A gyroscope is an amazing sensor that can detect twisting and turning motions. Often used with an accelerometer, it enables 3D motion capture and inertial measurement, so you can easily figure out how an object is moving! As these sensors have become more popular and cheaper to make, the price of a triple - axis gyro is now very affordable. Just a decade ago, this high - tech sensor cost hundreds of dollars.
This breakout board uses the latest gyro technology, the L3GD20H from STMicro. It's an upgrade from the L3G4200 (check the app note for upgrading your existing design to the L3GD20). It can sense in three full axes. You can set the chip to ±250, ±500, or ±2000 degrees per second for different levels of sensitivity. There's also built - in high and low pass sensing to simplify data processing. It supports both I2C and SPI, so interfacing with any microcontroller is a breeze.
Since this chip can handle a maximum of 3.3V, but many customers want to use it with an Arduino, we've soldered it to a breakout board with level - shifting circuitry. This allows you to safely use the I2C or SPI interface with a 5V device. There's also a 3.3V regulator on the board, so you can power it with 5V.
The PCB has four 2.1mm mounting holes, so you can firmly attach it to your project. You can use #2 - 56 imperial or M2 screws.
Getting started is super easy. Just connect SDA to your Arduino I2C data pin (A4 on the UNO), SCL to the I2C clock (A5 on the UNO), GND to ground, and Vin to 3 or 5VDC. Then install and run our user - friendly Arduino library, which will display the XYZ sensor data on the serial terminal. Our library also supports SPI on any 4 digital I/O pins; check the example for wiring details.
Using this L3GD20H triple - axis gyro breakout board is quite straightforward. First, connect the SDA pin to your Arduino's I2C data pin (A4 on the UNO), SCL to the I2C clock (A5 on the UNO), GND to the ground, and Vin to either 3 or 5VDC. Then, install and run the provided Arduino library. It will show the XYZ sensor data on the serial terminal.
If you want to use the SPI interface, refer to the example for the correct wiring. The library supports SPI on any 4 digital I/O pins.
When it comes to mounting, use #2 - 56 imperial or M2 screws to attach the board firmly to your project through the four 2.1mm mounting holes.
Since the chip is a 3.3V max device, rely on the level - shifting circuitry on the breakout board when using a 5V interface device. This will ensure safe operation.
For maintenance, keep the board clean and free from dust. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or moisture. If you encounter any issues, refer to the app note for troubleshooting tips.
