Implementation of a MSP430-based ultrasonic distance measurement module

Abstract

This application report describes a distance-measuring system based on ultrasonic sound utilizing the MSP430F413 ultralow-power microcontroller. The system transmits a burst of ultrasonic sound waves towards the subject and then receives the corresponding echo. The MSP430 integrated analog comparator Comparator_A is used to detect the arrival of the echo to the system. The time taken for the ultrasonic burst to travel the distance from the system to the subject and back to the system is accurately measured by the MSP430. Assuming the speed of sound in air at room temperature to be 1100 ft/s, the MSP430 computes the distance between the system and the subject and displays it using a two-digit static LCD driven by its integrated LCD driver. The distance is displayed in inches with an accuracy of ±1 inch. The minimum distance that this system can measure is eight inches and is limited by the transmitter’s transducer settling-time. The maximum distance that can be measured is ninetynine inches. The amplitude of the echo depends on the reflecting material, shape, and size. Sound-absorbing targets such as carpets and reflecting surfaces less than two square feet in area reflect poorly. The maximum measurable range is lower for such subjects. If the amplitude of the echo received by the system is so low that it is not detectable by the Comparator_A, the system goes out of range. This is indicated by displaying the error message E.