ESP32 KY-038 Microphone Sound Sensor Module
Overview
The KY-038 is a microphone sound sensor module equipped with an electret condenser microphone and an LM393 comparator. It offers both analog and digital outputs, making it suitable for various sound detection applications, including voice-activated systems and sound level monitoring.
About KY-038 Microphone Sound Sensor Module
The KY-038 Microphone Sound Sensor Module is designed to detect sound levels in the environment. It features an electret condenser microphone that captures sound signals and an LM393 comparator to process these signals. The module provides both analog and digital outputs: the analog output delivers a voltage proportional to the sound intensity, while the digital output goes high when the sound level exceeds a user-defined threshold, adjustable via an onboard potentiometer. This sensor is ideal for applications such as voice-activated projects, sound level monitoring, and interactive sound installations.
Where to Buy
Starting from
$2 per unit
Prices are subject to change. We earn from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate.
Technical Specifications
Pinout Configuration
The VCC pin is used to supply power to the sensor, and it typically requires 3.3V or 5V (refer to the datasheet for specific voltage requirements). The GND pin is the ground connection and must be connected to the ground of your ESP32.
+V:Connects to the power supply, typically 3.3V or 5V.GND:Connects to the ground of the circuit.D0 (Digital Output):Outputs a high signal when the detected sound exceeds the set threshold.A0 (Analog Output):Provides an analog voltage proportional to the sound intensity.
Wiring with ESP32
+V:Connect to ESP323.3V.GND:Connect to ESP32GND.D0 (Digital Output):Connect to an ESP32 GPIO pin configured as a digital input (e.g.,GPIO15).A0 (Analog Output):Connect to an ESP32 ADC pin (e.g.,GPIO34).
Troubleshooting Guide
Common Issues
❌ No Response from Sensor
Issue: The sensor does not respond to sound.
Solutions:
- Ensure the module is properly powered with the correct voltage (3.3V or 5V).
- Verify all connections are secure and correctly wired.
- Adjust the sensitivity using the onboard potentiometer.
- Check if the microphone is functioning correctly and not obstructed.
⚠️ False Triggering
Issue: The sensor triggers without any sound input.
Solutions:
- Reduce the sensitivity using the potentiometer to prevent false triggers.
- Ensure the environment is free from electrical noise or interference.
- Check for any loose connections or faulty components on the module.
Debugging Tips
🔍 Serial Monitor
Use the Serial Monitor to check for error messages and verify the sensor's output. Add debug prints in your code to track the sensor's state.
⚡ Voltage Checks
Use a multimeter to verify voltage levels and check for continuity in your connections. Ensure the power supply is stable and within the sensor's requirements.
Additional Resources
Code Examples
Arduino Example
int analogPin = A0; // Analog output of the sensor
int digitalPin = 3; // Digital output of the sensor
void setup() {
pinMode(analogPin, INPUT);
pinMode(digitalPin, INPUT);
Serial.begin(9600);
Serial.println("KY-038 Sound Detection Module Test");
}
void loop() {
float analogValue = analogRead(analogPin) * (5.0 / 1023.0);
int digitalValue = digitalRead(digitalPin);
Serial.print("Analog Voltage: ");
Serial.print(analogValue, 4);
Serial.print(" V, Threshold: ");
Serial.println(digitalValue == HIGH ? "Reached" : "Not Reached");
Serial.println("----------------------------------------------------------------");
delay(1000);
}This Arduino code initializes the analog and digital pins connected to the KY-038 sensor. It reads the analog voltage to monitor sound intensity and checks the digital output to determine if the sound level has exceeded the set threshold. The results are printed to the serial monitor every second.
