Learn Everything About Ultrasonic Sensor HC SR04

Raj Sawkare
14 min readAug 7, 2023

--

The ultrasonic sensor helps measure distances. In this blog post, we’re going to talk about how to connect ultrasonic sensors with Arduino. By the time you finish reading, you will have gained knowledge about the HC-04 ultrasonic sensor module, its utilization in IoT (Internet of Things) applications, the process of connecting HC-04 to an Arduino Uno, understanding the sensor’s functionality, how to combine the sensor with Arduino, and discovering additional intriguing details. Discover how the use of an ultrasonic sensor in robotics can revolutionize navigation and obstacle avoidance in our complete blog.

Ultrasonic Sensor — A Quick Start Guide for Beginners is the perfect introduction to these handy devices. This guide covers everything from how ultrasonic sensors work to practical tips for using them in your projects. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to refresh your knowledge, this guide has you covered. Start measuring distances and detecting objects with ease using ultrasonic sensors today!

What is Ultrasonic Sensor

HC-SR04 stands for High-Conductance Ultrasonic Sensor consists of a transmitter and receiver. It is used for measuring distance without physical contact and uses sound waves to determine accuracy. The sensor has an effective range of two to four centimeters. Like other distance-measuring devices, this sensor does not damage objects. The range of the ultrasonic sensor is two to four centimeters.

The HC-SR04 produces high-frequency sound waves, which can measure distance or direction. The HC-SR04 is sensitive enough to detect objects within a cone of the radiation pattern. You must first set its Trig pin high and the Echo pin low for 10 seconds to use the sensor.

The Ultrasonic sensor distance range can report distances of objects as far as 13 feet away. Its low cost and simple interface make it a perfect fit for battery-powered robots. The device looks like Wall-E Robot eyes. The ultrasonic signal it emits is at a frequency of 40kHz. The signal will attenuate as the distance increases. An ultrasonic sensor can be used for various applications depending on the distance. You can learn the ultrasonic sensor working principles to understand ultrasonic sensor applications.

The HC-SR04 produces a pulse every time the wave is reflected. The time between the transmitted wave and the reflected signal is proportional to the distance, and the longer the time, the greater the distance. The sensor can determine the distance between the transmitter and the object when this pulse is high. It is an excellent tool for robot obstacle avoidance and path-finding applications. This is the ultrasonic sensor definition.

How Ultrasonic Sensor Works

How Ultrasonic Sensor Works: This technology detects objects by measuring the sound they produce. These sensors can detect levels and distances. But some factors affect their performance. The speed at which sound travels through air and other factors such as humidity, temperature, and air pressure must be considered when designing ultrasonic sensors.

The object that the sensor will detect must be highly reflective. This way, the ultrasonic waves can be reflected. However, the sensor must be perpendicular to the object to measure the angle of incidence. The mounting angle must be minimal — no more than 3 degrees. The angle of incidence will be higher if the object is uneven or coarse. When this happens, the output will change. Therefore, it’s important to choose a uniform surface target. Ultrasonic sensor working depends upon some factors like power, connection, ultrasonic sensor code, ultrasonic sensor distance range, etc.

A typical ultrasonic sensor emits a high-frequency sound pulse that propagates through air. Once the sound reaches the object, it bounces off and returns to the sensor. The time it takes for the sound pulse to travel between the transmitter and the receiver is used to measure the distance. The measuring principle is also known as transit time measurement. This method is a powerful one for many purposes. The ultrasonic sensor working is too good compared to other modules of it.

The Ultrasonic Sensor Module is a circuit with four pins. The trigger pin acts as the input pin and must be held high for about 10 us to detect the transmitted signal. On the other hand, the echo pin functions as the output pin. When the reflected signal arrives, it causes an output pulse, converted into an electrical signal. This signal is then passed on to a signal processing system.

Information on Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test

An ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test is an in-situ, non-dangerous test to check the nature of concrete and regular rocks. In this test, the strength and nature of cement or rock are evaluated by estimating the speed of an ultrasonic heartbeat going through a substantial design or normal stone development.

This test is led by passing a beat of ultrasonic through cement to be tried and estimating the time taken by the beat to traverse the construction. Higher speeds demonstrate great quality and progression of the material, while slower speeds might show concrete with many breaks or voids.

