SparkFun Qwiic 3-Axis Accelerometer (ADXL313) Hookup Guide

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Contributors: santaimpersonator, QCPete
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Introduction

The SparkFun 3-Axis Digital Accelerometer Breakout - ADXL313 (Qwiic) is a Qwiic sensor that utilizes the ADXL313 accelerometer from Analog Devices. The ADXL313 is a low cost, low power, up to 13-bit resolution, 3-axis accelerometer with a 32-level FIFO stack capable of measuring up to ±4g.

SparkFun Triple Axis Digital Accelerometer Breakout - ADXL313 (Qwiic)

SparkFun Triple Axis Digital Accelerometer Breakout - ADXL313 (Qwiic)

SEN-17241
$17.50

The ADXL313 can be used in applications like car alarms, hill start aid (HSA) systems, electronic parking brakes, and (black box) data recorders. Some of the specific features of the ADXL313 include:

  • Embedded, patent pending FIFO technology minimizes host processor load
  • Low noise performance
  • Fixed 10-bit resolution for any g-range
  • 10,000g survival rating
  • Two configurable interrupt pins
    • Including, built-in motion detection functions for activity/inactivity monitoring
  • Self-test capability

Required Materials

The Qwiic 3-Axis Accelerometer does need a few additional items for you to get started. The RedBoard Qwiic will be used for the Arduino examples. A single board computer and the Qwiic pHAT are required for the Python examples (see note below). You may already have a few of these items, including the required Qwiic cable, so feel free to modify your cart based on your needs. Additionally, there are also options that are available as well (click button below to toggle options).

SparkFun Qwiic Cable Kit

SparkFun Qwiic Cable Kit

KIT-15081
$8.95
20
SparkFun RedBoard Qwiic

SparkFun RedBoard Qwiic

DEV-15123
$21.50
18
USB Micro-B Cable - 6 Foot

USB Micro-B Cable - 6 Foot

CAB-10215
$5.50
15
SparkFun Qwiic pHAT v2.0 for Raspberry Pi

SparkFun Qwiic pHAT v2.0 for Raspberry Pi

DEV-15945
$6.95
2
Qwiic Compatible Microcontrollers:
SparkFun Thing Plus - ESP32 WROOM (Micro-B)

SparkFun Thing Plus - ESP32 WROOM (Micro-B)

WRL-15663
$22.50
13
SparkFun Qwiic Pro Micro - USB-C (ATmega32U4)

SparkFun Qwiic Pro Micro - USB-C (ATmega32U4)

DEV-15795
$21.50
10
SparkFun RedBoard Artemis

SparkFun RedBoard Artemis

DEV-15444
$21.50
10
SparkFun Thing Plus - SAMD51

SparkFun Thing Plus - SAMD51

DEV-14713
$21.50
2
In addition we also offer, Qwiic compatible stackable shields for microcontrollers and pHATs for single board computers (like the Raspberry Pi boards) that don't include a Qwiic connector.
SparkFun Qwiic Adapter

SparkFun Qwiic Adapter

DEV-14495
$1.60
4
SparkFun Qwiic Shield for Thing Plus

SparkFun Qwiic Shield for Thing Plus

DEV-16790
$4.95
SparkFun Qwiic Shield for Arduino Nano

SparkFun Qwiic Shield for Arduino Nano

DEV-16789
$4.95
SparkFun Qwiic Shield for Teensy

SparkFun Qwiic Shield for Teensy

DEV-17119
$4.25 $1.75
1
SparkFun Qwiic HAT for Raspberry Pi

SparkFun Qwiic HAT for Raspberry Pi

DEV-14459
$6.50
5
SparkFun Qwiic pHAT v2.0 for Raspberry Pi

SparkFun Qwiic pHAT v2.0 for Raspberry Pi

DEV-15945
$6.95
2
SparkFun Qwiic SHIM for Raspberry Pi

SparkFun Qwiic SHIM for Raspberry Pi

DEV-15794
$1.05
13
SparkFun Auto pHAT for Raspberry Pi

SparkFun Auto pHAT for Raspberry Pi

ROB-16328
$32.50
1
SparkFun Servo pHAT for Raspberry Pi

SparkFun Servo pHAT for Raspberry Pi

DEV-15316
$11.95
5

SparkFun Top pHAT for Raspberry Pi

DEV-16301
You will also need a Qwiic cable to connect to your Qwiic ADXL313 accelerometer, choose a length that suits your needs.
Qwiic Cable - 50mm

