GY‑521 MPU‑6050 3‑Axis Accelerometer & Gyroscope 6‑DOF Module

Product Description

The GY‑521 MPU‑6050 module is a classic 6‑DOF inertial measurement unit (IMU) breakout that integrates a 3‑axis accelerometer, 3‑axis gyroscope, and a digital thermometer in a small PCB. It communicates over I²C and includes on‑board voltage regulation and pull‑ups, making it straightforward to connect to 3.3 V or 5 V microcontroller platforms for motion sensing and orientation tracking.

Inside the MPU‑6050 are dedicated 16‑bit ADCs for each axis, along with a Digital Motion Processor (DMP) capable of fusing sensor data to estimate orientation and motion, reducing the load on your main microcontroller. This module is widely used for robotics, balancing platforms, gesture control, and basic vibration monitoring.

Compatibility

• Works with Arduino boards (Uno, Nano, Mega, etc.) via I²C using standard Wire library connections.

• Compatible with ESP32, ESP32‑S3, and ESP32‑C6 boards at 3.3 V logic; the GY‑521 typically includes an on‑board regulator and level shifting for 3.3–5 V operation.

• Works with Raspberry Pi and other Linux SBCs through the I²C bus for motion and orientation sensing.

• Suitable for most microcontrollers that support I²C, including STM32 and other MCU families, for projects involving tilt, rotation, or basic IMU functions.

• Key Features

  • 6‑DOF IMU – 3‑axis accelerometer + 3‑axis gyroscope in a single chip.

  • User‑programmable ranges:

    • Accelerometer: ±2 g, ±4 g, ±8 g, ±16 g.

    • Gyroscope: ±250, ±500, ±1000, ±2000 °/s.

  • 16‑bit ADCs for each accelerometer and gyroscope axis, providing high‑resolution measurements.

  • Digital Motion Processor (DMP) for on‑chip sensor fusion and orientation calculations, reducing MCU workload.

  • I²C interface with default address 0x68 (configurable to 0x69 via AD0 pin).

  • On‑board voltage regulator and basic support circuitry for 3.3–5 V operation on typical GY‑521 modules.

  • Compact PCB with pin headers suitable for breadboards and jumper‑wire connections.

  • Technical Specs (Typical)

    Exact values depend on the specific GY‑521 variant:

    • Sensor IC: MPU‑6050 6‑axis accelerometer + gyroscope.

    • Supply Voltage (module): typically 3–5 V input.

    • Communication: I²C (SDA, SCL), default address 0x68 (0x69 with AD0 high).

    • Accelerometer ranges: ±2 g, ±4 g, ±8 g, ±16 g (configurable).

    • Gyroscope ranges: ±250, ±500, ±1000, ±2000 °/s (configurable).

    • Typical operating current: a few mA (gyroscope + accelerometer active).

    • Operating temperature range: around −40 °C to +85/105 °C (sensor‑level spec).

    • Module size: roughly 3.4 × 1.6 cm (varies slightly by manufacturer).

    • Ideal Uses

      • Balancing robots and self‑balancing platforms (using tilt/gyro feedback).

      • Gesture and motion control for controllers, wearables, and interactive projects.

      • Orientation and tilt sensing for camera gimbals, antennas, or dashboards.

      • Basic vibration or motion monitoring when paired with ESP32 for logging or TinyML experiments.

      • Educational projects demonstrating IMUs, I²C communication, and sensor fusion.

      • What’s Included

        • 1 × GY‑521 MPU‑6050 6‑DOF IMU module

        • 1 × straight pin header strip (often included, to be soldered)

        • 1 × right‑angle pin header (varies by supplier; some kits include both header types)

        • Safety Note

          • Always verify the supply voltage before connecting; while typical GY‑521 boards include regulation for 3.3–5 V, some clones may differ—check your specific module’s documentation.

          • Double‑check SDA/SCL wiring and I²C address configuration to avoid bus conflicts or communication errors.

          • The MPU‑6050 is sensitive to mechanical shock; avoid dropping or striking the module, especially if it is already mounted in a project.

          • Be aware that many MPU‑6050 modules on the market are clones or recycled parts; for critical or commercial designs, consider sourcing from reputable suppliers or using newer IMUs with full manufacturer support.