ESP-IDF Example
#include <stdio.h>
#include "freertos/FreeRTOS.h"
#include "freertos/task.h"
#include "driver/adc.h"
#include "driver/gpio.h"
#define ANALOG_PIN ADC1_CHANNEL_6 // GPIO34
#define DIGITAL_PIN GPIO_NUM_15
void app_main(void) {
adc1_config_width(ADC_WIDTH_BIT_12);
adc1_config_channel_atten(ANALOG_PIN, ADC_ATTEN_DB_11);
gpio_set_direction(DIGITAL_PIN, GPIO_MODE_INPUT);
printf("KY-038 Sound Detection Module Test\n");
while (1) {
int raw = adc1_get_raw(ANALOG_PIN);
float voltage = raw * (3.3 / 4095.0);
int digital_state = gpio_get_level(DIGITAL_PIN);
printf("Analog Voltage: %.2f V, Sound Detected: %s\n", voltage, digital_state ? "Yes" : "No");
vTaskDelay(pdMS_TO_TICKS(1000));
}
}This ESP-IDF code configures GPIO34 as an analog input and GPIO15 as a digital input for the KY-038 sound sensor. It reads the analog voltage and digital state, printing the voltage and whether a sound is detected to the console every second.
ESPHome Example
sensor:
- platform: adc
pin: GPIO34
name: "KY-038 Sound Sensor Analog"
update_interval: 1s
filters:
- multiply: 3.3
- lambda: |-
return x * 1000; // Convert to millivolts
binary_sensor:
- platform: gpio
pin:
number: GPIO15
mode: INPUT_PULLUP
name: "KY-038 Sound Sensor Digital"This ESPHome configuration sets up the KY-038 sensor with both an analog and digital sensor. The analog value from GPIO34 is converted to millivolts, while the digital sensor on GPIO15 acts as a binary sensor to indicate sound detection.
PlatformIO Example
platformio.ini
[env:esp32]
platform = espressif32
board = esp32dev
framework = arduinoPlatformIO Example Code
#include <Arduino.h>
#define ANALOG_PIN 34
#define DIGITAL_PIN 15
void setup() {
pinMode(DIGITAL_PIN, INPUT_PULLUP);
Serial.begin(115200);
Serial.println("KY-038 Sound Sensor Test");
}
void loop() {
int raw_value = analogRead(ANALOG_PIN);
float voltage = raw_value (3.3 / 4095.0) 1000; // Convert to millivolts
int digital_value = digitalRead(DIGITAL_PIN);
Serial.printf("Analog Voltage: %.2f mV, Digital State: %s\n", voltage, digital_value ? "Sound Detected" : "No Sound");
delay(1000);
}This PlatformIO code sets up GPIO34 as an analog input and GPIO15 as a digital input for the KY-038 sensor. It reads the analog voltage and digital state, logging the voltage and sound detection status to the serial monitor every second.
MicroPython Example
import machine
import time
ANALOG_PIN = machine.ADC(machine.Pin(34))
ANALOG_PIN.atten(machine.ADC.ATTN_11DB)
DIGITAL_PIN = machine.Pin(15, machine.Pin.IN, machine.Pin.PULL_UP)
while True:
analog_value = ANALOG_PIN.read()
voltage = (analog_value / 4095) * 3300 # Convert to millivolts
digital_value = DIGITAL_PIN.value()
print("Analog Voltage:", voltage, "mV", "| Digital State:", "Sound Detected" if digital_value == 1 else "No Sound")
time.sleep(1)This MicroPython script configures GPIO34 as an ADC input and GPIO15 as a digital input for the KY-038 sensor. It continuously reads the sensor values and prints the voltage and sound detection state every second.
Conclusion
The ESP32 KY-038 Microphone Sound Sensor Module is a powerful KY-0xx module sensor that offers excellent performance and reliability. With support for multiple development platforms including Arduino, ESP-IDF, ESPHome, PlatformIO, and MicroPython, it's a versatile choice for your IoT projects.
For optimal performance, ensure proper wiring and follow the recommended configuration for your chosen development platform.
Always verify power supply requirements and pin connections before powering up your project to avoid potential damage.
