PING)))™ Ultrasonic Sensor

Parallax's new PING)))™ ultrasonic sensor provides a very low-cost and easy method of distance measurement. This sensor is perfect for any number of applications that require you to perform measurements between moving or stationary objects. Naturally, robotics applications are very popular but you'll also find this product to be useful in security systems or as an infrared replacement if so desired. You will definitely appreciate the activity status LED and the economic use of just 1 I/O pin.

The PING)))™ sensor measures distance using sonar; an ultrasonic (well above human hearing) pulse is transmitted from the unit and distance-to-target is determined by measuring the time required for the echo return. Output from the PING)))™ sensor is a variable-width pulse that corresponds to the distance to the target.

Interfacing to the BASIC Stamp and Javelin Stamp microcontrollers is a snap: a single (shared) I/O pin is use to trigger the Ping sensor and "listen" for the echo return pulse. And the intelligent trigger hold-off allows the PING)))™ to work with the BS1! An onboard three-pin header allows the PING)))™ to be plugged into a solderless breadboard (on a Boe-Bot, for example), and to be connected to its host through a standard three-pin servo extension cable.

List of technical specifications:

• Range - 2cm to 3.35m (~.8" to 11.3')
• Supply Voltage: 5V +/-10% (Absolute: Minimum 4.5V, Maximum 6V)
• Supply Current: 30 mA typ; 35 mA max
• 3-pin interface (power, ground, signal)
• 20 mA power consumption
• Narrow acceptance angle
• Simple pulse in / pulse out communication
• Indicator LED shows measurement in progress
• Input Trigger - positive TTL pulse, 2 uS min, 5 uS typ.
• Echo Pulse - positive TTL pulse, 115 uS to 18.5 mS
• Echo Hold-off - 350 uS from fall of Trigger pulse
• Burst Frequency - 40 kHz for 200 uS
• Size - 22 mm H x 46 mm W x 16 mm D (0.85 in x 1.8 in x 0.6 in)

PARALLAX 28015 PING)))™ Ultrasonic Sensor

Provides distance measurements between moving or stationary objects. Applications include robotics and security. Activity status LED indicates an “in-progress” measurement. Works via ultrasonic pulse which is transmitted from the unit. The time it takes for the echo to return from the target calculates the distance measurement. Easy interfacing with BASIC Stamp and Javelin Stamp. On-board 3-pin header can simply be plugged into the Boe-Bot’s solderless breadboard.