1. Glowing Ultrasonic Sensor
1.1 Illuminated Ultrasonic Sensor Description
1.1.1 Sensor Overview
This module is an illuminated ultrasonic distance measurement sensor equipped with an industrial-grade ultrasonic ranging chip. The chip integrates the ultrasonic transmitting circuit, receiving circuit, and digital processing unit. The module communicates via the I²C interface, allowing users to read distance measurement data directly.
1.1.2 Working Principle
During operation, the module automatically emits eight 40 kHz square waves and then checks for a returning signal. If a signal is received, the module outputs a high-level pulse. The duration of this high-level pulse corresponds to the time taken for the ultrasonic wave to travel to the obstacle and return.
The distance is calculated using the following formula:
Additionally, the ultrasonic probe integrates two RGB LEDs. The LEDs support adjustable brightness, and by varying the intensity of the red (R), green (G), and blue (B) channels or combining them, a wide range of colors can be displayed.
This module has broad applications, most commonly in smart vehicles and intelligent robots for automatic obstacle avoidance.
1.2 Precautions
Please do not use the device outside the specified voltage range.
1.3 Parameters Instruction
For details about the chip used in this module, please refer to “3. Chip Manual and Schematic.”
1.3.1 Pin Description
| Pin | Description |
|---|---|
| 5V | Power input |
| GND | Ground cable |
| SDA | SDA data cable |
| SCL | SCL clock cable |
1.3.2 Specification
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Working Voltage | DC 5V |
| Working Current | 2mA |
| Working Frequency | 40Hz |
| Effective Measurement Range | 2cm~400cm |
| Measurement Angle | 15° |
| Communication | I²C |
| I²C Address (7 bits) | 0x77 |
| Port | 5264-4AW |
| Working Temperature | 0℃~50℃ |
| Size | 46mm × 20mm |
| Compatibility Modular LEGO-compatible | |
1.4 Program Outcome
You can find tutorials and example programs for different platforms in the same directory of this section. Here, we’ll simply use the Arduino IDE to demonstrate the testing process.
In this example, the illuminated ultrasonic sensor is used to measure the distance to an object in front of it. Place an object in front of the sensor and slowly move it away—the readings in the Serial Monitor will gradually increase. Move the object closer again, and the readings will decrease.
At the same time, the two built-in RGB LEDs provide a visual cue for distance:
“Too close” → LEDs turn “red”
“Farther away” → LEDs turn “green”