Qwiic Cable - 50mm

PRT-14426
$0.95
Qwiic Cable - 100mm

Qwiic Cable - 100mm

PRT-14427
$1.50

Qwiic Cable - 500mm

PRT-14429
1 Retired

Qwiic Cable - 200mm

PRT-14428
Retired

Python Example: If you don't already have them, you will need an SBC (single board computer) such as a Raspberry Pi and standard peripherals or Jetson Nano and standard peripherals. An example setup is listed below.
NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kit (V3)

NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kit (V3)

DEV-16271
$149.00
14

SparkFun DLI Kit (without Jetson Nano)

KIT-16389
1 Retired
Multimedia Wireless Keyboard

Multimedia Wireless Keyboard

WIG-14271
$29.95 $19.95
4
pi-topCEED (Green)

pi-topCEED (Green)

KIT-14035
$114.95 $99.95
4

SparkFun Raspberry Pi 4 Basic Kit - 8GB

KIT-16831
Retired

NVIDIA Jetson Nano 2GB Developer Kit

DEV-17244
1

SparkFun DLI Kit for Jetson Nano 2GB

KIT-17245

Suggested Reading

If you're unfamiliar with serial terminals, jumper pads, or I2C be sure to checkout some of these foundational tutorials.

Installing an Arduino Library

How do I install a custom Arduino library? It's easy! This tutorial will go over how to install an Arduino library using the Arduino Library Manager. For libraries not linked with the Arduino IDE, we will also go over manually installing an Arduino library.

Logic Levels

Learn the difference between 3.3V and 5V devices and logic levels.

I2C

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

Serial Terminal Basics

This tutorial will show you how to communicate with your serial devices using a variety of terminal emulator applications.

How to Work with Jumper Pads and PCB Traces

Handling PCB jumper pads and traces is an essential skill. Learn how to cut a PCB trace, add a solder jumper between pads to reroute connections, and repair a trace with the green wire method if a trace is damaged.

RedBoard Qwiic Hookup Guide

This tutorial covers the basic functionality of the RedBoard Qwiic. This tutorial also covers how to get started blinking an LED and using the Qwiic system.

Qwiic pHAT for Raspberry Pi Hookup Guide

Get started interfacing your Qwiic enabled boards with your Raspberry Pi. The Qwiic pHAT connects the I2C bus (GND, 3.3V, SDA, and SCL) on your Raspberry Pi to an array of Qwiic connectors.

Arduino Shields v2

An update to our classic Arduino Shields Tutorial! All things Arduino shields. What they are and how to assemble them.

Raspberry Pi SPI and I2C Tutorial

Learn how to use serial I2C and SPI buses on your Raspberry Pi using the wiringPi I/O library for C/C++ and spidev/smbus for Python.

Python Programming Tutorial: Getting Started with the Raspberry Pi

This guide will show you how to write programs on your Raspberry Pi using Python to control hardware.

Working with Qwiic on a Jetson Nano through Jupyter Notebooks

We created a few Jupyter Notebooks to make using our Qwiic boards with your Jetson Nano even easier!

Qwiic Connect System

The Qwiic ADXL313 Accelerometer utilizes the Qwiic connect system. We recommend familiarizing yourself with the Logic Levels and I2C tutorials (above) before using it. Click on the banner above to learn more about our Qwiic products.

Note: First time Raspberry Pi users should also head over to the Raspberry Pi Foundation website and check out their quickstart guides:

We have also listed a few additional resources for users to familiarize themselves with the Raspberry Pi: