HC-SR04 5V Ultrasonic Distance Sensor 2-450cm Range for Arduino

Specifications

• Operating Voltage: 5V DC
• Operating Current: < 15mA
• Operating Frequency: 40Hz
• Measurement Range: 2cm to 450cm (4.5 meters)
• Measurement Resolution: 0.3cm (3mm)
• Measuring Angle: < 15 degrees
• Trigger Input Signal: 10uS TTL pulse
• Echo Output Signal: Input TTL lever signal and the range in proportion
• Dimensions: 45mm x 20mm x 15mm

Applications

• Robotics: Obstacle avoidance algorithms for 2WD/4WD rovers.
• Home Automation: Smart trash cans that open when you approach, or automated garage parking assistants.
• Industrial/Fluid Measurement: Non-contact liquid level monitoring in tanks (Note: Sensor itself is not waterproof).
• Interactive Installations: Art exhibits or displays that trigger sound/light based on human proximity.

Learning Resources

• Ultrasonic Sensor HC-SR04 and Arduino Tutorial
• HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor
• Simple Arduino and HC-SR04 Example
• Complete Guide for Ultrasonic Sensor HC-SR04 with Arduino

Package Includes:

• 1 x HC-SR04 5V Ultrasonic Distance Sensor 2-450cm Range for Arduino

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the maximum range of the HC-SR04 sensor?
  The theoretical maximum range is 450cm (4.5 meters), but reliable, consistent readings are usually best kept within 2cm to 400cm.
• What is the minimum distance the HC-SR04 can measure?
  The sensor struggles to accurately measure anything closer than 2cm due to the time it takes for the acoustic pulse to travel and return.
• Does the HC-SR04 work with 3.3V microcontrollers like ESP32 or Raspberry Pi?
  The module requires 5V for power (VCC). The Trigger pin can usually accept a 3.3V signal, but the Echo pin will output 5V. You must use a voltage divider or logic level converter on the Echo pin to protect 3.3V microcontrollers.
• Why is my HC-SR04 returning 0 or erratic jumping values?
  This is usually caused by inadequate power supply (it needs a stable 5V), the target object being too soft (like a sponge) to reflect sound, or the object being placed at an extreme angle (greater than 15 degrees).
• Is the HC-SR04 sensor waterproof?
  No, the standard HC-SR04 is not waterproof or weather-resistant. For outdoor or wet environments, look for the waterproof JSN-SR04T model.
• What is the 'blind spot' of this ultrasonic sensor?
  Objects closer than 2cm fall into the sensor's blind spot and will not be detected accurately.
• How fast can the HC-SR04 take measurements?
  It is recommended to wait at least 50ms to 60ms between pings to prevent the echo from the previous ping from interfering with the current measurement.
• Can I use multiple HC-SR04 sensors on the same Arduino?
  Yes, you can connect multiple sensors using different digital pins for Trig and Echo. However, you must trigger them sequentially (one after the other), not simultaneously, to avoid crosstalk (sound waves from one sensor hitting another).
• What library should I use for the HC-SR04 in Arduino IDE?
  While you can write the code manually using pulseIn(), the NewPing library is highly recommended as it is faster, more accurate, and non-blocking.