US-016 Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Module – 5V DC, 3.8mA, 2cm~300cm Range, ±0.3cm Accuracy, 1mm Resolution

SKU: FA3006-5
Operating Voltage

3.3V – 5V DC

Operating Current

3.8mA

Detection Range

2cm – 300cm (3m)

Detection Accuracy

0.3cm + 1%

Resolution

1mm

Output Type

Analog voltage (0 – Vcc)

Sensing Angle

< 15 degrees

Operating Temperature

0°C to +70°C

The US-016 Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Module is a unique and highly practical ranging sensor that stands apart from common digital ultrasonic modules by providing analog voltage output directly proportional to the measured distance . This makes it exceptionally easy to integrate with analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), microcontrollers, and any system that can read an analog voltage — without the need for complex timing calculations or pulse-width measurement.

At the heart of the module is a reliable ultrasonic transmitter and receiver pair operating at 40kHz . The sensor performs non-contact distance measurement from 2cm to 300cm (3 meters) with a detection accuracy of 0.3cm + 1% and a resolution of 1mm . The sensing angle is less than 15 degrees, providing a focused detection cone suitable for targeted ranging applications .

The US-016 is the only ultrasonic module on the market with analog output . After power-up, the system continuously measures distance and outputs an analog voltage through the Out pin, with the voltage being directly proportional to the measured distance . The output range is 0 to Vcc (the supply voltage), making the formula straightforward: Distance (mm) = 1024 × Vout / Vcc when the range is set to 1 meter, or Distance (mm) = 3096 × Vout / Vcc when the range is set to 3 meters .

The module supports dual selectable ranges via the Range pin. When the Range pin is left floating or connected to a high level, the maximum range is 3 meters (3072mm output span). When the Range pin is pulled to a low level (GND), the range is limited to 1 meter (1024mm output span) . This flexibility allows you to optimize the resolution for your specific application.

The US-016 operates from a wide supply voltage of 3.3V to 5V DC, consuming only 3.8mA of current . The low power consumption makes it suitable for battery-powered and portable applications. The compact 4-pin interface (VCC, Range, Out, GND) provides simple, straightforward wiring .

The module is widely used in obstacle detection, liquid level sensing, stacking height control, tank level detection, presence detection, and distance measurement applications regardless of an object’s shape, color, or surface texture . It is also popular in educational projects for teaching analog sensing, ADC conversion, and ultrasonic ranging principles.

Important Note: The US-016 requires an ADC on your microcontroller to read the analog output voltage. Ensure your ADC reference voltage (Vref) matches the module’s supply voltage (Vcc) for accurate calculations . The module is not waterproof and should not be submerged. Objects with soft, angled, or highly irregular surfaces may reflect poorly, reducing measurement reliability.

Whether you are building a liquid level monitor, a robotics obstacle avoidance system, or a precision distance measurement device, the US-016 Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Module provides a reliable, easy-to-integrate solution. It is suitable for individual makers, students, and businesses purchasing in bulk for product development or educational programs.

Features

  • Analog voltage output — Output voltage directly proportional to measured distance, eliminating complex timing calculations

  • Dual selectable ranges — 1m (Range pin LOW) or 3m (Range pin floating/HIGH) for optimized resolution

  • High precision — 0.3cm + 1% detection accuracy with 1mm resolution

  • Wide detection range — 2cm to 300cm non-contact measurement

  • Wide supply voltage — 3.3V to 5V DC operation

  • Low power consumption — Only 3.8mA operating current

  • Compact 4-pin interface — VCC, Range, Out, GND for simple wiring

  • Focused sensing angle — Less than 15 degrees for targeted detection

  • Wide application range — Liquid level, stacking control, obstacle detection, presence sensing

  • Easy integration — Works with any microcontroller that has an ADC

Technical Specifications 

# Parameter Specification
1 Operating Voltage 3.3V – 5V DC
2 Operating Current 3.8mA
3 Detection Range 2cm – 300cm (3m)
4 Detection Accuracy 0.3cm + 1%
5 Resolution 1mm
6 Output Type Analog voltage (0 – Vcc)
7 Sensing Angle < 15 degrees
8 Operating Temperature 0°C to +70°C 

Usage

Getting Started

  1. Connect power — Supply 3.3V to 5V DC to the VCC pin and GND to ground.

  2. Configure the range — Connect the Range pin to set the measurement range:

    • Floating or HIGH → 3m range

    • LOW (GND) → 1m range

  3. Connect the analog output — Connect the Out pin to an analog input pin on your microcontroller (e.g., A0 on Arduino).

  4. Power on — The module begins continuous distance measurement and outputs an analog voltage proportional to the measured distance .

