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RCWL-1604 Ultrasonic Sensor distance measuring module 4pin New Version-Singal Chips GPIO/IIC/UART/1-Wire

SKU: FA3006-2-2
Module Model

RCWL-1604
Operating Voltage

2.8V – 5.5V DC
Operating Current

2mA (typical)
Ultrasonic Frequency

40kHz
Detection Range

2cm – 400cm (up to 500cm ideal)
Measurement Accuracy

±2% with temperature compensation
Resolution

1mm
Interface Options

GPIO / I²C / UART / 1-Wire

The RCWL-1604 Ultrasonic Sensor Distance Measuring Module is an upgraded, high-precision ranging module that serves as a superior replacement for the classic HC-SR04. Built around a single-chip ultrasonic demodulation IC, it supports four interface options — GPIO (trigger/echo), I²C, UART, and 1-Wire — all from the same 4-pin connector, offering exceptional flexibility for robotics, liquid level sensing, and automation projects .

At the heart of the module is a single-chip demodulation circuit that eliminates the need for an external crystal and provides stable, consistent measurements. The module uses sweep frequency technology to minimize the impact of probe consistency on sensitivity, and its internal 40kHz drive frequency employs positive temperature compensation to match the probe’s central frequency characteristics .

The Single Chip design offers significant advantages over the classic HC-SR04:

  • Multi-interface support — Choose between GPIO (trigger/echo) , I²C, UART, or 1-Wire communication via external resistor configuration (M1/M2 settings) .

  • Wide voltage range — Operates from 2.8V to 5.5V DC, making it compatible with both 3.3V and 5V microcontrollers .

  • Ultra-low power consumption — Operating current of only 2mA, significantly lower than the classic HC-SR04 .

  • High accuracy — ±2% detection accuracy with internal temperature compensation .

  • Wider detection range — Measures from 2cm to 4 meters (up to 5m in ideal conditions) .

  • Faster measurement cycle — Improved to 50ms (from 200ms in older versions) .

  • 1mm resolution — Provides precise distance measurement .

The module features a 4-pin interface (VCC, GND, Trig/TX, Echo/RX) for easy connection to microcontrollers. In GPIO mode (default), the classic trigger/echo method is used — fully compatible with existing HC-SR04 code. In I²C mode (address 0x57), the module can be connected to an I²C bus for multi-sensor applications. In UART mode (9600, N, 1), the module outputs distance data as serial bytes. In 1-Wire mode, a single data line handles both control and data, minimizing pin usage .

The compact form factor (45mm × 20mm) with mounting holes allows easy integration into robot chassis, sensor arrays, and custom enclosures. The module is widely used in robotics, obstacle avoidance, liquid level sensing, parking sensors, human detection, and DIY automation projects .

Important Note: The module uses ultrasonic waves, which are affected by temperature, humidity, and air pressure. Internal temperature compensation helps mitigate temperature effects, but for high-precision applications, consider external compensation. The module requires a minimum delay between measurements (50ms measurement cycle) to avoid echo interference. Objects with soft, angled, or irregular surfaces may not reflect sound waves effectively. The module is not waterproof — do not immerse in water or operate in wet environments without protection.

Whether you are building a robot with obstacle avoidance, a parking sensor, or a liquid level monitoring system, the RCWL-1604 Ultrasonic Sensor Module provides a reliable, versatile solution with superior performance and the widest interface support available. It is suitable for individual makers, students, and businesses purchasing in bulk for product development or educational programs.

Features

  • Single-chip design — Onboard demodulation IC for stable, consistent measurements

  • Four interface options — GPIO (trigger/echo), I²C, UART, and 1-Wire

  • Wide voltage range — 2.8V to 5.5V DC operation

  • Ultra-low power consumption — Only 2mA operating current

  • High accuracy — ±2% detection accuracy with internal temperature compensation

  • Wide detection range — 2cm to 4 meters (up to 5m ideal)

  • 1mm resolution — Precise distance measurement

  • Faster measurement cycle — 50ms cycle time

  • 4-pin interface — VCC, GND, Trig/TX, Echo/RX

  • Compact form factor — 45mm × 20mm with mounting holes

Technical Specifications 

# Parameter Specification
1 Module Model RCWL-1604
2 Operating Voltage 2.8V – 5.5V DC
3 Operating Current 2mA (typical)
4 Ultrasonic Frequency 40kHz
5 Detection Range 2cm – 400cm (up to 500cm ideal)
6 Measurement Accuracy ±2% with temperature compensation
7 Resolution 1mm
8 Interface Options GPIO / I²C / UART / 1-Wire 

Usage

Getting Started (GPIO Mode — Default)

  1. Connect power — Supply 2.8V to 5.5V DC to the VCC pin and GND to ground.

  2. Connect trigger and echo — Connect the Trig pin to a digital output on your microcontroller and the Echo pin to a digital input.

