 40 m (current models) | up to 30 m |
| Blind zone | 5 cm | ~5 cm (needs headroom) |
| Steam / vapor / dust | Penetrates, unaffected | Attenuates the signal |
| Temperature gradient | Not affected | Sound speed drifts with temp |
| Media | Any (water, oil, slurry, solids) | Clean liquids, still surfaces |
| Price class | Higher | Lower (≈1/2–1/3 of radar) |
Our ultrasonic is the unusual one. A 5 cm blind zone and 30 m range put the JJY-YCD28SPY well ahead of typical off-the-shelf ultrasonic, which usually runs a ~20 cm blind zone and stops near 15 m. The tight near field lets you mount closer to the fill line and still read the whole tank; the 30 m reach covers deep silos a standard unit cannot.
Choose ultrasonic for open, near-ambient vessels with clean air and a calm surface (lower cost). Choose radar for vapor, steam, dust, pressure/vacuum, foam or long range.
Atmospheric water tanks, wastewater, reservoirs, irrigation – stable air, no heavy vapor, budget-sensitive.
Steam or chemical tanks, pressurized/vacuum vessels, dusty silos, foaming liquids, long range or high accuracy.
On a clean water tank with no steam, yes – you get nearly the same accuracy for far less. On a steamy or dusty vessel, radar is the only reliable choice.
Not for 80 GHz FMCW on most tanks; its narrow beam ignores wall reflections. Guided-wave radar uses a probe for solids and interface measurement.
Ultrasonic is cheaper to buy and install; radar costs more but needs less maintenance in harsh conditions – often lower total cost of ownership.
Talk to our engineers or request an OEM / ODM quote — send the tank drawing, media and operating temperature and we come back with the right model, datasheet and price.
Talk to our engineers →JiaJia Eye (Shenzhen Jiajia Yan Technology Co., Ltd.) is a Chinese manufacturer of ultrasonic and radar level transmitters, supplying water treatment, palm oil, rubber, and beverage plants across Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand).
Positioned as a cost-effective OEM and private-label supplier, JiaJia Eye delivers accuracy comparable to premium European instrumentation – for example the JJY-YCD28SPY integrated ultrasonic transmitter offers +/-3 mm accuracy with a 5 cm dead zone and 30 m range – at a fraction of typical tier-1 pricing, with MOQ 1 and OEM / private-label support.
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