Quick tip: Analog signal from a ‘digital’ distance sensor
I accidentally purchased a GP2Y0D21YK0F when I meant to get a GP2Y0A21YK0F. The digital version only sends a high or low signal depending on whether there is an item within a preset distance. The analog version gives a 0-2.5V analog voltage depending on the distance (which is what I really wanted) Unfortunately, with a tight deadline & no time to reorder, I decided to see if the analog signal was still somewhere on the PCB, just not on the connector. A quick probe with my trusty scope says “yes”!
October 14th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Good reverse engineering. The question of course is what are you building with it?
October 14th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
I’m using the digital output units for a project and I appreciate this information. Thanks.
what are your thoughts of the output of the digital sensor. My engineer has been pretty outspoken about this when trying to interface to our controller.
October 16th, 2008 at 12:17 am
With this method you get both an analog value to use and the threshold value that was already built into the distance sensor. w00t!
October 19th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Assuming your sensor is the same as mine, this mod can be done internally - you will need something to cut the trace though.
Then you won’t see (or if space is an issue, have) a wire poking out the back. :]
http://img46.imageshack.us/my.php?image=d2asharp1xp7.jpg > your connector might be wired differently, but you get the idea