Interfacing Rotation Sensor Module with Arduino

Rotation Sensor Module

A Rotation Sensor Module, also known as a rotary angle sensor or potentiometer module, detects angular position or movement. It is widely used in robotic arms, volume controls, and user interface dials.

Working Principle of Rotation Sensor

The Rotation Sensor operates as a variable resistor. When the knob is rotated, the resistance changes proportionally. Arduino reads this change as an analog voltage which corresponds to the rotation angle.

Types of Rotation Sensors

Analog Rotation Sensor

  • Knob rotation varies the internal resistance.
  • The module outputs an analog voltage between 0V to 5V.
  • Arduino reads this voltage to determine the rotation angle.

Digital Rotary Encoder

  • Generates digital signals when rotated.
  • Direction is determined by sequence of signal pulses.
  • Arduino decodes the pulses to calculate rotation steps.

Requirements

1. Arduino

2. Rotation Sensor Module

3. Jumper wires

4. Breadboard

Pin Configuration of Rotation Sensor

Analog Rotation Sensor Module

  • VCC: Connect to +5V on Arduino.
  • GND: Connect to GND on Arduino.
  • OUT: Connect to an analog input pin on Arduino (e.g., A0).

Wiring the Rotation Sensor to Arduino

To wire the Rotation Sensor, connect the VCC pin to +5V on Arduino, GND to GND, and the OUT pin to an analog pin such as A0. Ensure stable readings by using a proper ground reference.

Algorithm

  1. Initialize Components

    • Connect the sensor’s VCC, GND, and OUT pins to Arduino.
    • Set the analog pin in your code.

  2. Write the Code

    • Use analogRead() in the loop() function.
    • Convert the analog value (0–1023) into degrees or usable range.

  3. Display Values or Control Devices

    • Print the angle values to the serial monitor.
    • Use values to control LED brightness, motor angle, or interface menus.

  4. Test the Project

    • Upload the code to Arduino.
    • Rotate the knob and observe value changes in the serial monitor.
1int rotationPin = A0;      // Signal pin connected to analog pin A0
2int rotationValue = 0;     // Variable to store the analog value (0-1023)
3float angle = 0.0;         // Rotation angle (0° to 300° for typical sensors)
4
5void setup() {
6  Serial.begin(9600);
7  Serial.println("Rotation Sensor Initialized");
8}
9
10void loop() {
11  rotationValue = analogRead(rotationPin);        // Read analog value
12  angle = map(rotationValue, 0, 1023, 0, 300);     // Convert to angle (0–300°)
13
14  Serial.print("Analog Value: ");
15  Serial.print(rotationValue);
16  Serial.print("  |  Angle: ");
17  Serial.print(angle);
18  Serial.println("°");
19
20  delay(500);
21}
22

Applications of Rotation Sensors

  • Robotic arm angle detection
  • Volume and brightness controls
  • User input dials
  • Servo motor control
  • Game controllers
  • Interactive installations

Conclusion

Interfacing a Rotation Sensor Module with Arduino is a simple and powerful way to detect angular motion and user input. With accurate readings and minimal wiring, it can be a useful component for various interactive and control-based projects.