Summary of Interfacing Ultrasonic Distance Sensor : ASCII Output with PIC Microcontroller
This article explains how to interface a Rhydolabz Ultrasonic Distance Sensor with a PIC Microcontroller using USART. The sensor provides non-contact distance measurements from 2cm to 4m by transmitting ultrasonic bursts every 500ms and returning ASCII data representing the echo time in centimeters. It operates at 9600 baud, requires a 5V DC supply, and connects via its Signal pin to the microcontroller's RX pin.
Parts used in the Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Interface Project:
- Rhydolabz Ultrasonic Distance Sensor with ASCII Output
- PIC Microcontroller
- USART communication module
- 5V DC Power Supply
In some of our projects, we may want to measure the distance of an object from a point. Ultrasonic Distance Sensors are the best sensor which provides stable, accurate, precise, non-contact distance measurements from 2cm to 4m. Ultrasonic Sensors can be used to measure distance between moving or stationary objects. Being very accurate and stable, these devices find large number of applications in robotics fields. For example it can be used as an excellent replacement for IR sensors in a Micromouse. In this tutorial we will lean to interface an Ultrasonic Distance Sensor with PIC Microcontroller.
Here for demonstration we are using Rhydolabz Ultrasonic Distance Sensor with ASCII Output. It can be easily interfaced with a PIC Microcontroller using USART by just connecting the output pin of the sensor to RX pin of the microcontroller. In every 500ms this sensor transmits an ultrasonic burst and listens for its echo. The sensor sends out ASCII value corresponds to the time required for the ultrasonic burst to return to the sensor. The UART of the sensor is operates at a baud rate 9600 and the sensor can be powered by a 5V DC Supply. The ASCII output of the sensor will be equal to the distance to the obstacle in centimeter (cm).
The sensor has three pins…
- Vcc – +5V DC Supply to the Sensor
- GND – Ground Level of the Power Supply
- SIG – Signal, Serial Data Out’
For more detail: Interfacing Ultrasonic Distance Sensor ASCII Output with PIC Microcontroller
- What is the measurement range of the ultrasonic sensor?
The sensor provides accurate distance measurements from 2cm to 4m. - How does the sensor transmit distance data?
It sends out an ultrasonic burst every 500ms and returns an ASCII value corresponding to the return time. - Can this sensor be used for moving objects?
Yes, ultrasonic sensors can measure distances between both moving and stationary objects. - What is the operating baud rate of the sensor?
The UART of the sensor operates at a baud rate of 9600. - How do you connect the sensor to the PIC Microcontroller?
Connect the output pin of the sensor directly to the RX pin of the microcontroller. - What voltage supply does the sensor require?
The sensor can be powered by a 5V DC supply connected to the Vcc pin. - What unit of measurement does the ASCII output represent?
The ASCII output equals the distance to the obstacle in centimeters. - What are the three pins available on the sensor?
The sensor has Vcc, GND, and SIG (Signal, Serial Data Out) pins.