  3. Send a trigger pulse — Set the Trig pin HIGH for 10µs to initiate a measurement .

  4. Read the echo pulse — Measure the duration of the HIGH pulse on the Echo pin. The distance is calculated as: Distance (cm) = Echo pulse duration (µs) / 58.

  5. Add a delay — Wait at least 50ms between measurements to avoid echo interference .

Interface Mode Selection (M1/M2 Resistors)

Mode M1 Resistor M2 Resistor
GPIO (default) Not connected Not connected
I²C 10KΩ Not connected
UART Not connected 10KΩ
1-Wire 10KΩ 10KΩ

Pin Connections

Module Pin Function
VCC Power (2.8V–5.5V)
GND Ground
Trig/TX Trigger input (GPIO) / UART TX / I²C SDA / 1-Wire Data
Echo/RX Echo output (GPIO) / UART RX / I²C SCL

Example Arduino Code (GPIO Mode)

cpp
const int trigPin = 9;
const int echoPin = 10;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  pinMode(trigPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(echoPin, INPUT);
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);
  delayMicroseconds(2);
  digitalWrite(trigPin, HIGH);
  delayMicroseconds(10);
  digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);

  long duration = pulseIn(echoPin, HIGH);
  int distance = duration / 58;

  Serial.print("Distance: ");
  Serial.print(distance);
  Serial.println(" cm");
  delay(100);
}

Typical Applications

  • Robotics — Obstacle avoidance and navigation

  • Liquid level sensing — Measure water levels in tanks and containers

  • Parking sensors — Vehicle proximity detection

  • Object detection — Presence sensing for automation

  • Distance measurement — General-purpose ranging

  • DIY automation projects — Custom distance-based control

Notes for Business Buyers

  • Four-interface flexibility — One module supports GPIO, I²C, UART, and 1-Wire for the widest range of project requirements .

  • Single-chip integration — Reduces external components and simplifies firmware development .

  • Wide voltage compatibility — Works with both 3.3V and 5V microcontrollers .

  • Superior to HC-SR04 — Lower power consumption (2mA vs. 15mA), faster measurement cycle (50ms vs. 200ms), and internal temperature compensation .

  • Suitable for bulk purchasing — Ideal for robotics manufacturers, educational institutions, and product development.

Q: What is the RCWL-1604 Ultrasonic Sensor Module used for?

It is a distance measuring module that uses ultrasonic waves to measure distance from 2cm to 4 meters, used in robotics, obstacle avoidance, liquid level sensing, and parking sensors

Q: What is the difference between RCWL-1604 and HC-SR04?

The RCWL-1604 is an improved version with four interface options (GPIO, I²C, UART, 1-Wire), lower power consumption (2mA vs. 15mA), faster measurement cycle (50ms vs. 200ms), internal temperature compensation, and a wider voltage range (2.8V–5.5V) .

Q: What interface options are available?

The module supports GPIO (trigger/echo) , I²C, UART, and 1-Wire communication, selectable via M1/M2 resistor configuration .

Q: What is the detection range and accuracy?

The detection range is 2cm to 400cm (up to 500cm in ideal conditions) with ±2% accuracy

Q: What voltage does the module require?

It operates from 2.8V to 5.5V DC, making it compatible with both 3.3V and 5V microcontrollers .

Q: How do I calculate distance from the echo pulse?

Use the formula: Distance (cm) = Echo pulse duration (µs) / 58 .

Q: What is the minimum delay between measurements?

The module has a 50ms measurement cycle, so wait at least 50ms between measurements

Q: Does the module have temperature compensation?

Yes. The RCWL-1604 includes internal temperature compensation that provides 2% accuracy over the 0°–40°C temperature range

Q: Is the module waterproof?

No. The RCWL-1604 is not waterproof. Do not immerse it in water or operate it in wet environments without protection.

Q: Can I purchase in bulk for a product development project?

Yes. This module is suitable for both individual users and business purchasing, including robotics manufacturers, educational institutions, and product development.

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