HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Module

The HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor Module is a popular and versatile distance measuring device that utilizes ultrasonic waves to determine the distance between itself and an object. Widely used in robotics, automation, and various electronic projects, this sensor offers reliable performance and ease of use.

Specifications of HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor Module:

• Input Voltage: 5V
• Working Current: 15mA
• Standby current: less than 2mA
• Working Frequency: 40KHz
• Induction Angle: <15°
• Distance Range: 2cm ~ 400cm
• Resolution : 1cm
• Trigger Input Pulse Width: 10uS
• Pin Number: 4 Pin
• Interface: TTL
• Compatible with Arduino
• Size: 45mm x 20mm x 15mm

Key Features of HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor Module

• Wide Measurement Range: Capable of accurately measuring distances from as close as 2cm to as far as 400cm, providing versatility for various applications.
• High Precision: Offers precise distance measurements with an accuracy of up to 1cm, ensuring reliable performance in demanding projects.
• Low Power Consumption: Operates on a low voltage of 5V DC and consumes minimal current (less than 15mA), making it energy-efficient and suitable for battery-powered applications.
• Easy Interface: Features trigger and echo pins for straightforward interfacing with microcontrollers, Arduino boards, and other electronic devices, simplifying integration into projects.
• Compact Design: With dimensions of 45mm x 20mm x 15mm, the HC-SR04 sensor module is compact and lightweight, enabling easy installation and integration into space-constrained setups.
• Fast Response Time: Provides quick and accurate distance measurements, thanks to its fast response time, enabling rapid feedback and control in real-time systems.
• Cost-Effective Solution: Offers a cost-effective solution for distance measurement needs, making it accessible to hobbyists, educators, and professionals on a budget.
• Robust Construction: Built with durable materials and components, ensuring long-term durability and stable performance in various environmental conditions.

Overall, the HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor Module combines advanced features, ease of use, and affordability, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of distance sensing and measurement projects.

SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor Pinout

This Module has 4 pins:

• VCC: Module power supply – 5V
• Trig: Trigger pin for sending ultrasonic waves
• Echo: produces a pulse when the ultrasonic waves are sent and stays High until they’re reached back to the sensor
• GND: Ground

You can see the pinout of this module in the image below.

What you will need to use HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor module?

To use the HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor Module, you will typically need the following components and equipment:

• Microcontroller or Arduino Board: A microcontroller such as an Arduino Uno or similar development board such as ESP32 or ESP8266 is needed to interface with the HC-SR04 sensor module and process the distance measurements.
• Jumper Wires: These are used to establish connections between the HC-SR04 sensor module and the microcontroller or Arduino board. You can use like this one.
• Power Supply: The HC-SR04 sensor module typically operates at 5V DC, so you'll need a suitable power supply to provide power to both the sensor module and the microcontroller or Arduino board.
• USB Cable (if using Arduino): If you're using an Arduino board, you'll need a USB cable to connect it to your computer for programming and power. If you use Arduino UNO board, you can use this one. If your microcontroller board has mini or micro USB, you can use this one and this one

With these components and equipment, you'll have everything you need to set up and use the HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor Module for your distance sensing and measurement projects.

What can I do with HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor module?

The HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor Module is highly versatile, offering various applications:

• Distance Measurement: Primarily used to measure distances accurately in robotics and automation projects.
• Obstacle Detection: Detects obstacles for collision avoidance when mounted on robots or vehicles.
• Proximity Sensing: Identifies objects within a certain range, useful for automatic doors and switches.
• Liquid Level Measurement: Measures liquid levels in tanks, applicable in agriculture and vehicle fuel systems.
• Parking Assistance Systems: Multiple modules create parking aids by monitoring distance from obstacles.
• Gesture Recognition: Detects hand gestures for interactive systems like gesture-controlled devices.
• Animal Detection: Monitors animal presence for wildlife research and conservation.
• Liquid Flow Measurement: Measures liquid flow rates in pipes or channels, aiding in irrigation and plumbing.

These examples highlight the HC-SR04's versatility for various projects, from hobbyist experiments to professional applications.

Which projects is not suitable to be done with HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor Module ?

The HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor Module may not be suitable for tasks that require extremely precise measurements over long distances or in highly variable environmental conditions. Additionally, it may not be ideal for applications where the target object is extremely small or irregularly shaped, as the ultrasonic waves may not accurately reflect off such surfaces. Furthermore, tasks that demand high-speed or real-time processing capabilities beyond the module's capabilities may not be suitable. Examples include:

• Sub-millimeter Precision Measurements: For tasks requiring precision at a sub-millimeter level, alternative sensors with higher resolution might be more appropriate.
• Long-Range Distance Measurement in Uncontrolled Environments: In environments with significant air turbulence or acoustic interference, the accuracy of ultrasonic sensors like HC-SR04 may degrade, limiting their suitability for precise long-range measurements.

In such cases, alternative sensing technologies like laser rangefinders, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), or radar may be more appropriate, depending on the specific requirements of the task.

How HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor Module Works

The HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor Module works on the principle of echolocation. It emits an ultrasonic pulse from its transmitter and then waits for the pulse to bounce back off an object and return to its receiver. By measuring the time taken for the pulse to travel to the object and back, the sensor calculates the distance to the object using the formula:

Distance = (Time taken for the pulse to return * Speed of sound in air) / 2

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