Interfacing Vibration Sensor Module with Arduino

 Vibration sensor modules play a crucial role in various electronic projects, enabling the detection of movements and vibrations in the surrounding environment. In this guide, we'll delve into the basics of using a vibration sensor module with an Arduino. We'll explore the key components, and wiring, and provide a detailed explanation of the Arduino code for a practical use case—building an intruder detection system.

Understanding Vibration Sensor Modules

This module typically consists of a piezoelectric element that generates a voltage when subjected to vibrations. The module translates these vibrations into electrical signals that can be read by a microcontroller.

How Vibration Sensor ModuleWorks

Piezoelectric Effect: The core of the vibration sensor module relies on the piezoelectric effect. When subjected to mechanical stress (vibrations), the piezoelectric material generates a voltage proportional to the applied force.

Signal Output: The voltage generated is converted into a digital or analog signal, depending on the type of sensor module. Digital sensors produce a binary output (high or low), while analog sensors provide a range of values corresponding to the intensity of vibrations. We are going to use the 140c001 vibration sensor module. We can also use the SW-420 vibration sensor.

SW-420 vibration sensor

Wiring the Vibration Sensor Module with Arduino

For this guide, we'll use a basic setup to connect the vibration sensor module to an Arduino Uno.

Components Needed

1. Arduino Uno
2. Vibration sensor module
3. Jumper wires
4. LED or Buzzer (Optional)

Wiring Instructions

Follow the circuit diagram to Interfacing Vibration Sensor Modules with Arduino.

Circuit diagram of Vibration Sensor Module with Arduino

1. Connect the Vibration sensor's VCC pin to the 5V output on the Arduino.
2. Connect the Vibration sensor's GND pin to any ground (GND) pin on the Arduino.
3. Connect the Vibration sensor's OUT pin to any digital input pin on the Arduino (e.g., digital pin 2).
4. Connect a buzzer or LED to another digital pin on the Arduino to serve as an alert indicator. For example, connect the positive (anode) leg of the LED to digital pin 3 and the negative (cathode) leg to GND. If using a buzzer, connect it to a digital pin and a GND pin.

The setup will look like this:

Interfacing Vibration Sensor Modules with Arduino

Arduino code for vibration sensor module

Use the following Arduino code to implement Vibration Sensor Modules with any Arduino board:

const int sensorPin = 2;  // Digital pin connected to the sensor's OUT pin
const int alertPin = 3;   // Digital pin connected to the buzzer or LED
void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);  // Initialize serial communication
  pinMode(sensorPin, INPUT);  // Set sensor pin as input
  pinMode(alertPin, OUTPUT);  // Set alert pin as output
}
void loop() {
  int sensorValue = digitalRead(sensorPin);  // Read the digital value from the sensor
  if (sensorValue == HIGH) {
    Serial.println("Vibration detected!");
    digitalWrite(alertPin, HIGH);  // Activate alert (buzzer or LED)
    delay(1000);  // Alert for 1 second
    digitalWrite(alertPin, LOW);  // Turn off alert
  } else {
    Serial.println("No Vibration ");
  }
  delay(500);  // Delay for 0.5 seconds before the next check
}code-box

Code Explanation

Variable Declarations

   - const int sensorPin = 2: Defines a constant variable for the digital pin connected to the sensor's OUT pin.
   - const int alertPin = 3: Defines a constant variable for the digital pin connected to the buzzer or LED.

Setup Function

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);  // Initialize serial communication
  pinMode(sensorPin, INPUT);  // Set sensor pin as input
  pinMode(alertPin, OUTPUT);  // Set alert pin as output
}code-box

• Serial.begin(9600);: Initializes serial communication at a baud rate of 9600, allowing the Arduino to communicate with a connected computer via the Serial Monitor.
• pinMode(sensorPin, INPUT);: Configures the sensor pin as an input to read digital values.
• pinMode(alertPin, OUTPUT);: Configures the alert pin as an output to control the buzzer or LED.

Loop Function

void loop() {
  int sensorValue = digitalRead(sensorPin);  // Read the digital value from the sensor
  if (sensorValue == HIGH) {
    Serial.println("Intruder detected!");
    digitalWrite(alertPin, HIGH);  // Activate alert (buzzer or LED)
    delay(1000);  // Alert for 1 second
    digitalWrite(alertPin, LOW);  // Turn off alert
  } else {
    Serial.println("No intruder");
  }
  delay(500);  // Delay for 0.5 seconds before the next check
}code-box

• int sensorValue = digitalRead(sensorPin);: Reads the digital value from the vibration sensor and stores it in the sensorValue variable.
• if (sensorValue == HIGH) { ... } else { ... }: Checks if the sensor detects vibrations (HIGH). If true, it indicates an intruder, and the alert mechanism is activated. If false, it prints "No intruder."
• delay(500);: Introduces a delay of 0.5 seconds before the next iteration of the loop, providing a brief pause between sensor readings.

Uploading code to Arduino

To upload the scratch to the Arduino board, follow the following instructions. Select the proper board and port to upload the code. You can use any Arduino board for this project. 

Select the Correct Board

• In the Arduino IDE, navigate to the "Tools" menu.
• Click on "Board" and select the specific Arduino board model you are using (e.g., Arduino Uno, Arduino Nano, etc.). Choosing the correct board type is crucial to ensure that the IDE compiles your code for the specific microcontroller on your Arduino.

Select the Correct Port

• Still in the "Tools" menu, go to the "Port" submenu.
• Choose the COM port to which your Arduino is connected. The correct port will usually be labelled with the Arduino board's name (e.g., Arduino Uno) or a similar description.

Upload the Code

• Open the Arduino sketch (code) you want to upload to the Arduino board.
• Click on the right-pointing arrow icon (→) or select "Upload" from the "Sketch" menu.
• The IDE will compile your code and upload it to the selected Arduino board.

Enhancements of the Vibration Sensor

To extend the capabilities of your intruder detection system, consider incorporating the following enhancements:

Intruder detection system with vibration sensor Arduino

Integrate a GSM Module for SMS Alerts

Enhance the system's communication by adding a GSM module. This modification allows the Arduino to send SMS alerts, providing a real-time notification mechanism. Integrate this feature to keep users informed even when they are not actively monitoring the system through the Serial Monitor.

Combine with a PIR Sensor for Precise Intrusion Detection

For improved accuracy, integrate a Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor alongside the vibration sensor. PIR sensors can detect body heat and motion, complementing the vibration sensor's capabilities. Combining both sensors enhances the system's reliability, reducing false positives and providing a more comprehensive intrusion detection solution.

Implement a Password System for Disarming

Introduce a password-based disarming mechanism to add a layer of security and control over the alert system. Users can input a predefined password to temporarily deactivate the alert, allowing authorized personnel to enter the secured area without triggering the alarm.

Video demonstration of Vibration Sensor Interfacing with Arduino

In this video, we explored Vibration Sensor Modules and how to interface them with Arduino. We covered basic steps like connecting components, uploading code and demonstrating sensor functionality. Learn how to detect movements and vibrations for your DIY projects.

Conclusion

Vibration sensor modules are versatile components that find applications in various projects, from security systems to industrial monitoring. By interfacing these modules with Arduino, you can easily create effective and responsive systems. This guide has provided a fundamental understanding of vibration sensor modules, detailed wiring instructions, and a practical example of an intruder detection system using Arduino. Experiment with the provided code and explore further enhancements to adapt this technology to your specific project requirements.