GY-US42 Ultrasonic Distance Measurement Sensor Module for Pixhawk & APM - I2C/UART/PWM

The GY-US42 is designed for direct plug-and-play compatibility with Pixhawk and APM flight controllers, commonly used in drones and UAVs. It is also broadly compatible with any 3.3V or 5V logic microcontroller (like Arduino, ESP32, STM32) that supports I2C, UART, or PWM communication, thanks to its selectable output interfaces.

The output mode is typically selected via hardware configuration, such as solder jumpers or configuration pins on the module's PCB. Consult the specific pinout diagram for your GY-US42 module. I2C mode allows for multiple sensors on a bus, UART provides simple serial data, and PWM outputs a duty cycle proportional to distance.

The module operates from a 3V to 5V DC supply. Under typical operating conditions, it draws approximately 9 mA. This low power consumption makes it suitable for battery-powered applications like drones and portable robots.

Yes, the GY-US42 has an operating temperature range of -20°C to +65°C, allowing for reliable use in many outdoor conditions. However, like most ultrasonic sensors, its performance can be affected by heavy rain, snow, or extreme wind, which can scatter the sound waves. It is not typically rated as waterproof (IP-rated).

The sensor provides distance updates at a rate of 15 Hz (15 times per second). It has a resolution of 1 cm. Accuracy is influenced by target surface angle, material, and environmental factors like temperature and air turbulence, but it provides stable and reliable measurements for most robotic and drone applications within its specified range.