Parallax's 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 3m (~.75" to 10')
- 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 µs min, 5 µs typ.
- Echo Pulse - positive TTL pulse, 115 µs to 18.5 ms
- Echo Hold-off - 750 µs from fall of Trigger pulse
- Burst Frequency - 40 kHz for 200 µs
- Size - 22 mm H x 46 mm W x 16 mm D (0.85 in x 1.8 in x 0.6 in)
Downloads and Resources:
PING)))™ Documentation v1.5 (.pdf)
BASIC Stamp Example Code (.zip)
Roaming with the PING))) v.1 (.zip)
Water Level with the Ping))) (.pdf)
Boe-Bot robot Roaming with PING))) (.wmv)
Boe-Bot robot Roaming with PING))) High Resolution (.wmv)
Detect Distance with the Ping))) Sensor (.pdf)
Nuts & Volts March 2005 (.pdf)
Justin Ratliff's Ping Robot Article (.pdf)