List of Arduino Sensors and Modules

Due to many requests by our user community I’ve put together this handy list of Arduino sensors and modules.  There are many, many sensors and the differences and uses of some of them can be very confusing.  In this list of Arduino sensors we’ll explain what each one is used for and some quick links to where you can purchase them.

List of Arduino Sensors and Modules

Although modules are not expressly sensors we’re including them in the list here along with the sensors.  Modules could be LCD character displays, LED dots displays, transistor modules, and the like. Since modules and sensor grow on the same trees, we’ve made it easy for you to find everything you need for your Arduino projects in one place.

This list of Arduino sensors and modules are in “module” form-factor.  This means they already include things like current-limiting resistors, terminal posts, and potentiometers on-board to help you save time. While this makes creating with your Arduino simple, its not entirely necessary. For example, in lieu of the two-color LED module, you could use a two color LED, 330 Ohm resistors, and a breadboard wire separately to create your own Arduino module.

Raspberry Pi Sensors and Modules

In most cases these sensors will also work with the Raspberry Pi without modification.

Sensor/Module	Description	Links
	Active Piezo-Buzzer Module This active piezo-buzzer module KY-012 will make a beep sound (2.5 Khz) when 3.3V is applied to its input pins. No PWM required.  You can see this in our Ardiuno Railroad Crossing project.	Wiki Page Buy on Amazon
	Flame IR Sensor The KY-026 IR Flame sensor module is sensitive the IR light spectrum emitted by open flames and triggers a digital output.	Wiki Page Buy on Amazon
	Heartbeat/Pulse Sensor The KY-039 heartbeat detects heartbeat/pulse via the finger using a photoresistor and flashing an LED.  Should not be used as a medical device.	Wiki PageBuy on Amazon
	High Sensitivity Microphone Sensor This is the KY-037 sensor is a highly sensitive module for picking up sound and audio. This sensor triggers a digital output based on the intensity of the sound. The trigger value can be adjusted based on the position of an on-board potentiometer.	Buy on Amazon
	High-Voltage Relay Module  The KY-019 5V one channel relay module allows you to control high-voltage/high-current devices using a low-voltage digital output pin on the Arduino.  Great for controlling lamps or other appliances with an Arduino.	Wiki Page Buy on Amazon
	Infrared (IR) Sensor  Infrared IR sensor module (KY-022) for use in infrared data transmission projects. The perfect sensor for receiving button presses from an infrared remote control. Can decode most all TV and AV remote controls.	Wiki Page Buy on Amazon
	Infrared (IR) Transmitter The KY-005 Infrared transmitter module allows you to transmit IR signals and codes. This is great for remote controlling other devices or for home automation projects. Also great for the homemade TV B-Gone project.	Wiki Page Buy on Amazon
	Joystick Module This (KY-023) module is the perfect input device for gaming, controlling stepper motors, servos, and remote control robotics projects. These have both analog (AO) and digital (DO) output options.	Buy on Amazon
	Knock Sensor Knock sensor are vibration sensors specifically designed to pick up the vibration of knocking. Great for magic door openers triggered by knocking on the door.	Buy on Amazon
	Light Barrier Module This (KY-010) module will create a digital output when the light path is broken between the two sensors. Great for detecting if a card or other object is passing between the sensors.	Wiki Page Buy on Amazon
	Logic Level Shifter Logic level shifters (sometimes called voltage translators) are great ways of working with modules or components that require a different voltage. With an LLS you can use a 3.3 volt module on a 5 volt line or vice-versa.	Buy on Amazon
	Magnetic Dry Reed Switch The KY-025 4pin magnetic dry reed pipe switch detects nearby magnetic fields. On detection of a magnetic field a digital output will occur.	Buy on Amazon
	Metal Touch Sensor  This is the KY-036 sensor module for detecting human touch. Can be used to control projects based on human or animal touches to metal connected object. Great for making a touch lamp project.	Buy on Amazon
	Momentary Button Module  The KY-004 momentary button module is a great module for providing input into your projects from the press of a button.	Buy on Amazon
	Obstacle Detection Sensor This is the KY-032 obstacle detection sensor. It emits infrared light that is bounced back by objects in proximity. When detected by a digital output is sent. Sensitivity can be adjusted by on-board potentiometers. Great for detecting when a robot is about to impact with walls or other objects.	Buy on Amazon
	Passive Piezo-Buzzer This is the KY-006 Passive Piezo-Buzzer module. This buzzer’s sound and volume can be changed by sending signals of different frequencies.	Wiki Page Buy on Amazon
	Photoresistor Light Sensor The KY-018 Photoresistor light sensor changes resistance value based on the amount of light contacting the surface of the photoresistor. Great for sensing whether it is daylight or nightlight conditions.	Buy on Amazon
	RGB SMD LED The KY-009 is a surface mount (SMD) RGB LED. It can display any of over 16 million colors in a single dot. Great for visual indicators on projects where a changing in color could indicate status.	Buy on Amazon
	Rotary Encoder Module Rotary Encoders like the KY-040 output the position of the sensor allowing for price control of stepper motors and servos.	Buy on Amazon
	Soil Moisture Sensor Soil moisture sensors let you accurately detect the amount of water suspended in soils (plant pots for example). These are great for Arduino gardening projects.	Buy on Amazon
	Temperature Sensor The KY-013 Analog Temperature sensor measures ambient temperature from -55℃ / +125℃ with an accuracy of ± 0.5℃. This is commonly used to measure the temperature of devices and enclosures of your Arduino projects.	Buy on Amazon
	Temperature and Humidity Combination Sensor The KY-015/DHT11 combination sensor detects both temperature and humidity levels. Fantastic for use with weather stations. You can learn about the DHT11 here.	Wiki Page Buy on Amazon
	Tilt Switch Module Tilt switch modules such as this KY-017 are ideal for detecting if your robot or other project has become tilted from its normal position.	Buy on Amazon
	Tracking Sensor Tracking sensor are used to help robots follow a specific path on paper or other surfaces by sensing lines and markings drawn on their surfaces.	Buy on Amazon
	Two-Color LED Module This KY-011 Arduino two-color LED module has a bi-color LED capable of displaying red or green sharing a common cathode.  Can be used as a visual indicator for go/stop type feedback in projects.	Buy on Amazon
	Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Ultrasonic distance sensors like the KY-050 emit a high frequency ultrasonic pulse that bounces back to the on-board ultrasonic sensor. The time delay can be used to determine distances surprisingly accurate. We have an ultrasonic distance sensor project you can try!	Wiki Page Buy on Amazon
	Vibration Sensor The KY-002 vibration switch module detects movement and vibration of your project and connects two pins (digital output). This can be used to detect if your Arduino project is being shaken or abruptly moved.	Buy on Amazon
	Water Level Sensor (Leak Sensor) Water level sensors (or leak sensors) allow you to gauge the presence of water or the depth of water by reading the sensor output values.  Great for detecting leaks in the pans of hot water heaters.	Wiki Page Buy on Amazon

Hopefully this list of Arduino sensors is helpful. If you find any sensors or modules we’re missing from the list, let us know in the comments below and we will add them!