Adafruit Triple-axis Magnetometer - LIS3MDL - STEMMA QT / Qwiic

Product ID: 4479
$9.95
Qty Discount
1-9 $9.95
10-99 $8.96
100+ $7.96

Description

Sense the magnetic fields that surround us with this handy triple-axis magnetometer (compass) module. Magnetometers can sense where the strongest magnetic force is coming from, generally used to detect magnetic north, but can also be used for measuring magnetic fields. This sensor tends to be paired with a 6-DoF (degree of freedom) accelerometer/gyroscope to create a 9-DoF inertial measurement unit that can detect its orientation in real-space thanks to Earth's stable magnetic field. It's a great match for the LSM6DSOX from ST!

We based this breakout on ST's LIS3MDL, a great general purpose magnetometer. This compact sensor uses I2C to communicate, and it's very easy to use. Simply download our library and connect the SCL pin to your I2C clock pin, and SDA pin to your I2C data pin and upload our test program to read out magnetic field data. If you'd like, you can also use SPI to receive data (we just happen to prefer I2C here)

This sensor can sense ranges from +-4 gauss (+- 400 uTesla) up to +-16 gauss (+- 1600 uT or 1.6 mT). For ultra-high precision, 155 Hz update rate is recommended - but if you don't mind a little loss of precision, the sensor can output at 1000 Hz.

To make life easier so you can focus on your important work, we've taken the LIS3MDL and put it onto a breakout PCB along with support circuitry to let you use this little wonder with 3.3V (Feather/Raspberry Pi) or 5V (Arduino/ Metro328) logic levels. Additionally, since it speaks I2C you can easily connect it up with two wires (plus power and ground!).  We've even included 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 and you can use our CircuitPython/Python or Arduino drivers to easily interface with the LIS3MDL and get magnetic measurements ASAP. QT Cable is not included, but we have a variety in the shop

It's fully assembled and tested.  Comes with a bit of 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.

Technical Details

Revision History:

  • As of July 26, 2023 - We've updated this PCB with Adafruit Pinguin to make a lovely and legible silkscreen - you may get the new PCB or the older version with vector fonts - both are identical other than the fancy silkscreen.
  • As of June 15, 2022 - This board may come with a different regulator than AP2112K due to parts shortages. The regulator can provide at least 250mA.

Technical Specifications:

  • I2C address 0x1C or 0x1E
  • ±4/±8/±12/16 gauss selectable magnetic full
    scales
  • 0.625 to 1000 Hz update rate
  • Continuous and single-conversion modes
  • 16-bit data output
  • Interrupt generator
  • Self-test mode

 

    Product Dimensions: 25.7mm x 17.8mm x 4.6mm / 1.0" x 0.7" x 0.2"

    Product Weight: 1.5g / 0.1oz

    RoHS 2 2011 65 EU Compliant
    RoHS 2 2015 863 EU Compliant

    Learn

    Three axes of magnetic sensing in a pint sized package
    Take a measure of your orientation on six axes
    Get your magnet sensor ready for use by calibrating it
    A basic IMU (Intertial Measurement Unit) generally provides raw sensor data, whereas an AHRS takes this data one step further, converting it into heading or direction in degrees.