Activity description
This module introduces the basic principles of distance measurement using ultrasonic sensors and their application in biomedical measurement systems. Participants will learn how ultrasonic sensors work and the concepts of time-of-flight that allow for accurate distance calculations.
The activity consists of assembling a height measurement system using an ultrasonic sensor HC-SR04 and an Arduino board. Once the device is built, the height of the participants will be measured and the results will be compared with those obtained using a measuring tape to evaluate the accuracy of the system and analyze possible sources of error. The design and validation of the circuit can be previously performed with simulation tools such as Tinkercad.
Duration: 90–120 minutes
Documents to download:
- Teaching guide.
- Working document.
- Rubric.
Materials and resources needed:
- Arduino boards.
- USB cables.
- Protoboard.
- Ultrasonic sensors HC-SR04.
- DuPont jumper cables.
- LCD screens.
- External batteries.
On our YouTube channel you will find a video tutorial that will help you step by step to assemble and program a height measurement system with Arduino and the HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, and to check its accuracy by comparing the results with a tape measure.
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