How to Use BMI160 Accelerometer Gyro - 6DOF sensor: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Introduction

The BMI160 Accelerometer Gyro is a compact 6 Degrees of Freedom (6DOF) sensor that integrates a 3-axis accelerometer and a 3-axis gyroscope into a single chip. Manufactured by Winwin, the BMI160 is designed for use in mobile and wearable devices due to its small form factor and low power consumption. It is ideal for applications such as gesture recognition, pedometer, gaming, navigation, and virtual reality.

Explore Projects Built with BMI160 Accelerometer Gyro - 6DOF sensor

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!

SparkFun Pro Micro Based Motion Tracking System with BMI160 and EEPROM Data Logging

This circuit is designed for motion sensing and data logging applications. It features a SparkFun Pro Micro microcontroller interfaced with a BMI160 6DOF sensor for motion detection and two 24LC512 EEPROM chips for extended data storage. The microcontroller reads gyroscopic and accelerometer data from the BMI160 sensor, processes it, and stores it in the EEPROM, with power supplied by a Polymer Lithium Ion Battery.

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Arduino-Based MPU6050 Motion Sensor System

This circuit integrates an Arduino UNO with an MPU6050 accelerometer and gyroscope to capture motion and orientation data. The Arduino processes the sensor readings and outputs acceleration and rotation values via the serial interface, enabling real-time monitoring of movement.

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Bluetooth-Enabled Wearable Motion Sensor with Rechargeable Battery

This circuit features an Arduino Nano interfaced with an HC-05 Bluetooth module, a BMI160 6DOF sensor, and multiple flex resistors. It is powered by a polymer lithium-ion battery through a lipo battery charger module and a step-up boost converter. The primary function appears to be wireless sensor data collection and transmission, with the flex resistors possibly serving as input devices and the accelerometer/gyro for motion tracking.

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Arduino Nano and MPU6050 Based Gesture-Controlled Robotic Arm with Bluetooth Connectivity

This circuit features multiple MPU6050 accelerometer and gyroscope sensors interfaced with Arduino Nano microcontrollers, likely for capturing motion data. The Arduinos are programmed to read sensor data, calibrate input from potentiometers, and control LEDs. Communication with a Bluetooth module suggests wireless data transmission, possibly to a robotic arm or remote system, based on the motion and flex sensor inputs.

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Technical Specifications

Key Features

• 3-axis, 16-bit accelerometer
• 3-axis, 16-bit gyroscope
• Accelerometer range: ±2g, ±4g, ±8g, ±16g
• Gyroscope range: ±125°/s, ±250°/s, ±500°/s, ±1000°/s, ±2000°/s
• Output data rate (ODR): Accelerometer up to 1600 Hz, Gyroscope up to 3200 Hz
• Interface: I2C and SPI
• Supply voltage: 1.71 V to 3.6 V
• Operating temperature: -40°C to +85°C

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

Usage Instructions

Integration into a Circuit

1. Power Supply: Connect the VDD pin to a power source between 1.71 V and 3.6 V and the GND pin to the ground.
2. Communication Interface: Choose between I2C or SPI for communication with a microcontroller like the Arduino UNO.
   • For I2C, connect SCL to the I2C clock and SDA to the I2C data.
   • For SPI, connect SCLK to the SPI clock, SDI to the SPI data input, SDO to the SPI data output, and CS to the chip select.
3. Interrupts: The INT1 and INT2 pins can be configured to output interrupt signals for various sensor events.

Best Practices

• Use pull-up resistors on the I2C lines if they are not already present on the microcontroller board.
• Ensure that the power supply is stable and within the specified voltage range to prevent damage to the sensor.
• When using SPI, ensure that the CS pin is toggled correctly to enable and disable communication with the sensor.

Example Arduino Code

#include <Wire.h>
#include <BMI160Gen.h>

BMI160Gen mySensor;

void setup() {
  Wire.begin();
  Serial.begin(9600);
  if (mySensor.begin(BMI160Gen::I2C_MODE, Wire) == false) {
    Serial.println("BMI160 not found. Please check wiring/power.");
    while (1);
  }
}

void loop() {
  float ax, ay, az, gx, gy, gz;
  mySensor.readMotionSensor(ax, ay, az, gx, gy, gz);
  
  Serial.print("Accel: ");
  Serial.print(ax); Serial.print(", ");
  Serial.print(ay); Serial.print(", ");
  Serial.println(az);
  
  Serial.print("Gyro: ");
  Serial.print(gx); Serial.print(", ");
  Serial.print(gy); Serial.print(", ");
  Serial.println(gz);
  
  delay(100);
}

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues

• Sensor Not Detected: Ensure that the wiring is correct and that the power supply is within the specified range. Check for proper pull-up resistors on the I2C lines.
• Inaccurate Readings: Calibrate the sensor according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that the sensor is not subjected to mechanical stress or placed near magnetic fields.
• Interrupts Not Working: Verify that the interrupt pins are configured correctly and that the microcontroller's interrupt pins are set up to detect the sensor's interrupt signals.

FAQs

Q: Can the BMI160 be used for both I2C and SPI simultaneously? A: No, the BMI160 can be configured to use either I2C or SPI, but not both at the same time.

Q: What is the purpose of the INT1 and INT2 pins? A: These pins can be programmed to trigger interrupts for specific events like motion detection, data ready, and tap sensing.

Q: How do I calibrate the BMI160 sensor? A: Calibration procedures can vary; refer to the manufacturer's datasheet for specific calibration instructions.

Q: Is the BMI160 suitable for outdoor applications? A: The BMI160 can operate in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +85°C, making it suitable for many outdoor applications. However, it should be protected from moisture and other environmental factors that could damage the sensor.