ADXL345 Accelerometer Module
📐 ADXL345 Accelerometer Module
Triple-Axis Motion Sensor • High Resolution • Low Power
The ADXL345 Accelerometer Module is a 3-axis digital accelerometer used to measure acceleration, tilt, vibration, and orientation of objects. It is built around the Analog Devices ADXL345 Accelerometer sensor chip and communicates with microcontrollers using I²C or SPI interfaces.
This sensor can measure acceleration in X, Y, and Z directions, making it widely used in robotics, motion detection, wearable devices, and IoT projects.
📊 Infographic Overview
🔹 Basic Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 📡 Sensor Type | 3-Axis Digital Accelerometer |
| 📏 Measurement Range | ±2g, ±4g, ±8g, ±16g |
| 🔌 Operating Voltage | 3.3V – 5V (module version) |
| 📡 Communication | I²C / SPI |
| 📊 Resolution | 13-bit |
| ⚡ Low Power Mode | Yes |
🧩 Main Components
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| 📐 ADXL345 Sensor Chip | Measures acceleration on three axes |
| ⚙ Voltage Regulator | Stabilizes power supply |
| 📡 Communication Interface | Supports I²C and SPI communication |
| 🔌 Pin Header | Connects the module to microcontrollers |
🔌 Pin Configuration
| Pin | Function |
|---|---|
| VCC | Power supply |
| GND | Ground |
| SDA | I²C data line |
| SCL | I²C clock line |
| CS | SPI chip select |
| SDO | SPI data output |
| INT1 / INT2 | Interrupt outputs |
⚙️ Working Principle
The module detects motion using micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology.
Step-by-Step Operation
1️⃣ Tiny MEMS structures inside the sensor move when acceleration occurs.
2️⃣ Movement changes the capacitance of internal plates.
3️⃣ The sensor converts this change into digital acceleration values.
4️⃣ The data is transmitted to a microcontroller via I²C or SPI.
📐 Axis Measurement Illustration
ADXL345 Accelerometer
Z
↑
│
Y ←───┼───→ X
│
The sensor measures acceleration and tilt along all three axes.
🤖 Common Applications
📱 Smartphone orientation detection
🤖 Robot motion sensing
🚗 Vehicle tilt monitoring
🏃 Fitness and activity trackers
📊 Vibration monitoring systems
🎮 Gesture-controlled devices
🔌 Compatible Microcontrollers
The sensor works easily with:
Arduino Uno
Arduino Nano
ESP32
Raspberry Pi
📊 ADXL345 vs MPU6050
| Feature | ADXL345 | MPU6050 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Type | Accelerometer | Accelerometer + Gyroscope |
| Axis | 3-axis | 6-axis |
| Power Consumption | Very Low | Moderate |
| Applications | Motion detection | Motion + orientation tracking |
💡 Advantages
✅ High-resolution motion detection
✅ Supports I²C and SPI communication
✅ Very low power consumption
✅ Compact MEMS design
✅ Suitable for wearable and IoT devices
⚠️ Limitations
❌ Measures acceleration only (no gyroscope)
❌ Requires calibration for precise measurements
❌ Sensitive to external vibrations
🔧 Example DIY Project
🤖 Tilt Detection System
Components
ADXL345 Accelerometer Module
Arduino Uno
OLED display
Working
✔ Accelerometer detects tilt movement
✔ Arduino processes acceleration data
✔ Display shows X, Y, Z orientation values
