ADXL335 3-Axis Accelerometer Module

The ADXL335 is a small, low-power, 3-axis accelerometer that is widely used in embedded systems for measuring acceleration in x, y, and z directions. It is commonly used in applications like motion detection, tilt sensing, and gesture recognition. The ADXL335 can detect acceleration in the range of ±3g, where "g" refers to the acceleration due to gravity.

Key Features of the ADXL335 Module:

1. 3-Axis Measurement:

• It measures acceleration along three axes: X, Y, and Z.
• This allows it to detect the tilt or orientation of an object in 3D space.

1. Output Type:

• The ADXL335 provides analog output for each axis (X, Y, Z). The output is a voltage that is proportional to the acceleration along that axis.

1. Acceleration Range:

• The sensor can measure acceleration within the range of ±3g. The "g" unit is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²).

1. Low Power Consumption:

• The ADXL335 operates with low current consumption (around 350 µA), making it ideal for battery-powered applications.

1. Operating Voltage:

• It typically operates at 3.3V to 5V, meaning it can be used with a wide range of microcontrollers (such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or other embedded platforms).

1. Accuracy:

• It has a 10-bit resolution for each axis, providing a good level of accuracy for most basic motion sensing applications.

1. Small Size:

• The ADXL335 is compact, often mounted on small breakout boards with a 5mm x 5mm package, making it easy to integrate into projects with space constraints.

Pinout:

The ADXL335 module typically has the following pins:

1. VCC (Power): This pin is connected to the power supply (typically 3.3V or 5V).
2. GND (Ground): Connected to the ground of the system.
3. XOUT (X-axis output): The analog output corresponding to the acceleration along the X-axis.
4. YOUT (Y-axis output): The analog output corresponding to the acceleration along the Y-axis.
5. ZOUT (Z-axis output): The analog output corresponding to the acceleration along the Z-axis.
6. SELF_TEST: An optional pin for activating the self-test feature.
7. ST: A self-test output (optional).

Output Signals:

• The ADXL335 provides analog voltages as outputs. These voltages correspond to the acceleration values along the X, Y, and Z axes.
• When the sensor is at rest and oriented flat, the output voltages for each axis will be around half of the supply voltage (e.g., 2.5V if using a 5V supply) due to the zero-g bias.
• The output voltage varies linearly as the sensor detects acceleration, with the voltage rising or falling depending on the direction of the acceleration.

Acceleration to Voltage Conversion:

The output voltage is proportional to the acceleration experienced along each axis. Typically, the relationship is as follows:

• Voltage for 0g (rest or no acceleration): Midpoint of supply voltage (e.g., 2.5V for a 5V supply).
• Voltage change per g: The output changes by approximately 330 mV/g. So, for a 3.3V supply:
• 1g would produce a voltage change of approximately 330 mV.

If the sensor detects acceleration of +1g along an axis, the output voltage would shift 330 mV above the 2.5V midpoint (for a 5V supply), and if the acceleration is -1g, the output voltage would shift 330 mV below 2.5V.

Example Connections to Arduino:

To use the ADXL335 with an Arduino, you'll need to connect the analog output pins of the sensor (XOUT, YOUT, ZOUT) to the analog input pins of the Arduino.

Here’s a simple way to wire the ADXL335 to an Arduino:

1. VCC (ADXL335) to 5V (Arduino)
2. GND (ADXL335) to GND (Arduino)
3. XOUT (ADXL335) to A0 (Arduino)
4. YOUT (ADXL335) to A1 (Arduino)
5. ZOUT (ADXL335) to A2 (Arduino)

Sample Code (Arduino):

Here’s a simple Arduino code to read the accelerometer’s data:

// Pin assignments for ADXL335
int xPin = A0;
int yPin = A1;
int zPin = A2;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  int xValue = analogRead(xPin);  // Read X axis value
  int yValue = analogRead(yPin);  // Read Y axis value
  int zValue = analogRead(zPin);  // Read Z axis value
  
  // Print the values to the serial monitor
  Serial.print("X: ");
  Serial.print(xValue);
  Serial.print(" | Y: ");
  Serial.print(yValue);
  Serial.print(" | Z: ");
  Serial.println(zValue);

  delay(500);  // Delay for half a second before reading again
}

Calibration:

When using the ADXL335 in a project, you might need to calibrate it for accurate readings. Calibration helps to account for any offset or drift in the readings when the device is at rest or under normal conditions.

Applications:

1. Motion Detection: Detecting movement or changes in orientation.
2. Tilt Sensing: Measuring the tilt angle or inclination of an object (e.g., for a tilt-controlled robot or joystick).
3. Gesture Recognition: Detecting specific gestures, such as tilting or shaking, for user interaction.
4. Vibration Monitoring: Measuring vibration levels in machinery or infrastructure.
5. Robotics: Used in robots for navigation and orientation sensing.

Brand: Generic

Origin: China