How to Use SparkFun_LIS3DH-Breakout: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The SparkFun LIS3DH Breakout is a versatile and powerful accelerometer breakout board that features the LIS3DH sensor. This sensor is a three-axis accelerometer that provides high-resolution measurement at up to ±16g. It is designed for low-power consumption and operates on a supply voltage from 1.71V to 3.6V, making it ideal for battery-powered applications. The LIS3DH is commonly used in mobile devices, gaming controllers, motion detection systems, and various other applications where motion or inclination sensing is required.

• Supply Voltage (VDD): 1.71V to 3.6V
• Output Data Rates (ODR): 1 Hz to 5.3 kHz
• Acceleration Ranges: ±2g, ±4g, ±8g, ±16g
• Interface: I2C and SPI (4-wire and 3-wire)
• Resolution: 16-bit
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C

1. Powering the Device: Connect the VCC pin to a power supply within the range of 1.71V to 3.6V. Connect the GND pin to the ground of your power supply.

2. Selecting the Interface: Choose between I2C or SPI for communication. For I2C, use the SCL and SDA pins. For SPI, use the SPC, SDI, SDO, and CS pins.

3. Setting Up Interrupts (Optional): The INT1 and INT2 pins can be configured to output interrupts based on certain conditions detected by the accelerometer. Connect these to microcontroller interrupt pins if required.

4. Mounting: Ensure the breakout board is securely mounted to prevent noise and inaccuracies in the readings.

• Decoupling Capacitor: Place a 0.1 µF capacitor close to the VCC and GND pins to filter out power supply noise.
• I2C Pull-up Resistors: If using I2C, ensure that there are pull-up resistors on the SCL and SDA lines.
• SPI Settings: When using SPI, configure the microcontroller for Mode 3 (CPOL = 1, CPHA = 1).
• Data Rate Configuration: Configure the Output Data Rate (ODR) according to the application's requirements for power consumption and performance.
• Axis Alignment: Ensure that the breakout board is aligned correctly according to the axes you wish to measure.

#include <Wire.h>
#include <SparkFunLIS3DH.h>
#include <SPI.h>

LIS3DH myIMU; // Default constructor is I2C, addr 0x19.

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  Wire.begin();
  
  if (myIMU.begin() != 0) {
    Serial.println("Problem starting the sensor at 0x19.");
  } else {
    Serial.println("Sensor at 0x19 started.");
  }
}

void loop() {
  myIMU.readAccel(); // Read the accelerometer values and store them.
  
  // Print out the values.
  Serial.print("X: ");
  Serial.print(myIMU.x);
  Serial.print(" Y: ");
  Serial.print(myIMU.y);
  Serial.print(" Z: ");
  Serial.println(myIMU.z);
  
  delay(100); // Delay for readability.
}

• No Data or Incorrect Data: Ensure that the power supply is within the specified range and that the I2C/SPI connections are correct.
• Intermittent Connection: Check for loose connections or cold solder joints on the breakout board.
• Inaccurate Readings: Verify that the board is mounted securely and that there is no mechanical vibration affecting the sensor.

• Check Power Supply: Use a multimeter to verify that the VCC and GND pins are receiving the correct voltage.
• I2C Address Conflict: Ensure that no other device on the I2C bus has a conflicting address.
• SPI Mode Mismatch: Double-check that the SPI mode is set correctly in your microcontroller's settings.
• Sensor Calibration: Perform a calibration routine if the application requires high accuracy.

Q: Can the LIS3DH operate in both I2C and SPI simultaneously? A: No, the LIS3DH can operate in either I2C or SPI mode, but not both at the same time.

Q: How do I change the I2C address of the LIS3DH? A: The I2C address can be changed by connecting the SDO pin to either VCC or GND.

Q: What is the purpose of the INT1 and INT2 pins? A: These pins can be configured to output interrupts for events like data ready, free fall detection, or threshold exceedance.

Q: How do I set the acceleration range? A: The acceleration range can be set through the sensor's registers, which can be accessed via I2C or SPI commands.

Q: Can this sensor detect orientation? A: Yes, by comparing the acceleration on different axes, you can determine the orientation of the sensor relative to the ground.