Sensor Accelerometer | ADXL345 3-Axis Digital | IIC/SPI for Arduino

This GY-291 module is a small tilt sensor. It uses the ADXL345 digital accelerometer chip. It measures how much something accelerates, moves, and the force of gravity on three axes. The board has both I2C and SPI connections. This makes it easy to hook up to microcontrollers like an Arduino for your projects. Features and Benefits - ADXL345 digital chip - This chip offers better measurement detail and uses less power than older analog sensors like the ADXL335. - Three-axis measurement - It senses steady tilt from gravity and also sudden acceleration from movement or taps. - Dual I2C and SPI connections - You get flexible ways to connect it to different microcontrollers, including Arduino and Raspberry Pi. - Onboard voltage regulator - It works with both 3.3V and 5V systems. You don't need extra parts to change voltage levels. Applications - Sensing device orientation or tilt in handheld electronics and robots. - Adding movement-activated controls to electronic projects. - Checking for vibration or shock to see if an object has been moved or dropped. Mechanical Ball / Rolling-Element Switches (Simple On/Off) These are straightforward tilt switches, often called gravity sensors or sensitive switches. Inside, a conductive ball rolls to make or break an electrical connection as the device tilts. They offer a simple on/off signal, indicating if a certain tilt angle has been exceeded. They do not provide precise angle measurements, but rather a binary state. These are commonly used where a basic tilt detection is sufficient, such as in safety cut-offs or simple alarm systems. They are robust but lack the detailed data provided by more advanced sensors. MEMS Accelerometers (Precise Angle Measurement) The ADXL345 3-Axis Digital accelerometer is a type of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) sensor. It works by detecting acceleration along three axes, which can then be used to calculate tilt and inclination. This product specifically offers a 3-axis measurement. It provides digital output, which makes it suitable for integration with microcontrollers like Arduino. The interface options are I2C and SPI, offering flexibility for data communication. This type of sensor allows for precise angle measurement, unlike basic tilt switches, and can detect how much something is tilted. Optical Tilt Sensors Optical tilt sensors operate by using light to detect changes in orientation. They typically involve a light source and a light detector, with a moving element or a reflective surface that changes the path of the light as the sensor tilts. This change in light intensity or position is then converted into an electrical signal. While not this specific product, optical tilt sensors can offer high accuracy and are often used in environments where magnetic interference is an issue. They provide a non-contact method of detecting tilt. Quick Comparison - Mechanical Ball / Rolling-Element Switches: Simple on/off, low cost, robust, no precise angle data. - MEMS Accelerometers (like the ADXL345): Digital output, 3-axis measurement, precise angle data, I2C/SPI interface, compatible with Arduino. Measurement ranges are ±2g, ±4g, ±8g, ±16g. - Optical Tilt Sensors: High accuracy, non-contact, unaffected by magnetic fields, but generally more complex. This product, the ADXL345, is a MEMS accelerometer, offering digital precision for tilt and shake detection. The Gravity Sensor The term "gravity sensor" in the context of tilt and shake often refers to an accelerometer, such as the ADXL345. It measures acceleration due to gravity (1g) along its axes. When the sensor is stationary, the accelerometer output reflects the component of gravity acting on each axis. By analysing these values, the tilt or inclination of the sensor can be calculated. This product, being a 3-Axis Accelerometer, works as a gravity sensor to determine how much something is tilted and can also detect sudden movements or "shake" by measuring changes in acceleration.