Ultrasonic Radar System
Using Arduino Uno
Ultrasonic Radar System Using Arduino Uno
• Ultrasonic Radar System with Arduino Uno
• Understanding Radar Fundamentals
• Why Ultrasonic Sensors for Radar?
• Key Components Overview
• How the HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor Works
• System Architecture and Wiring
• Working Principle of the Ultrasonic Radar System
• Software Logic: Arduino & Visualization
• Applications and Use Cases
• Conclusion and Future Enhancements
Ultrasonic Radar System with Arduino Uno
• System Overview: Explores a radar-like system
for object detection and distance measurement
using an ultrasonic sensor and Arduino.
• Educational Utility: An accessible, hands-on
project for learning sensor integration,
microcontroller programming, and real-time data
visualization.
Generated on AIDOCMAKER.COM
Understanding Radar Fundamentals
• Core Principle: Radar determines object presence, distance, and direction by analyzing emitted signals and
their returning echoes.
• Measuring Parameters: Time-of-flight measures distance; angular displacement of the sensor determines
object direction precisely.
• Ultrasonic Distinction: Unlike traditional electromagnetic radar, this system employs sound waves for
detection, not radio frequency signals.
Why Ultrasonic Sensors for Radar?
• Cost-Effectiveness: Ultrasonic sensors like HC-SR04 are remarkably inexpensive, making them ideal for
budget-constrained DIY projects.
• Ease of Integration: Their straightforward interface and minimal wiring simplify integration with
microcontrollers like Arduino Uno for rapid prototyping.
• Short-Range Efficacy: Optimal for short-range detection (2cm-400cm), these sensors leverage sound
waves, enhancing safety and accessibility for hobbyists.
Key Components Overview
• Arduino Uno: Microcontroller: Functions as the
central processing unit, orchestrating data
acquisition from the sensor and precise servo
actuation for scanning.
• HC-SR04: Distance Sensor: Emits 40kHz
ultrasonic pulses; measures target distance by
calculating time-of-flight of the reflected acoustic
wave.
• SG90: Positional Actuator: Provides precise
rotational control, allowing the ultrasonic
transducer to sweep a predetermined angular
sector for spatial mapping.
Generated on AIDOCMAKER.COM
How the HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor Works
• Signal Emission: A 40kHz ultrasonic burst transmits, initiated by a precise trigger pulse applied to the 'Trig'
pin.
• Echo Detection: The 'Echo' pin then detects the returning sound wave, precisely recording the time-of-
flight interval.
• Distance Derivation: Object distance is accurately calculated utilizing the recorded time-of-flight and
established speed of sound.
System Architecture and Wiring
• Power Distribution: Arduino Uno's 5V and GND rails provide stable power, ensuring operational integrity
for all peripheral components.
• Ultrasonic Sensor Interfacing: HC-SR04 VCC/GND connect to Arduino 5V/GND; Trig to D9, Echo to D10 for
precise signal management.
• Servo Motor Integration: SG90 VCC/GND connect to Arduino 5V/GND; Signal to PWM pin D11 for accurate
angular positioning.
Working Principle of the Ultrasonic Radar System
• Angular Sweep Control: The Arduino precisely
controls the servo motor, sweeping the ultrasonic
sensor across a predefined angular range.
• Iterative Distance Sensing: At each discrete
angular step, the Arduino initiates the ultrasonic
sensor for accurate distance measurement to
objects.
• Serial Data Transmission: Measured distance and
corresponding angular data are serially
transmitted from Arduino to a connected
computer for processing.
• Real-time Radar Visualization: A dedicated
computer script processes this data, rendering a
real-time radar display on a polar coordinate
system. Generated on AIDOCMAKER.COM
Software Logic: Arduino & Visualization
• Arduino Firmware Logic: Initializes sensor and servo, scans angular range, calculates distance, serializes
data.
• Real-time Data Visualization: Parses serial data, converts polar coordinates, dynamically renders objects
on graphical interface.
• Serial Communication Protocol: Standardized string format facilitates reliable data exchange between
microcontroller and host PC.
Applications and Use Cases
• Robotic Navigation: This system offers rudimentary environmental awareness, crucial for autonomous
robot navigation and collision avoidance in dynamic operational fields.
• Parking Systems: Provides precise, short-range distance feedback, enabling effective automated vehicle
parking assistance by detecting nearby obstacles.
• STEM Education: Serves as an invaluable pedagogical platform for practical exploration of sensor
integration, microcontroller programming, and real-time data visualization.
Conclusion and Future Enhancements
• Project Efficacy Validated: Successfully
demonstrated a functional, low-cost ultrasonic
radar, validating fundamental principles of active
object detection and ranging.
• Advanced Data Integration: Enhanced GUI, data
logging, and multi-sensor integration enable
broader coverage and comprehensive 3D
environmental mapping.
• System Robustness & Connectivity: Advanced
noise filtering, robust distance algorithms, and
wireless data transmission enhance system
reliability and connectivity.
Generated on AIDOCMAKER.COM
