I’m using an Arduino to read analog values from a sensor (like a potentiometer or temperature sensor), but the readings are pretty noisy and fluctuate a lot—even when the input is stable.
I’ve tried basic things like slowing down the sampling rate and averaging multiple readings, but the values still jump around. I’m not sure if it’s an issue with my wiring, the power supply, or if I need filtering components.
What are some effective ways to reduce analog noise in Arduino projects? Should I add capacitors, use shielding, or try software filtering techniques? I’d appreciate any practical tips or examples that have worked for others.
Analog noise in Arduino readings is common, especially with sensors like potentiometers or temperature sensors. To reduce it, start by adding a 0.1µF to 1µF capacitor between the analog pin and ground to filter high-frequency noise.
Use a stable power source instead of USB and keep analog wires short to avoid interference. Shielding cables and using twisted pair wires can also help. On the software side, try an exponential moving average (EMA) filter for smooth readings without much delay.
You can also use
analogReference(INTERNAL)
for better voltage stability if your board supports it. Combining basic hardware filtering with lightweight software smoothing usually provides the best results.