Abstract: A method and an analysis system for determining a state of a diaphragm of an ultrasound sensor during operation is disclosed. The diaphragm of the ultrasound sensor is excited with a first excitation signal in a predefined first frequency profile. Based on this, a first voltage profile, which depends on a frequency of the first excitation signal, is measured. Analogously, a second voltage profile is determined by applying a second excitation signal to the diaphragm and then carrying out a measurement. These two voltage profiles are shifted so that respective positions of maxima of the two voltage profiles are matched to each other in a predefined frequency range. A third voltage profile, which runs between the shifted first and second voltage profiles, is determined. Based on the third voltage profile, electrical parameters are determined by a model for continuous excitation of the diaphragm to determine the state of the diaphragm.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer having a piezoelectric element for use on a vehicle is disclosed. The transducer has a control and evaluation circuit for generating a control voltage for the piezoelectric element, which generates and emits an ultrasonic signal based on the control voltage, and for outputting an output signal on the basis of an echo signal received at the piezoelectric element. A gyrator circuit is included for providing a compensation inductance for adapting the control and evaluation circuit, for compensating for a parasitic connection capacitance of the piezoelectric element. The gyrator circuit has a variable compensation inductance. A method for compensating for an ultrasonic transducer having a piezoelectric element for adapting a reception sensitivity is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and an analysis system for determining a state of a diaphragm of an ultrasound sensor during operation is disclosed. The diaphragm of the ultrasound sensor is excited with a first excitation signal in a predefined first frequency profile. Based on this, a first voltage profile, which depends on a frequency of the first excitation signal, is measured. Analogously, a second voltage profile is determined by applying a second excitation signal to the diaphragm and then carrying out a measurement. These two voltage profiles are shifted so that respective positions of maxima of the two voltage profiles are matched to one another in a predefined frequency range. A third voltage profile, which runs between the shifted first and second voltage profiles, is determined. Based on the third voltage profile, electrical parameters are determined by a model for continuous excitation of the diaphragm to determine the state of the diaphragm.