# Overview
The **TK50 Ultrasonic Sensor** is a versatile module engineered for accurate distance measurement. It operates within a voltage range of 2.8V to 5.5V, with a typical current draw of 2-3mA at 5V.
Unlike traditional ultrasonic sensors that are limited to GPIO mode, our innovative TK50 design supports multiple interfaces, including **GPIO, UART, I2C, and 1-WIRE**. It features a measurement cycle time of 50ms in GPIO mode and 100ms in UART/I2C modes, along with a minimal **blind zone of 2-3cm**. Built for reliable operation in demanding conditions, it performs across a broad temperature range: -40°C to 90°C (operating) and -50°C to 100°C (storage).
## Optimal Distance & Accuracy
While the TK50 can theoretically measure up to 400 cm, its **recommended and most reliable operating range is between 2 cm and 200-300 cm (2 to 3 meters)**.
- **Minimum Distance (2 cm):** Objects closer than 2 cm fall within the sensor's "blind spot." At these very short distances, the echo can return before the sensor finishes transmitting, leading to inaccurate or erratic readings.
- **Accuracy at Closer Ranges:** For distances between 2 cm and 100 cm, the TK50 is highly accurate, often achieving a resolution of around 0.3 cm and an accuracy within ±1 cm.
- **Performance at Longer Distances:** Beyond 2-3 meters, the sensor's accuracy and reliability may decrease. As sound waves spread and echoes weaken, detecting a clear return signal becomes more challenging, especially with targets that aren't flat, large, or perpendicular to the sensor. This can result in fluctuating or occasional erroneous readings.
**In summary:**
- **Minimum Reliable Distance:** 2 cm
- **Maximum Recommended Distance:** 200-300 cm (2 to 3 meters)
- **Absolute Maximum (Ideal Conditions):** 400 cm (4 meters)
# TK50 vs. HC-SR04: A Clear Advantage
The **HC-SR04** has long been the market's most common ultrasonic sensor. However, the **TK50 Ultrasonic Sensor** offers significant advancements, especially for modern microcontroller projects.
The TK50 utilizes a newer, **low-power IC**, allowing it to operate seamlessly with both **5V and 3.3V microcontrollers**. This is a critical improvement, as the HC-SR04 is **unable to run directly on 3.3V MCUs** like the ESP32 and Raspberry Pi Pico without additional voltage level shifting. The TK50 solves this compatibility challenge right out of the box.
Beyond voltage flexibility, the TK50 also boasts **four versatile operating modes** (GPIO, I2C, UART, and 1-Wire) compared to the HC-SR04's single GPIO mode. Furthermore, as part of the TinkerBlock Series, all TK50 sensors are **lead-free** and built with a high-quality immersion gold process for enhanced reliability.
Here's a quick comparison:
| Features | TK50 | HC-SR04 | |
| :--------------- | :--- | :------ | --- |
| **Voltage 3.3V** | ✓ | X | |
| **Voltage 5V** | ✓ | ✓ | |
| **GPIO Mode** | ✓ | ✓ | |
| **I2C Mode** | ✓ | X | |
| **UART Mode** | ✓ | X | |
| **1-Wire Mode** | ✓ | X | |
| **Lead-Free** | ✓ | X | |
# Schematic Diagram
# Mode Selection
The TK50 sensor operates in **GPIO Mode** by default. To select a different interface, simply solder **Jumper 1** and **Jumper 2** according to the configurations in the table below. "Short" indicates that the jumper pads should be soldered to close the circuit.
|Mode|Jumper 1|Jumper 2|
|:--|:--|:--|
|GPIO|Open|Open|
|I2C|Short|Open|
|UART|Open|Short|
|1-Wire|Short|Short|
# Pinout
| Pin | Function | GPIO | UART | I2C | 1-Wire |
| ---- | --------- | ------- | ---- | --- | ------ |
| GND | Ground | | | | |
| VCC | 3.3v / 5v | | | | |
| Echo | | Echo | TX | SDA | NC |
| Trig | | Trigger | RX | SCL | Data |
# Dimensions
# Sample Code
To get started, please install the necessary library from GitHub in your Arduino IDE. After installation, compile and upload the provided code to your board.
[https://github.com/Alash-electronics/AlashUltrasonic](https://github.com/Alash-electronics/AlashUltrasonic)
## GPIO Mode
**GPIO is the sensor's default mode.** To use it, simply leave both Jumper 1 and Jumper 2 open.
``` cpp
#include <AlashUltrasonic.h>
// GPIO pins
const uint8_t TRIGGER_PIN = 2;
const uint8_t ECHO_PIN = 3;
AlashUltrasonic sensorGPIO(TRIGGER_PIN, ECHO_PIN);
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
sensorGPIO.begin();
}
void loop() {
float distance = sensorGPIO.getDistance();
Serial.print("Distance (GPIO): ");
Serial.print(distance);
Serial.println(" cm");
delay(1000);
}
```
## UART Mode
To activate **UART mode**, you should **leave Jumper 1 open and short Jumper 2**.
``` cpp
#include <AlashUltrasonic.h>
const uint8_t RX_PIN = 3;
const uint8_t TX_PIN = 2;
AlashUltrasonic sensorUART(RX_PIN, TX_PIN, true);
// (Echo_TX_SDA, Trig_RX_SCL_I/O, isUART?)
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
sensorUART.begin();
}
void loop() {
float distanceUART = sensorUART.getDistance();
Serial.print("Distance (UART): ");
Serial.print(distanceUART);
Serial.println(" cm");
delay(1000);
}
```
## I2C Mode
To activate **I2C mode**, you should **short Jumper 1 and leave Jumper 2 open**.
``` cpp
#include <AlashUltrasonic.h>
const uint8_t I2C_ADDRESS = 0x57; // I2C address
AlashUltrasonic sensorI2C(I2C_ADDRESS);
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
sensorI2C.begin();
}
void loop() {
float distance = sensorI2C.getDistance();
Serial.print("Distance (I2C): ");
Serial.print(distance);
Serial.println(" cm");
delay(1000);
}
```
## One-Wire
To activate **One-Wire mode**, simply **short both Jumper 1 and Jumper 2**.
``` cpp
#include <AlashUltrasonic.h>
const uint8_t ONE_WIRE_PIN = 5; // 1-Wire pin
AlashUltrasonic sensorOneWire(ONE_WIRE_PIN, true);
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
sensorOneWire.begin();
}
void loop() {
float distance = sensorOneWire.getDistance();
Serial.print("Distance (1-Wire): ");
Serial.print(distance);
Serial.println(" cm");
delay(1000);
}
```
# Support
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