One major problem in the design of ultrasonic transducers results from a huge impedance mismatch between piezoelectric ceramics and the loading medium (e.g. gaseous, liquid, and biological media). Solving this problem requires the use of a matching layer (or layers). Optimal selection of materials functioning as matching layers for piezoelectric transducers used in transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves strictly depends on the type of the medium receiving the ultrasound energy. Several methods allow optimal selection of materials used as matching layers. When using a single matching layer, its impedance can be calculated on the basis of the Chebyshev, DeSilets or Souquet criteria. In the general case, the typically applied methods use an analogy to a transmission line in order to calculate the transmission coefficient T. This paper presents an extension of transmission coefficient calculations with additional regard to the attenuation coefficients of particular layers. The transmission coefficient T is optimised on the basis of a genetic algorithm method. The obtained results indicate a significant divergence between the classical calculation methods and the genetic algorithm method.

This paper presents a solution that utilises ultrasonic technology to allow monitoring snow layer thickness or water level based on measurement from air. It describes the principle of operation of a measurement device using three methods of compensating for changing external factors affecting appliance’s precision. Block diagram of the device is also provided. In order to verify the proposed solutions, the research team tested the device in laboratory and operating conditions. The results obtained this way make it possible to select a configuration of device operation depending on the required measurement precision and limitations associated with installing the system for actual operation.