Arduino project · Displays and counters · Easy
Distance on a 4-Digit Display
The 4-digit display shows the distance in centimetres.
What you will learn
- How to use a TM1637 display
- How the sensor measures distance
- How to show a value without an LCD
How it works
The ultrasonic sensor measures time of flight and converts it to centimetres. The value is sent to the 4-digit display every 200 ms.
Try this next
- Show the distance in inches.
- Add a buzzer for close objects.
- Show the highest distance seen.
The simulator program and explanation on this page are original. The idea follows a classic Arduino project that students have built for years.
Parts: sensors and actuators (tap to show or hide)
Try the inputs (virtual sensors)
Pins (you can change them)
| Part | Arduino pin (change it here) | How to wire it |
|---|
Every wire, one by one
Red rail = 5 V from the Arduino 5V pin. Black rail = GND. The coloured wires carry signals. Match the wire colours on the drawing to this list.
| # | Colour | From (part and leg) | To |
|---|
Steps run from top to bottom, then start again. While the simulation runs, the active step is highlighted in green.
Quantities come from the parts you added. The store links open a search for that item on Robu.in, Amazon.in and ThinkRobotics, so you always see what is in stock today. Check the model, voltage and price before you order.
| # | Item | Qty | Search term | Buy / compare |
|---|
The PDF has the circuit sketch, pin table, every wire, sequence, full code, the parts list with store links, do’s and don’ts for each part, and the safety notes. The project file lets you come back and keep editing.
In the real world
A 4-digit display board
The big board shows the same number as your 4-digit display.
Tip: use the gold tab at the bottom of the circuit drawing to pull the real-world view up over the Arduino board. Your parts stay visible above it, so you can press a button and watch the real scene react.
- 4-digit display = the big board