Building an Ultrasonic Radar System With Arduino
Building an Ultrasonic Radar System With Arduino
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Ultrasonic Radar: A Simplified Approach
• RF vs. Ultrasonic Modalities: RF radar utilizes electromagnetic waves; ultrasonic systems employ high-
frequency acoustic pulses for detection.
• Operational Range & Environment: Ultrasonic radar excels in short-range detection, performing optimally
within less complex and constrained environments.
• Time-of-Flight Principle: Distance is computed by measuring sound pulse travel time; transmitted,
reflected, and received echo.
Key Component 1: HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor
• Transducer Architecture: Integrates a 40KHz ultrasonic transmitter (Trig) and receiver (Echo) for precise
acoustic wave generation/detection.
• Operational Pulse Sequence: Arduino-initiated HIGH pulse on Trig emits sound; Echo pin goes HIGH,
indicating time-of-flight duration.
• Distance Determination Formula: Distance (cm) = (Time of Flight (µs) * 0.034 cm/µs) / 2 for accurate
object ranging.
Key Component 2: Arduino Uno Microcontroller
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Key Component 3: Servo Motor for Scanning
• Precise Angular Actuation: Servo motors, like SG90 or MG996R, offer precise angular position control,
typically within a 0-180° range.
• Ultrasonic Sensor Sweeping: Crucially, the servo sweeps the ultrasonic sensor across a defined arc,
enabling a broader scanning range.
• Enhanced Field of View: Sweeping provides the essential angular component of radar data, expanding the
system's effective detection range.
System Architecture & Wiring Diagram
• HC-SR04 Pin Integration: HC-SR04 connects via VCC (5V), GND, Trig (D9), and Echo (D10) for precise
acoustic pulse integration.
• Servo Motor Interfacing: Servo connects via VCC (5V), GND, and signal (D11 or PWM pins) facilitating
precise angular positional control.
• Arduino Power & Data: Arduino Uno powers via USB/external supply, connecting to PC for code upload
and real-time data visualization.
Working Principle: Step-by-Step Operation
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Software Logic: Arduino Sketch & Data Flow
• Sketch Initialization: Arduino sketch includes Servo library; defines sensor (Trig, Echo) and servo pin
assignments for system integration.
• Setup Function Configuration: The `setup()` function initializes serial communication at 9600 baud,
configuring sensor and servo pin modes.
• Loop Function & Data Stream: The `loop()` function sweeps servo (0-180°), triggers sensor, calculates
distance, then transmits angle,distance data.
Practical Applications & Beyond
• Obstacle Avoidance: Essential for mobile robotics and automated systems, enabling safe navigation and
collision avoidance within dynamic environments.
• Educational & Prototyping: Invaluable low-cost platform for hands-on learning, fostering expertise in
sensor integration and microcontroller programming fundamentals.
• Diverse Use Cases: Applicable in simplified indoor mapping, interactive art installations, and smart parking
systems, demonstrating practical versatility.
Conclusion & Future Scope
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