Multicomp Pro HC-SR04 3V to 5V Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Rear Header

The Multicomp Pro HC-SR04 3V to 5V Ultrasonic Distance Sensor is a distance sensor with a 3.0V to 5.5V operating range, allowing it to be powered directly from 3.3V GPIO pins without additional level shifters.

Overview

The sensor is mechanically and electronically compatible with the classic HC-SR04 footprint and operates in the same way as the standard HC-SR04 model. Its key difference is a 4-pin header that faces backwards, which makes it a drop-in replacement for projects originally designed for the HC-SR04 that require 3.3V logic compatibility. Operating from the lower 3.3V supply may slightly reduce the maximum effective range compared with operation at 5V.

Key Features

• Wide voltage compatibility: operates from 3.0V to 5.5V DC
• Low power consumption: draws less than 2mA during operation
• Detection range: 2 cm up to 450 cm (4.5 metres)
• Distance resolution: 0.3 cm
• Sensing angle: 15°
• Rear-facing 4-pin header

How It Works

Distance measurement uses a trigger-and-echo pulse system. A 10-microsecond HIGH pulse sent to the Trigger pin initiates a reading. The sensor then emits an ultrasonic burst and listens for the echo. The Echo pin outputs a pulse whose duration corresponds to the time taken for the sound to travel to the object and back, allowing distance to be calculated.

Applications

This sensor is suitable for prototyping and project building, including battery-powered applications and projects using development platforms such as the BBC micro:bit or Raspberry Pi.