The Ultrasonic testing gear incorporates a heartbeat age circuit, comprising an electronic circuit for creating beats and a transducer for changing an electronic heartbeat into a mechanical heartbeat having a swaying recurrence in the scope of 40 kHz to 50 kHz, and a heartbeat gathering circuit that gets the sign.

How Ultrasonic Sensor Works With An Arduino

If you’ve been wondering how an Ultrasonic Sensor works with an Arduino, you’ve come to the right place. This microcontroller and sensor pair up to calculate distance using sound waves. To measure distance, you send out an ultrasonic sound wave, wait for it to return, and measure the delay between the transmitting and receiving signal. The distance is the difference between the time the sound wave took to reach the object and when it returned to the sensor. To use an ultrasonic sensor with Arduino you should know about Arduino Uno R3 properly.

The HC SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor uses four pins to transmit and receive sound waves. These pins are connected to an Arduino UNO or the original board. The Trig pin sends the sound waves while the Echo pin receives the waves. You can use the serial monitor to see the sensor readings. The sensor will send a signal back to the Arduino if the distance is correct.

The Ultrasonic Sensor with Arduino reports the distance to an object up to 13 feet away. The sensor is powered by the battery and is easy to interface with. The sensor’s appearance resembles the eyes of a Wall-E robot. The speed of sound in water is 4.3 times faster than in air. Depending on the distance, you can position the sensor near the bottom of a body of water.

The HC SR04 ultrasonic sensor is a tiny device used with an Arduino to measure distance. The sensor’s working principle is similar to that of SONAR, which ships use to navigate underwater. It measures distance by emitting and receiving sound waves. It sends the sound waves and then receives the ones that are reflected. The transmitter pin initiates the transmission of sound waves, and the receiver pin goes to the circuit ground.

What Can an Ultrasonic Sensor Detect?

What can an Ultrasonic Sensor Detect? These devices are used to detect the level of bulk goods. Their high-quality sonic reflection allows them to detect objects of the same color or shape. Another benefit is their ability to measure a wide area without touching the object they are sensing. The technology behind ultrasonic sensors uses piezoelectric ceramics to transmit sound waves.

Unlike lasers, the ultrasonic signals produced by an ultrasonic transmitter are acoustic waves, similar to a flashlight light. Because the distance between the transmitter and the target increases, the detection area grows. Ultrasonic sensors provide coverage specifications in terms of beam angle and beam width. The beam angle should be verified to ensure that the sensor’s beam covers the entire area. The beam angle is the deviation of the beam’s direction from the sensor’s transducer.

Using an ultrasonic sensor for detection requires some advanced knowledge of physics. It is essential to understand that the ultrasonic sensor range of detection varies depending on the temperature and air pressure of the target. In dry air, the sound propagates at a velocity of 343 m/s. This velocity is enough to cover a kilometer in 2.91 seconds. Objects that have a high refractive index will reflect the sound toward the sensor. Permeable targets absorb the ultrasonic energy and thus reduce its range of detection.

Is Ultrasonic Sensor Waterproof?

If you’re buying an ultrasonic sensing system, it’s important to know if your ultrasonic sensor is waterproof. Thankfully, most ultrasonic sensors are. This article will explain how they work and what you should look for when purchasing one. Also, the waterproof ultrasonic sensor is a bit costly compared to a normal one. Read on to discover whether your sensor is waterproof and what to look for in a waterproof Ultrasonic Sensor. After all, the more information you have about a product, the better equipped you’ll be to make a good purchase.

A waterproof ultrasonic sensor uses a single ultrasonic transducer, both the transmitter and the receiver. These sensors are best used when they’re not going to be inaccessible or prone to a high-risk environment. This makes ultrasonic sensors great for outdoor projects and industrial settings. You can find waterproof sensors that have a wide operating angle. The JSN-SR04T model is one example.

Whether or not your ultrasonic sensor is waterproof depends on the application. It can detect objects by detecting the texture. If you’re considering using one for industrial purposes, it should be waterproof. There are several ways you can do this. You can purchase one that has a built-in waterproof feature. Just check the product’s label to ensure that it’s a watertight device.

