An Overview of ADXL345 Sensor
The ADXL345 is a 3-axis, low-power MEMS accelerometer module Having both SPI and 12C interfaces. It estimates the static acceleration of gravity in tilt-sensing applications.
Hardware Overview
This ADXL345 Accelerometer sensor module comprises an ADXL345 Accelerometer integrated circuit, level shifter IC, Voltage Regulator IC, capacitors, and resistors. Different manufacturers use various voltage regulator ICs.
Interfacing with Microcontroller
The module is simpler to interface with any microcontroller. The module has 8 pins. To interface it with any microcontroller, you need to connect VCC and ground pins to the 5V and GND pins of the Microcontroller, respectively. And, connect SDA and SCL pins to the SDA and SCL pins of the microcontroller, respectively. Upload the code to the microcontroller to get readings from the sensor.
Working of Sensor
The sensor comprises a micro-machined structure on a silicon wafer. They suspended the structure with poly-silicon springs which favor it to deflect effortlessly in any direction when subject to acceleration.
X, Y, or, Z-axis. Deflection leads to a change in capacitance between fixed plates and plates attached to the suspended structure. It converted this change in capacitance on each axis to an output voltage, proportional to the acceleration on that axis.
Features and Specifications of ADXL345
Features
- Ultralow power: as low as 23 µA in measurement mode and 0.1 µA in standby mode at VS = 2.5 V (typical)
- Power consumption scales automatically with bandwidth
- User-selectable resolution
- Fixed 10-bit resolution
- Full resolution, where resolution increases with the g range,
- up to 13-bit resolution at ±16 g (maintaining 4 mg/LSB
- scale factor in all g ranges)
- Embedded memory management system with FIFO
- the technology minimizes the host processor load
- Single tap/double tap detection
- Activity/inactivity monitoring
- Free-fall detection
Pinout of ADXL345 Sensor
| Pin Name | Pin Configuration |
| GND | Ground Pin |
| VCC | Power Supply pin (3V to 6V) |
| CS | Chip Select Pin |
| INT1 | Interrupt 1 Output |
| INT2 | Interrupt 2 Output |
| SDO | Serial Data Output |
| SDA | Serial Data Input & Output |
| SDL | Serial Communication Clock |
Applications of ADXL345
Disk drive Protection
ADXL320 accelerometer measures axial acceleration, detects a drop, and then develops a signal that causes the drive head to be recalled to a protected zone. If this can occur before the product hits the floor or stationary surface, it will prevent a collision between the head and the platter.
Mobile Devices
If we talk about ADXL335 Module in smartphones, it identifies the changes in the phone’s orientation and rotates the screen accordingly. It tracks particular motions like tilting, rotating, shaking, and changing orientation.
Gaming Devices
Keyboards, joysticks, and mouse has become old-school in today’s gaming world. This era uses augmented virtual reality for gaming because it facilitates controlling the motion and direction in space. So, ADXL335 has a major role in the gaming industry.
