Description
The YF-S201 is a Hall-effect water flow sensor designed for inline measurement of liquid flow rate and total volume in Arduino, ESP32, and other microcontroller projects. It consists of a plastic valve body (G1/2″ / DN15 nominal pipe connection) containing a pinwheel impeller with an embedded magnet. As water flows through the sensor, the impeller rotates, and an integrated Hall-effect sensor detects the magnet’s rotation, outputting a digital pulse train on the signal wire . The pulse frequency is directly proportional to flow rate, allowing the microcontroller to calculate both instantaneous flow (L/min) and cumulative volume (liters).
The sensor operates from 5V DC (4.5–18V range) with a maximum current draw of 15mA and outputs a 5V TTL square wave . The standard flow range is 1–30 L/min, with a pulse characteristic of approximately 450 pulses per liter and a conversion factor of Frequency (Hz) = 7.5 × Flow Rate (L/min) . Accuracy is typically ±10%, making it suitable for relative monitoring and control applications rather than precision metering . The body is made of polyamide (nylon) with a POM impeller and SUS304 steel shaft, providing good durability for water-based applications .
Critical limitations: This is a low-cost, non-certified sensor intended for educational, hobbyist, and light commercial use. Siemens industry support explicitly states the YF-S201 is “not an industrial sensor” and provides only estimated values . The pulse rate varies with flow rate, fluid pressure, and sensor orientation, and careful calibration is required if better than 10% precision is needed . For revenue-grade metering or safety-critical systems, a certified flow meter should be used instead.
Features
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Hall-Effect Pulse Output: Digital square wave proportional to flow rate, readable by any microcontroller with interrupt-capable GPIO .
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Inline G1/2″ (DN15) Connection: Standard nominal pipe size for easy integration into water lines .
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Wide Flow Range (1–30 L/min): Suitable for domestic water monitoring, irrigation, and small-scale process control .
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5V TTL Output: Directly compatible with 5V microcontrollers; 3.3V systems require a logic level shifter on the signal line .
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Low Power Consumption: Maximum 15mA at 5V, suitable for battery-sensitive and embedded applications .
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Durable Construction: Polyamide body, POM impeller, and SUS304 steel shaft for water-based liquids .
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Sealed Hall Sensor: The sensing electronics are isolated from the water path, keeping them safe and dry .
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Compact and Lightweight: Approximately 62.5 × 36 × 35mm and 50g, with a 15cm cable lead .
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sensor Type | Hall-effect, turbine impeller |
| Operating Voltage | 4.5V – 18V DC (5V typical) |
| Max Current Draw | 15mA @ 5V |
| Output Type | 5V TTL square wave |
| Flow Rate Range | 1 – 30 L/min |
| Accuracy | ±10% (typical) |
| Pulse Characteristic | ~450 pulses per liter |
| Conversion Formula | Frequency (Hz) = 7.5 × Flow Rate (L/min) |
| Max Water Pressure | 1.75 – 2.0 MPa |
| Operating Temperature | -25°C to +80°C |
| Pipe Connection | G1/2″ (DN15) nominal |
| Cable Length | 15 cm |







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