HC-SR04 3.5-5v Ultrasonic Module Distance Measuring Transducer Sensor for Arduino Ultrasonic Wave

Description

The HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Module is a popular distance measuring transducer sensor that is commonly used with Arduino and other microcontroller platforms. It operates by emitting ultrasonic waves and measuring the time it takes for the waves to bounce back after hitting an object. This time measurement is then used to calculate the distance to the object. Here are the key features and details of the HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Module:

1. **Operating Voltage:** The module typically operates in the voltage range of 3.5V to 5V DC. It can be powered directly from the power supply of an Arduino or another microcontroller.

2. **Ultrasonic Sensor:** The module contains an ultrasonic sensor that emits high-frequency sound waves (ultrasonic pulses) and listens for the echo that results from these waves bouncing off an object.

3. **Distance Measurement:** The HC-SR04 calculates the distance to an object by measuring the time it takes for the ultrasonic pulses to travel to the object and back. It uses the formula: Distance (in centimeters) = (Time / 2) × Speed of Sound, where Time is the round-trip time for the ultrasonic wave, and the Speed of Sound is the speed at which sound travels through the air.

4. **Measuring Range:** The typical measuring range of the HC-SR04 is from 2cm to 400cm (or 1 inch to 157 inches). The actual range may vary based on factors such as the quality of the module and the environmental conditions.

5. **Trigger and Echo Pins:** The module has two pins for interfacing with a microcontroller: Trigger and Echo. The Trigger pin is used to send a trigger signal to start the measurement, while the Echo pin is used to receive the echo signal.

6. **Accuracy:** The HC-SR04 provides reasonably accurate distance measurements for most hobbyist and educational projects, but it may not be suitable for highly precise applications.

7. **Applications:** This module is commonly used in robotics, obstacle detection systems, parking sensors, and a wide range of projects where distance measurement is required.

8. **Arduino Compatibility:** The HC-SR04 module is often used with Arduino boards, and there are readily available libraries and example code that simplify integration and programming.

9. **Simple to Use:** It is relatively easy to use, making it a popular choice for beginners and hobbyists. You typically need to send a trigger signal, measure the time for the echo signal to return, and calculate the distance based on that time.

The HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Module is a versatile and widely used sensor in the maker and electronics community, as it offers an affordable and straightforward way to measure distances. Its compatibility with Arduino and other microcontrollers makes it a go-to choice for many projects involving object detection and ranging.