How to Use h3lis331DL accelerometer breakout: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The H3LIS331DL accelerometer breakout, manufactured by SparkFun (Part ID: SEN-14480), is a compact and versatile sensor module designed to measure acceleration in three axes: X, Y, and Z. It features high sensitivity, low power consumption, and a wide measurement range, making it suitable for a variety of applications. This breakout board is ideal for motion detection, orientation sensing, and vibration monitoring in robotics, mobile devices, and wearable technology.

• Motion detection in robotics and drones
• Orientation sensing in mobile devices
• Vibration monitoring in industrial equipment
• Wearable technology for fitness tracking
• Impact detection in safety systems

The H3LIS331DL accelerometer breakout offers the following key technical details:

The breakout board has the following pin layout:

To use the H3LIS331DL accelerometer breakout with an Arduino UNO, follow these steps:

1. Wiring: Connect the breakout board to the Arduino as shown below:

   • VCC → 3.3V on Arduino
   • GND → GND on Arduino
   • SDA → A4 (I²C data line)
   • SCL → A5 (I²C clock line)
   • Leave CS unconnected for I²C mode.

2. Install Required Libraries: Use the Arduino IDE to install the Wire library (pre-installed in most cases) for I²C communication.

3. Upload Example Code: Use the following example code to read acceleration data:

#include <Wire.h>

// H3LIS331DL I2C address
#define H3LIS331DL_ADDR 0x18

// Register addresses
#define CTRL_REG1 0x20
#define OUT_X_L   0x28
#define OUT_Y_L   0x2A
#define OUT_Z_L   0x2C

void setup() {
  Wire.begin(); // Initialize I2C communication
  Serial.begin(9600); // Start serial communication for debugging

  // Configure the accelerometer
  Wire.beginTransmission(H3LIS331DL_ADDR);
  Wire.write(CTRL_REG1); // Select control register 1
  Wire.write(0x27); // Enable X, Y, Z axes and set data rate to 50 Hz
  Wire.endTransmission();
}

void loop() {
  int16_t x, y, z;

  // Read X-axis acceleration
  x = readAxis(OUT_X_L);
  // Read Y-axis acceleration
  y = readAxis(OUT_Y_L);
  // Read Z-axis acceleration
  z = readAxis(OUT_Z_L);

  // Print acceleration values
  Serial.print("X: ");
  Serial.print(x);
  Serial.print(" Y: ");
  Serial.print(y);
  Serial.print(" Z: ");
  Serial.println(z);

  delay(500); // Wait for 500 ms
}

int16_t readAxis(uint8_t reg) {
  Wire.beginTransmission(H3LIS331DL_ADDR);
  Wire.write(reg | 0x80); // Set auto-increment bit
  Wire.endTransmission();
  Wire.requestFrom(H3LIS331DL_ADDR, 2);

  // Combine low and high bytes
  int16_t value = Wire.read();
  value |= (Wire.read() << 8);

  return value;
}

• Power Supply: Ensure the breakout board is powered with 3.3V. Using 5V may damage the sensor.
• I²C Pull-Up Resistors: The breakout board includes pull-up resistors for I²C lines. If multiple I²C devices are connected, ensure the total pull-up resistance is appropriate.
• Interrupt Pins: The INT1 and INT2 pins can be configured for specific events (e.g., free-fall detection). Refer to the H3LIS331DL datasheet for details.

1. No Data Output:

   • Ensure the wiring is correct and matches the pin configuration.
   • Verify that the I²C address (0x18) matches the one used in the code.

2. Incorrect or Noisy Readings:

   • Check for loose connections or interference from nearby components.
   • Ensure the sensor is securely mounted to avoid vibrations.

3. Device Not Detected:

   • Use an I²C scanner sketch to confirm the sensor's address.
   • Ensure the CS pin is unconnected or pulled high for I²C mode.

Q: Can I use the H3LIS331DL with a 5V microcontroller?
A: Yes, but you must use a logic level shifter to step down the 5V signals to 3.3V for the sensor.

Q: How do I change the measurement range?
A: Modify the configuration in the CTRL_REG4 register. Refer to the datasheet for the appropriate register values.

Q: Can I use SPI instead of I²C?
A: Yes, connect the CS pin to a digital pin on your microcontroller and configure the SPI interface in your code.