[robot-electronics]

This project started after I looked at the Polaroid Ultrasonic Ranging module. It has a number of disadvantages for use in small robots etc.

1. The maximum range of 10.7 metre is far more than is normally required, and as a result
2. The current consumption, at 2.5 Amps during the sonic burst is truly horrendous.
3. The 150mA quiescent current is also far too high.
4. The minimum range of 26cm is useless. 1-2cm is more like it.
5. The module is quite large to fit into small systems, and
6. It’s EXPENSIVE.

The SRF04 Timing diagram is shown below. You only need to supply a short 10uS pulse to the trigger input to start the ranging. The SRF04 will send out an 8 cycle burst of ultrasound at 40khz and raise its echo line high. It then listens for an echo, and as soon as it detects one it lowers the echo line again. The echo line is therefore a pulse whose width is proportional to the distance to the object. By timing the pulse it is possible to calculate the range in inches/centimeters or anything else. If nothing is detected then the SRF04 will lower its echo line anyway after about 36mS.