Ultrasonic Projector

Project any sound, anywhere

Overview:

This project uses an array of ultrasonic transducers emit a directional sonic beam which will cause the sound to appear to originate from the target.



Description:

This project allows an array of 91 Ultrasonic Transducers (TCT40-16T) arranged in a hexagonal pattern to transmit a 40khz directional sonic beam, modulated using software-based FM, which will demodulate upon hitting a target, resulting in the sound appearing to originate from the target. 



Features:

Completed Schematic with USB-C PD, 3.2gen2 support, and 2s-4s LiPo battery charging 

Completed Layout (Back)

Completed Layout (Front)

Simulations for vibrational frequencies of each PCB using modal frequency analysis and finite element analysis

Left: Standard 1.6mm thickness   Right:Thinner 1mm thickness

Note that the left simulation is far more uneven than the right, leading to possible damage due to high vibrations. This is why I opted for 1mm PCBs.

3D Model of PCB prior to production

Progress:

PCBs arrived from JLCPCB

Accompanying Stencil for smaller UQFN and USB-C components

After using the stencil to apply solder paste, I peeled off the stencil and added every component.
Here you can see the pcb being placed into the oven for reflowing.

Board just after coming out of oven, some parts were not properly soldered and through hole components not added

Board after touch-up and adding THT components. The board is almost fully functional, with the exception of code and ultrasonic transducers.

Probing PCB to measure modulated wave successfully

We can see the modulated waves in more detail here. The green signal is a 4khz sine wave, while the yellow signal is the output 40khz square wave modulated with a 1khz sine wave.

Finished PCB!

The fully assembled PCB rear view