GY-521 MPU-6050 3-Axis Gyroscope & Accelerometer Module
The GY-521 MPU-6050 3-Axis Gyroscope & Accelerometer Module is a popular 6-axis MEMS motion sensor module for Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, Raspberry Pi, STM32 and other microcontroller projects. It combines a 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope in a single MPU-6050 sensor, allowing projects to detect acceleration, rotation, tilt and motion.
The MPU-6050 communicates with a microcontroller through the I2C digital interface, making it easy to connect and program in embedded systems. The accelerometer supports selectable ranges of ±2g, ±4g, ±8g and ±16g, while the gyroscope supports ±250, ±500, ±1000 and ±2000°/s full-scale ranges.
The GY-521 is widely used for Arduino balance robots, self-balancing robots, quadcopters, drones, robotics, motion detection, tilt measurement, gesture projects, IMU experiments and orientation tracking. It is also an excellent choice for Bangladeshi students, hobbyists, robotics learners and engineers who want to experiment with motion sensing and sensor fusion.
Important: MPU-6050 is a 6-axis IMU, not only a 3-axis gyroscope. It contains both a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer. The original MPU-6050 chip operates from approximately 2.375V to 3.46V. GY-521 breakout-board electrical characteristics can vary by board revision, so check the module's labeling or supplier specifications before connecting it to a 5V system.
Features:
- 6-axis motion sensing
- 3-axis accelerometer
- 3-axis gyroscope
- Digital I2C interface
- 16-bit sensor ADCs
- Programmable accelerometer range
- Programmable gyroscope range
- Built-in temperature sensor
- Digital programmable low-pass filtering
- Suitable for Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, Raspberry Pi and STM32 projects
- Useful for robotics, drones and motion-control applications
- Compact GY-521 breakout-board format
Specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Module | GY-521 |
| Sensor IC | MPU-6050 |
| Sensor Type | 6-Axis MEMS IMU |
| Accelerometer | 3-axis |
| Gyroscope | 3-axis |
| Accelerometer Range | ±2g, ±4g, ±8g, ±16g |
| Gyroscope Range | ±250, ±500, ±1000, ±2000°/s |
| ADC Resolution | 16-bit |
| Communication | I2C |
| MPU-6050 Supply Voltage | 2.375V to 3.46V |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Interface | SDA, SCL, INT and control pins |
| Application | Motion, tilt, rotation and orientation sensing |
The core MPU-6050 specifications above are based on TDK/InvenSense documentation.
GY-521 MPU-6050 Pinout:
| Pin | Function |
| VCC | Module power input |
| GND | Ground |
| SCL | I2C clock |
| SDA | I2C data |
| XDA | Auxiliary I2C data |
| XCL | Auxiliary I2C clock |
| AD0 | I2C address selection |
| INT | Interrupt output |
The exact breakout-board implementation can vary between manufacturers, so verify the PCB markings before wiring.
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