How to Use Triple Axis Accelerometer Breakout - ADXL335: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Triple Axis Accelerometer Breakout - ADXL335 (Manufacturer Part ID: SEN-09269) is a compact sensor designed by SparkFun Electronics. It measures acceleration in three axes (X, Y, Z), enabling motion detection and orientation sensing. This analog-output accelerometer is ideal for applications requiring precise tilt, motion, or vibration measurements.

• Tilt sensing in robotics and drones
• Motion tracking in wearable devices
• Vibration monitoring in industrial equipment
• Gaming and virtual reality controllers
• Automotive impact detection systems

The ADXL335 is a low-power, small, and lightweight accelerometer with the following key specifications:

The breakout board has a total of 5 pins. Below is the pinout and description:

1. Power the Sensor: Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V power source and the GND pin to ground.
2. Connect the Outputs: Connect the XOUT, YOUT, and ZOUT pins to the analog input pins of a microcontroller (e.g., Arduino UNO).
3. Read the Outputs: The output voltages from the XOUT, YOUT, and ZOUT pins correspond to the acceleration along the respective axes. These voltages can be read using the ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) of the microcontroller.
4. Filter the Signal: Use external capacitors to set the bandwidth of the accelerometer. For example, a 0.1 µF capacitor on each axis sets the bandwidth to approximately 50 Hz.

• Power Supply: Ensure a stable power supply to avoid noise in the output signals.
• Bandwidth Adjustment: Use appropriate capacitors to filter high-frequency noise and set the desired bandwidth.
• Orientation: Mount the sensor securely to avoid mechanical vibrations that could affect readings.
• Calibration: Perform calibration to account for sensor offsets and improve accuracy.

Below is an example of how to connect and read data from the ADXL335 using an Arduino UNO:

• VCC → 3.3V on Arduino
• GND → GND on Arduino
• XOUT → A0 on Arduino
• YOUT → A1 on Arduino
• ZOUT → A2 on Arduino

// Triple Axis Accelerometer Breakout - ADXL335 Example Code
// Reads acceleration data from the X, Y, and Z axes and prints it to the Serial Monitor.

const int xPin = A0; // X-axis output connected to analog pin A0
const int yPin = A1; // Y-axis output connected to analog pin A1
const int zPin = A2; // Z-axis output connected to analog pin A2

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication at 9600 baud
}

void loop() {
  // Read analog values from the accelerometer
  int xValue = analogRead(xPin);
  int yValue = analogRead(yPin);
  int zValue = analogRead(zPin);

  // Convert analog values to voltage (assuming 3.3V reference)
  float xVoltage = xValue * (3.3 / 1023.0);
  float yVoltage = yValue * (3.3 / 1023.0);
  float zVoltage = zValue * (3.3 / 1023.0);

  // Print the voltages to the Serial Monitor
  Serial.print("X Voltage: ");
  Serial.print(xVoltage);
  Serial.print(" V, Y Voltage: ");
  Serial.print(yVoltage);
  Serial.print(" V, Z Voltage: ");
  Serial.print(zVoltage);
  Serial.println(" V");

  delay(500); // Wait for 500ms before the next reading
}

1. No Output Signal:

   • Cause: Incorrect wiring or no power supply.
   • Solution: Double-check all connections and ensure the sensor is powered.

2. Noisy Readings:

   • Cause: High-frequency noise or unstable power supply.
   • Solution: Add decoupling capacitors near the power pins and use appropriate bandwidth capacitors.

3. Incorrect Acceleration Values:

   • Cause: Sensor not calibrated or mounted improperly.
   • Solution: Perform calibration and ensure the sensor is securely mounted.

4. Output Voltage Exceeds Expected Range:

   • Cause: Exceeding the sensor's ±3g range.
   • Solution: Ensure the sensor is used within its specified range.

Q1: Can the ADXL335 measure static acceleration (e.g., gravity)?
Yes, the ADXL335 can measure static acceleration, such as gravity, making it suitable for tilt sensing.

Q2: How do I calculate acceleration from the output voltage?
Acceleration (in g) = (Output Voltage - Zero-g Voltage) / Sensitivity.
For example, at 3.3V supply, the zero-g voltage is approximately 1.65V, and the sensitivity is 300 mV/g.

Q3: Can I use the ADXL335 with a 5V microcontroller?
Yes, but you must use a voltage divider or level shifter to ensure the sensor's output voltages are compatible with the microcontroller's ADC.

Q4: What is the maximum detectable acceleration?
The ADXL335 can measure accelerations up to ±3g.

By following this documentation, you can effectively integrate the ADXL335 into your projects for reliable motion and orientation sensing.