  5. Read and calculate — Use your microcontroller’s ADC to read the voltage and calculate distance using the appropriate formula.

Distance Calculation Formulas

Range Setting Formula Notes
1m (Range = LOW) L = 1024 × Vout / Vcc (mm) Vcc = supply voltage
3m (Range = Floating/HIGH) L = 3096 × Vout / Vcc (mm) Vcc = supply voltage

Pin Connections

Module Pin Function
VCC Power supply (3.3V – 5V)
Range Range select (LOW = 1m, Floating/HIGH = 3m)
Out Analog voltage output (proportional to distance)
GND Ground

Example Arduino Code (3m Range)

cpp
const int ultrasonicPin = A0;  // Out pin connected to A0
float vcc = 5.0;               // Supply voltage (measure actual Vcc for accuracy)

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  int sensorValue = analogRead(ultrasonicPin);
  float vout = sensorValue * (vcc / 1023.0);
  
  // 3m range formula: L = 3096 * Vout / Vcc (mm)
  float distance_mm = 3096.0 * vout / vcc;
  float distance_cm = distance_mm / 10.0;
  
  Serial.print("Distance: ");
  Serial.print(distance_cm);
  Serial.println(" cm");
  delay(200);
}

Typical Applications

  • Liquid level sensing — Tank and reservoir level monitoring

  • Stacking height control — Material handling and automation

  • Obstacle detection — Robotics and AGV navigation

  • Presence detection — Security and automation systems

  • Irregular parts detection — Regardless of shape, color, or surface texture

  • Distance measurement — General-purpose ranging applications

Notes for Business Buyers

  • Unique analog output — The US-016 is the only ultrasonic module with analog output, simplifying integration with ADC-equipped systems .

  • Low power consumption — 3.8mA operating current is ideal for battery-powered applications .

  • Dual range flexibility — One module supports both 1m and 3m ranges via pin configuration .

  • Suitable for bulk purchasing — Ideal for liquid level sensor manufacturers, robotics integrators, and educational institutions.

Q: What is the US-016 Ultrasonic Sensor Module used for?

It is a distance measuring sensor with analog voltage output, used for liquid level sensing, stacking height control, obstacle detection, presence detection, and general distance measurement .

Q: What is the difference between US-016 and HC-SR04?

The US-016 provides analog voltage output proportional to distance, while the HC-SR04 uses digital trigger/echo pulse timing. The US-016 is easier to integrate with ADC-equipped systems and offers higher resolution (1mm) .

Q: What is the detection range and accuracy?

The detection range is 2cm to 300cm (3m) with an accuracy of 0.3cm + 1% .

Q: How do I set the measurement range?

Connect the Range pin:

  • Floating or HIGH → 3m range

  • LOW (GND) → 1m range 

Q: How do I calculate distance from the analog voltage?

Use the formula based on your range setting:

  • 1m range: L = 1024 × Vout / Vcc (mm)

  • 3m range: L = 3096 × Vout / Vcc (mm)
    Where Vcc is the supply voltage and Vout is the measured output voltage.

Q: What voltage does the module require?

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

Q: Does the module require an ADC?

Yes. The US-016 outputs an analog voltage, so your microcontroller must have an ADC to read the output and calculate distance .

Q: What is the sensing angle?

The sensing angle is less than 15 degrees, providing a focused detection cone .

Q: Is the module waterproof?

No. The US-016 is not waterproof and should not be submerged in water or operated 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 liquid level sensor manufacturers, robotics integrators, and educational institutions.