SENSORS/ACTUATORS

INTERNET OF THING (IoT)

ESP32 - Ultrasonic Sensor

This tutorial instructs you how to use ESP32 with the ultrasonic sensor HC-SR04 to measure the distance to an object.

This tutorial shows how to program the ESP32 using the Arduino language (C/C++) via the Arduino IDE. If you’d like to learn how to program the ESP32 with MicroPython, visit this ESP32 MicroPython - Ultrasonic Sensor tutorial.

Hardware Used In This Tutorial

1	×	ESP-WROOM-32 Dev Module
1	×	USB Cable Type-A to Type-C (for USB-A PC)
1	×	USB Cable Type-C to Type-C (for USB-C PC)
1	×	Ultrasonic Sensor
1	×	Breadboard
1	×	Jumper Wires
1	×	Optionally, DC Power Jack
1	×	Recommended: Screw Terminal Expansion Board for ESP32
1	×	Recommended: Power Splitter for ESP32

Or you can buy the following kits:

1	×	DIYables ESP32 Starter Kit (ESP32 included)
1	×	DIYables Sensor Kit (30 sensors/displays)
1	×	DIYables Sensor Kit (18 sensors/displays)

Disclosure: Some of the links in this section are Amazon affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through them. Additionally, some links direct you to products from our own brand, DIYables .

Introduction to Ultrasonic Sensor

The ultrasonic sensor HC-SR04 is used to measure the distance from the sensor to an object by using ultrasonic waves.

Ultrasonic Sensor Pinout

The ultrasonic sensor HC-SR04 includes four pins:

VCC pin: connect this pin to VCC (5V)
GND pin: connect this pin to GND (0V)
TRIG pin: this pin receives a control pulse from ESP32.
ECHO pin: this pin generates a pulse corresponding to the measured distance to ESP32.

image source: diyables.io

How Ultrasonic Sensor Works

See How Ultrasonic Sensor Work

Wiring Diagram between Ultrasonic Sensor and ESP32

How to connect ESP32 and ultrasonic sensor using breadboard (powered via USB cable)

This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image

How to connect ESP32 and ultrasonic sensor using breadboard (powered via Vin pin)

How to connect ESP32 and ultrasonic sensor using screw terminal block breakout board (powered via USB cable)

How to connect ESP32 and ultrasonic sensor

How to connect ESP32 and ultrasonic sensor using screw terminal block breakout board (powered via Vin pin)

If you're unfamiliar with how to supply power to the ESP32 and other components, you can find guidance in the following tutorial: The best way to Power ESP32 and sensors/displays.

How To Program Ultrasonic Sensor

Generate a 10-microsecond pulse in ESP32's pin by using digitalWrite() and delayMicroseconds() functions. For example, pin GPIO23:

digitalWrite(23, HIGH); delayMicroseconds(10); digitalWrite(23, LOW);

Measures the pulse duration (µs) in ESP32's pin by using pulseIn() function. For example, pin GPIO22:

duration_us = pulseIn(22, HIGH);

Calculate distance (cm):

distance_cm = 0.017 * duration_us;

ESP32 Code

/* * This ESP32 code is created by esp32io.com * * This ESP32 code is released in the public domain * * For more detail (instruction and wiring diagram), visit https://esp32io.com/tutorials/esp32-ultrasonic-sensor */ #define TRIG_PIN 23 // ESP32 pin GPIO23 connected to Ultrasonic Sensor's TRIG pin #define ECHO_PIN 22 // ESP32 pin GPIO22 connected to Ultrasonic Sensor's ECHO pin float duration_us, distance_cm; void setup() { // begin serial port Serial.begin (9600); // configure the trigger pin to output mode pinMode(TRIG_PIN, OUTPUT); // configure the echo pin to input mode pinMode(ECHO_PIN, INPUT); } void loop() { // generate 10-microsecond pulse to TRIG pin digitalWrite(TRIG_PIN, HIGH); delayMicroseconds(10); digitalWrite(TRIG_PIN, LOW); // measure duration of pulse from ECHO pin duration_us = pulseIn(ECHO_PIN, HIGH); // calculate the distance distance_cm = 0.017 * duration_us; // print the value to Serial Monitor Serial.print("distance: "); Serial.print(distance_cm); Serial.println(" cm"); delay(500); }

Quick Instructions

If this is the first time you use ESP32, see how to setup environment for ESP32 on Arduino IDE.
Copy the above code and paste it to Arduino IDE.
Compile and upload code to ESP32 board by clicking Upload button on Arduino IDE

Open Serial Monitor on Arduino IDE

How to open serial monitor on Arduino IDE

Move your hand in front of ultrasonic sensor
See the distance from the sensor to your hand on Serial Monitor

COM6

Send

distance: 19.4 cm distance: 17.6 cm distance: 16.9 cm distance: 27.4 cm distance: 26.9 cm distance: 24.3 cm distance: 25.6 cm distance: 23.1 cm

Autoscroll Show timestamp

Clear output

9600 baud

Newline

Line-by-line Code Explanation

The above ESP32 code contains line-by-line explanation. Please read the comments in the code!

How to Filter Noise from Distance Measurements of Ultrasonic Sensor

See How to Filter Noise from Distance Measurements of Ultrasonic Sensor

Video Tutorial

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Language References

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