Parallax's new 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.

PING)))™ Sensor Features

• The PING))) has only has 3 connections, which include Vdd, Vss, and 1 I/O pin.
• The 3-pin header makes it easy to connect using a servo extension cable, no soldering required.
• Several sample codes are available using the Ping))) sensor.

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)