The waterproof Ultrasonic Sensor offers a solution to this problem. The only downside to this product is its limited distance and range. If this is correct it’s not a true waterproof ultrasonic sensor. This device is only useful for measuring distances up to a certain range. You should also make sure your sensor can work with liquids and slurries.

How to Mount Ultrasonic Sensor on Servo Motor

To mount an ultrasonic sensor on a servo motor, you need to know how to mount it. All you need is four wires, but you can use one if you have only two. You can use a cable tie to hold the servo motor and sensor wires to a servo stand. You need to connect the Ultrasonic Sensor with Servo Motor using the ribbon cable. Once you have completed this step, you can mount the ultrasonic sensor with a servo motor.

After collecting all the necessary components, you can mount the sensor on a servo motor. First, you will need a sensor bracket. You can find one online. If you are not familiar with this type of bracket, it is easy to make one. A simple way to make one is to use a servo motor and a Dupont type of four-wire ribbon cable. The sensors come with male connectors, you need to ensure that you get one with a servo horn.

The Ultrasonic sensor mounting bracket comes with velcro dots that will allow it to secure the servo. Because the bracket allows you to adjust its angle, it should not be too complicated for a beginner. However, if you know how to mount servos and ultrasonic sensors, you can use this guide to get started. You can also add a sounder to the Arduino to make the alarm more audible.

Ultrasonic Sensor Application

The PING ultrasonic sensor works with 3 pins: GND, Vcc, and Signal. The speed of sound is approximately 340 m/s or 29 microseconds per centimeter. Ultrasonic sensors are commonly used for level and distance measurements. As they can detect anything that is in the way, including people.

There are two types of ultrasonic sensors: the limited distance type and the penetration type. A limited distance type requires a transmitter and receiver on the same side. The reflected ultrasonic wave detects the object that passes through the detection range. The reflector on the edge of the limited range is used as the reflection surface.

For performing an ultrasonic measurement, the transducers must receive an ultrasound signal. The ultrasonic signal is then converted into electrical energy by an oscillator with a diameter of 15 mm. The transducer emits the ultrasound signal, and the receiver uses the integrated ultrasonic sensor circuit to determine the size of the received signal. The circuit is powered by an external DC power supply with an internal voltage-stabilizing circuit.

The multiple-vibrator type consists of a conical sheet of piezoelectric ceramics. The conical design of the resonator helps the ultrasonic wave radiate efficiently and concentrate at the center of the vibrator. The transducer’s sensitivity is maximum at the resonant frequency of the piezo element. Moreover, the directivity of the beam pattern makes it possible to detect an object’s position in space.

Ultrasonic Sensor HC SR04 Module

The Ultrasonic Sensor HC SR04 offers many more features, such as low-power data transmission, high-speed data transfer, etc. It is a full-duplex communication which means both sender and receiver transmit and receive data at a time.

Besides, the Ultrasonic Sensor HC SR04 FHSS uses frequency-hopping spread spectrum radio technology. This technique provides many advantages of communication over a noisy channel and prevents the signal from being hacked or jammed.

We were talking about the Ultrasonic Sensor HC SR04’s features and showed how it is an alternative option for short-distance communication. Later, we will talk about its pinout diagram and its interfacing with Arduino Uno, 8051.

Pinout of HC-04

HC-04 Pinout

The Ultrasonic Sensor HC SR04 Bluetooth module uses UART communication to transfer data to the master and uses two pins, Rx and Tx, to do this job. The pinout details of the Ultrasonic Sensor HC SR04 device are as follows:

VCC and GND

These pins are used for powering the module.

Ultrasonic Sensor HC SR04 has two modes of operation those are as follows:

1. Data Mode

By default, the Ultrasonic Sensor HC SR04 mode works in data mode. In this mode, HC-04 sends and receives data from other devices.

2. Command Mode

In this mode, Ultrasonic Sensor HC SR04 accepts AT commands from the user and reacts to the commands accordingly.

Arduino Code For Ultrasonic Sensor

You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for an Arduino Code for Ultrasonic Sensor. This library aims to make access to ultrasonic distance measurements easy for everyone. However, with a large amount of online information, navigating through the code can be challenging. The first step in creating a useful ultrasonic sensor is to select a sensor. The HC-SR04 is a popular option. You can also code ultrasonic sensors with Arduino.

