ADXL335 Triple-Axis Accelerometer
๐ Overview
The ADXL335 is a compact analog accelerometer that measures acceleration along three axes (X, Y, Z).
๐ It is widely used for:
๐ค Motion detection
๐ฑ Tilt sensing
๐ Vibration monitoring
๐ฎ Gesture-based controls
๐ง Working Principle
The sensor is based on MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology:
Inside โ tiny movable structures (capacitive plates)
When acceleration occurs โ structure shifts
This changes capacitance โ converted to voltage
๐ Output is analog voltage proportional to acceleration
๐ Infographic Summary
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โ ๐ ADXL335 ACCELEROMETER โ
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโค
โ ๐ฏ Measures: Acceleration โ
โ ๐ Axes: X, Y, Z (3-axis) โ
โ โก Voltage: 1.8V โ 3.6V โ
โ ๐ Output: Analog (3 pins) โ
โ ๐ Range: ยฑ3g โ
โ ๐ง Tech: MEMS โ
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
๐ Pin Configuration
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
โ ADXL335 Module โ
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโค
โ VCC โ 3.3V
โ GND โ Ground
โ X โ X-axis output
โ Y โ Y-axis output
โ Z โ Z-axis output
โ ST โ Self-test
โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
โ๏ธ Key Specifications
โก Operating Voltage: 1.8V โ 3.6V
๐ Measurement Range: ยฑ3g
๐ Output: Analog (X, Y, Z voltages)
โฑ Bandwidth: Up to 1600 Hz (X/Y), 550 Hz (Z)
๐ Low power consumption (~350 ยตA)
๐ Sensitivity: ~300 mV/g
๐ Key Features
๐ 3-axis acceleration sensing
โก Analog output (no complex communication)
๐ง Easy to use with microcontrollers
๐ฆ Small and lightweight
๐ Low power usage
๐งช Applications
๐ฑ Mobile orientation detection
๐ค Robotics balance systems
๐ Vehicle vibration monitoring
๐ฎ Motion-based gaming
๐ง Fall detection systems
โ๏ธ Drone stabilization (basic)
๐ Interfacing
Works with:
๐ต Arduino (via analog pins)
๐ก ESP32 / ESP8266
๐ Raspberry Pi (with ADC)
๐ Connect X, Y, Z โ analog input pins
๐ Output Behavior
| Axis | Output Type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| X | Analog voltage | Tilt left/right |
| Y | Analog voltage | Forward/backward |
| Z | Analog voltage | Gravity (upright detection) |
๐ At rest (flat):
X โ 0g
Y โ 0g
Z โ +1g (gravity)
โ ๏ธ Important Notes
โ ๏ธ Works only on 3.3V (NOT 5V directly)
โ ๏ธ Requires ADC for reading values
โ ๏ธ Analog signals can be noisy โ use filtering
โ ๏ธ Needs calibration for accurate results
๐ ADXL335 vs Digital IMU (e.g., MPU series)
| Feature | ADXL335 | MPU Series (e.g., MPU-9250) |
|---|---|---|
| Output | Analog | Digital (I2C/SPI) |
| Axes | 3 (Accel only) | 6 or 9 (Accel + Gyro) |
| Complexity | Simple | More complex |
| Accuracy | Moderate | Higher |
| Cost | Low | Higher |
๐ก Pro Tip
Use moving average filter to smooth readings
Combine with gyroscope for better motion tracking
Ideal for beginner-friendly motion projects
