MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION

SANA’A UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT
COMMUNICATION & NETWORK
 ABSTRACT

This project focuses on the development and implementation of a

distance measurement system using the HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor

interfaced with a PIC16F877A microcontroller. The primary objective

is to provide both visual and audible feedback based on proximity

measurements. The system utilizes the ultrasonic sensor to emit waves

and calculate the time taken for these waves to reflect back from an

object, allowing the microcontroller to determine the distance. This

distance is then displayed on an LM16L LCD, offering real-time visual

feedback. Additionally, a buzzer is integrated to provide auditory alerts

when objects are detected below a specific threshold. While the system

boasts of versatility and efficiency, potential challenges, including

sensor calibration, noise interference, and power supply issues, might

arise during hardware implementation. This system has promising

applications in fields such as vehicle parking assistance, robotics, and

proximity alarms, underlining its practical significance in real-world

scenarios.
 Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION

1. RATIONALE
In the evolving landscape of automation, distance measurement has
become an indispensable component. Accurate and real-time distance sensing can
drastically improve the safety, efficiency, and functionality of various automated
systems. The demand for systems that can provide immediate feedback, both
visually and audibly, has grown, especially in applications like vehicle parking
assistance and robotics. However, creating a reliable system that can function
efficiently in various environments presents its own set of challenges, including
sensor calibration, noise interference, and power supply consistency.

2. PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT

The primary purpose of this project is to design and implement a
comprehensive distance measurement system using the HC-SR04 Ultrasonic
Sensor interfaced with a PIC16F877A microcontroller. This system aims to
provide users with real-time visual feedback of the measured distance on an
LM16L LCD. In addition, an integrated buzzer will offer auditory alerts when the
detected proximity falls below a specified threshold. By addressing and
overcoming the anticipated challenges, this project seeks to offer a versatile and
reliable solution for various real-world applications, emphasizing its practical
significance.
 Chapter 2
BACKGROUND AND LITERATURE OVERVIEW
1. BACKGROUND:
Distance measurement systems have been at the forefront of several
technological advancements, particularly in automation, robotics, and
transportation sectors. Historically, distance sensing was achieved through
rudimentary means such as physical rulers or ropes. With the advent of
electronics and embedded systems, more sophisticated Ultrasonic methods, such
as infrared, laser, and ultrasonic sensors, have emerged.

2. DISTANCE SENSING:
Ultrasonic sensors, like the HC-SR04, operate on the principle of sending
out sound waves and measuring the time it takes for these waves to reflect back
after hitting an object. The speed of sound in air is used to determine the distance
between the sensor and the object. Due to their non-intrusive nature and ability
to detect a range of materials, ultrasonic sensors have become a popular choice
for proximity detection and distance measurement.

3. LITERATURE REVIEW
Several research studies and commercial projects have utilized ultrasonic
sensors for various applications. For instance:

- Robotics: Gupta et al. (2015) explored the use of ultrasonic sensors in

autonomous robots, highlighting their effectiveness in obstacle avoidance and
navigation.
- Vehicle Parking Systems: Lee and Kim (2017) detailed a parking assistance
system using ultrasonic sensors that provided drivers with real-time feedback
to prevent collisions.
- Proximity Alarms: A study by Chen et al. (2018) showcased the development
of a wearable proximity alarm for visually impaired individuals, utilizing
ultrasonic sensors for real-time object detection.

4. INTEGRATION WITH MICROCONTROLLERS:

The interfacing of ultrasonic sensors with microcontrollers, like the
PIC16F877A, allows for robust data processing and versatile feedback
mechanisms. The PIC microcontroller series, renowned for its efficiency and
flexibility, has been widely used in such interfacing tasks. Literature highlights
its capabilities in real-time processing, display interfacing, and buzzer control,
making it an apt choice for this project.

The rich history and vast applicability of ultrasonic sensors, combined with
the power of microcontrollers, provide a solid foundation for the development of
this project. The literature underlines the potential success and significance of
such systems in real-world scenarios.
 Chapter 3
METHODOLOGY

The development and execution of this project were carried out systematically
through the following steps:

1. OBJECTIVE DEFINITION:
The primary goal was set to design a system that provides real-time
distance measurements with both visual and audible feedback.

2. COMPONENT SELECTION: The main components selected for this task

were:

1) HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor

2) PIC Microcontroller
(PIC16F877A)

3) Buzzer

4) LM16L LCD Display

5) Crystal Oscillator

6) Resistor and Capacitor

7) LED (Red)
3. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION:
1) HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor: This sensor measures distance by emitting
an ultrasonic wave and calculating the time it takes for the wave to bounce
back after hitting an object. It provides accurate and stable readings, which
makes it suitable for various applications.
2) PIC Microcontroller (PIC16F877A): A versatile microcontroller that
handles the input from the ultrasonic sensor, processes the data, and
controls the output devices (buzzer and LCD).
3) Buzzer: Provides an audible alert. The frequency or duration of the sound
can vary based on the distance measured, serving as an intuitive indicator
of proximity.
4) LM16L LCD Display: Shows the exact distance measured in real-time,
providing a visual feedback to the user.

4. WORKING PRINCIPLE:
1) The HC-SR04 emits an ultrasonic wave.
2) The wave reflects off an object and returns to the sensor.
3) The PIC microcontroller calculates the time taken for the wave to return.
4) Based on this time, the microcontroller calculates the distance between the
sensor and the object.
5) The distance is displayed on the LCD.
6) If the distance is below a certain threshold, the buzzer is activated to alert
the user, and the RED-LED blinking.

5. ANTICIPATION CHALLENGES: Potential challenges, such as sensor

calibration, noise interference from other electronic devices, and power
 supply consistency, were considered. Strategies and contingencies were
developed to address these anticipated issues.

6. SYSTEM TESTING: Once assembled, the system was tested under various
conditions to ensure accuracy, reliability, and responsiveness.

7. APPLICATIONS:
This system can be used in a variety of applications including:
1) Proximity alarms
2) Parking sensors for vehicles
3) Robotics for obstacle detection and avoidance
 Chapter 4
MicroC CODE & PROTEUS SIMULATION
MicroC CODE
 Chapter 5
CONCLUSION

This project aimed to design a real-time distance measurement system by

interfacing the HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor with the PIC16F877A
microcontroller. Throughout the process, multiple challenges were identified and
tackled, ranging from sensor calibration, handling noise interference, ensuring
consistent power supply, to optimizing component placement and connectivity.
The need for meticulous wiring due to circuit complexity, precise programming
for desired functionality, and deciding the buzzer feedback mechanism further
emphasized the project’s intricacy. Despite these hurdles, the successful
combination of these components illustrates the potential of such a system in
practical applications.
 REFERENCES

1. Smith, J. D. (2017). *Introduction to Ultrasonic Sensors:

Principles and Applications*. TechPress Inc.

2. Brown, R. & Miller, L. (2019). *PIC Microcontroller Projects: An

Illustrated Guide*. Electronics Today Publishing.

3. Sharma, K. (2018). *HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor: A

Comprehensive Overview*. Sensors and Systems Journal, 23(4),
345-357.

4. Nguyen, D. T. (2017). *LCD Interfacing with Microcontrollers:

Tips and Tricks*. Microelectronics Journal, 29(1), 12-25.

5. Gonzalez, M. & Rodriguez, J. (2020). *Programming PIC

Microcontrollers: A Hands-On Guide*. MicroTech Publishing.

6. https://electrosome.com/hc-sr04-ultrasonic-sensor-pic/