To use an ultrasonic sensor with Arduino, you must first connect it to an Arduino microcontroller. You can use an Arduino UNO R3 or an Arduino Pro Mini. This ultrasonic sensor has four pins: the Trig pin, the Echo pin, and the output pin. The outputs from this sensor are converted to distance using the time delay. Using this information, you can calculate the distance to an object. Since the speed of sound is 343 meters per second, the distance measurements you get are accurate.

To connect the sensor to your computer, you’ll need an A to B cable and a USB port. And then, you need to choose the Arduino UNO as your board and the Arduino UNO as the COM port. You can find these settings under Tools > Board and Port in Arduino. The serial monitor window will appear. You can enter the code to get your sensor readings. Here you can copy the Arduino Code for Ultrasonic Sensor from the document. Download the document of code below.

Arduino Code for Ultrasonic Sensor

While using the Arduino Code for Ultrasonic Sensor check the syntax and code properly for zero error. You can also check the source for the proper Arduino Code for Ultrasonic Sensor.

Ultrasonic Sensor And Servo Motor Arduino Code

An Ultrasonic Sensor And Servo Motor are simple yet effective ways to control an object. These sensors use sound waves to detect movement and send an elapsed time signal to the Arduino board. A servo motor is a type of electric motor designed for precise motion control and includes a suitable motor coupled to a sensor for position feedback. You can purchase these sensors in electronic shops or online. You can also control the servo with an ultrasonic sensor Arduino.

To control the speed of a servo motor, you must change the step size and rotation speed. These two variables will affect the number of ultrasonic sensor reads per servo position update. Increasing the step size will decrease the number of sensor updates per servo sweep. Also, you can adjust the microsecond value, which will affect the number of ultrasonic sensor reads per servo sweep.

To mount an ultrasonic sensor to Arduino, you must use a bracket. You will need an SG90 servo motor and a bracket for it to do this. The bracket comes with “D”-shaped washers, which will hold the sensor in place. If the sensor is tilted or looking to the left, you may need to adjust the position of the servo horn screw. You should never connect the sensor mounting screws to the center of the servo sweep. Also, you can adjust the sensor position later when the Arduino program is running. You can download a doc file for the Ultrasonic Sensor And Servo Motor Arduino Code from given below button.

Ultrasonic Sensor And Servo Motor Arduino Code

Ultrasonic Sensor Datasheet

If you have searched for an ultrasonic sensor datasheet and have not gotten it. Here is the thing you can download the ultrasonic sensor datasheet from the given button below.

Ultrasonic Sensor Datasheet

How much does Ultrasonic Sensor Cost?

The ultrasonic sensor price differs from website to website. In Vayuyaan, the ultrasonic sensor cost is too low compared to other sites.

Where to Buy Ultrasonic Sensor HC SR04

There are different websites on which you can buy ultrasonic sensors. In Vayuyaan, we offer cheap prices for our customers. You can check the ultrasonic sensor price and can buy ultrasonic sensor by the given option below.

Buy Ultrasonic Sensor

Product Tags:

Arduino Code For Ultrasonic Sensor, Arduino Ultrasonic Sensor, Arduino Ultrasonic Sensor Code, Range Of Ultrasonic Sensor, Ultrasonic Range, Ultrasonic Sensor, Ultrasonic Sensor Arduino, Ultrasonic Sensor Arduino Code, Ultrasonic Sensor Cost, Ultrasonic Sensor Datasheet, Ultrasonic Sensor Hc Sr04, Ultrasonic Sensor Price, Ultrasonic Sensor Range, Ultrasonic Sensor Waterproof, Ultrasonic Sensor With Arduino, Ultrasonic Sensor Working, Waterproof Ultrasonic Sensor

Source: https://vayuyaan.com/blog/learn-everything-about-ultrasonic-sensor-hc-sr04/

--

--

Raj Sawkare

Vayuyaan is the first choice for electronics & robotics components like Arduino development boards, Sensors, Drone accessories, Thermal Printer etc..!!