Datasheet
Copyright 2005 - 2021 MaxBotix Incorporated Patent 7,679,996
XL-MaxSonar
®
- EZ/AE™ Series
Page 2
Web: www.maxbotix.com
PD11840l
MaxBotix Inc., products are engineered and assembled in the USA.
About Ultrasonic Sensors
Our ultrasonic sensors are in air, non-contact object detection and ranging sensors that detect objects within an area. These
sensors are not affected by the color or other visual characteristics of the detected object. Ultrasonic sensors use high
frequency sound to detect and localize objects in a variety of environments. Ultrasonic sensors measure the time of flight
for sound that has been transmitted to and reflected back from nearby objects. Based upon the time of flight, the sensor
then outputs a range reading.
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Pin Out
Pin 1-BW-Leave open (or high) for serial output on the Pin 5 output. When Pin 1 is held low the Pin 5 output sends a
pulse (instead of serial data), suitable for low noise chaining.
Pin 2-PW– For the MB1200 (EZ) sensor series, this pin outputs a pulse width representation of range. To calculate
distance, use the scale factor of 58uS per cm.
For the MB1300 (AE) sensor series, this pin outputs the analog voltage envelope of the acoustic wave form. The output
allows the user to process the raw waveform of the sensor.
Pin 3-AN– For the 7.6 meter sensors (all sensors except for MB1260, MB1261, MB1360, and MB1361), this pin outputs
analog voltage with a scaling factor of (Vcc/1024) per cm. A supply of 5V yields ~4.9mV/cm., and 3.3V yields ~3.2mV/
cm. Hardware limits the maximum reported range on this output to ~700cm at 5V and ~600cm at 3.3V. The output is
buffered and corresponds to the most recent range data.
For the 10 meter sensors (MB1260, MB1261, MB1360, MB1361), this pin outputs analog voltage with a scaling factor of
(Vcc/1024) per 2cm. A supply of 5V yields ~4.9mV/2cm., and 3.3V yields ~3.2mV/2cm. The output is buffered and
corresponds to the most recent range data.
Pin 4-RX– This pin is internally pulled high. The XL-MaxSonar-EZ sensors will continually measure range and output if
the pin is left unconnected or held high. If held low the will stop ranging. Bring high 20uS or more for range reading.
Pin 5-TX- When Pin 1 is open or held high, the Pin 5 output delivers asynchronous serial with an RS232 format, except
voltages are 0-Vcc. The output is an ASCII capital “R”, followed by three ASCII character digits representing the range in
centimeters up to a maximum of 765cm, followed by a carriage return (ASCII 13).
The baud rate is 9600, 8 bits, no parity, with one stop bit. Although the voltage of 0-
Vcc is outside the RS232 standard, most RS232 devices have sufficient margin to
read 0-Vcc serial data. If standard voltage level RS232 is desired, invert, and connect
an RS232 converter such as a MAX232.
When Pin 1 is held low, the Pin 5 output sends a single pulse, suitable for low noise
chaining (no serial data).
On power up the sensor will send serial data about the sensor. View an example
here.
Pin 6-+5V- Vcc – Operates on 3.3V - 5V. The average (and peak) current draw for 3.3V operation is 2.1mA (50mA peak)
and at 5V operation is 3.4mA (100mA peak) respectively. Peak current is used during sonar pulse transmit. Please
reference page 4 for minimum operating voltage verses temperature information.
Pin 7-GND- Return for the DC power supply. GND (& V+) must be ripple and noise free for best operation.
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Product Release Notes
For all MB1260/MB1360 sensors sold after Feb 20, 2013, the minimum reported distance is 25cm.
For all MB1261/MB1361 sensors sold after Feb 20, 2013, the minimum reported distance is 25cm.
For all MB1200/MB1300 sensors sold after Oct 01, 2013, the minimum reported distance is 25cm.
For all MB1210/MB1310 sensors sold after Oct 01, 2013, the minimum reported distance is 25cm.