ADXL345 Hookup Guide

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Contributors: TheDarkSaint
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Introduction

The ADXL345 is a small, thin, low power, 3-axis MEMS accelerometer with high resolution (13-bit) measurement at up to +/-16 g. Digital output data is formatted as 16-bit two's complement and is accessible through either an SPI (3- or 4-wire) or I2C digital interface.

SparkFun Triple Axis Accelerometer Breakout - ADXL345

SparkFun Triple Axis Accelerometer Breakout - ADXL345

SEN-09836
$20.50
10

This hookup guide will explore the various functions of the ADXL345 utilizing the SparkFun ADXL345 Arduino Library and example code. First, let's get some background on this small yet powerful accelerometer.

As we step through the Hook Up Guide, you'll find it useful to have the ADXL345 Datasheet on hand.

ADXL345 Datasheet

Required Materials

The wish list below includes all of the materials that will be utilized in this tutorial:

**Note: ** If you plan on using the ADXL345 in I2C mode, you do not need to purchase the logic level converter from the list above.

Suggested Reading

If you're not sure if this product is right for your needs, check out the Accelerometer, Gyro and IMU Buying Guide. Some additional resources that might be helpful in this process, especially if you are just started out, you can find here:

How to Solder: Through-Hole Soldering

This tutorial covers everything you need to know about through-hole soldering.

Working with Wire

How to strip, crimp, and work with wire.

Accelerometer Basics

A quick introduction to accelerometers, how they work, and why they're used.

I2C

An introduction to I2C, one of the main embedded communications protocols in use today.