ADXL345 - Triple-Axis Accelerometer (+-2g/4g/8g/16g) w/ I2C/SPI

by Adafruit

Filling out our accelerometer offerings, we now have the really lovely digital ADXL345 from Analog Devices, a triple-axis accelerometer with digital I2C and SPI interface breakout.

Adafruit added an on-board 3.3V regulator and logic-level shifting circuitry, making it a perfect choice for interfacing with any 3V or 5V microcontroller such as the Arduino.

The sensor has three axes of measurements, X Y Z, and pins that can be used either as I2C or SPI digital interfacing. You can set the sensitivity level to either +-2g, +-4g, +-8g or +-16g. The lower range gives more resolution for slow movements, the higher range is good for high speed tracking. The ADXL345 is the latest and greatest from Analog Devices, known for their exceptional quality MEMS devices.

Adafruit added an on-board 3.3V regulator and logic-level shifting circuitry, making it a perfect choice for interfacing with any 3V or 5V microcontroller or computer such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi. They've got both Arduino (C/C++) and CircuitPython (Python 3) libraries available so you can use it with any microcontroller like Arduino, ESP8266, Metro, etc or with Raspberry Pi or other Linux computers thanks to Blinka (the CircuitPython library support helper).

As if that weren't enough, Adafrui have also added SparkFun qwiic compatible STEMMA QT connectors for the I2C bus so you don't even need to solder. Just wire up to your favorite micro with a plug-and-play cable to get accelerometer data ASAP. For a no-solder experience, just wire up to your favorite micro using a STEMMA QT adapter cable. The Stemma QT connectors also mean the ADXL can be used with our various associated accessories. QT Cable is not included, but we have a variety in the shop

Each order comes with a fully tested and assembled breakout and some header for soldering to a PCB or breadboard. Comes with 0.1" standard header in case you want to use it with a breadboard or perfboard. Four 2.5mm (0.1") mounting holes for easy attachment.You'll be up and running in under 5 minutes!

Get started in a jiffy with this detailed tutorial!

Technical Details

  • This board/chip uses I2C 7-bit address 0x53.

Datasheets, EagleCAD PCB files, and Fritzing object available in the product tutorial

Revision History:

  • As of June 13, 2022 - This breakout may come with a different regulator than AP2112K due to parts shortages. The regulator can provide at least 100mA.
  • As of March 23, 2022, Adafruit have updated this accelerometer breakout to be STEMMA QT compatible - that means there's now an easy way to plug-and-play this sensor without any soldering! The physical shape and pinout have changed, however functionality and schematic are identical