This sensor is a carrier/breakout module for the ST L3GD20 three-axis gyroscope, which measures the angular rates of rotation about the pitch (x), roll (y), and yaw (z) axes. Angular velocity measurements with a configurable range of ¡À250¡ã/s, ¡À500¡ã/s, or ¡À2000¡ã/s can be read through a digital I2C or SPI interface. The board has a 3.3 V linear regulator and integrated level-shifters that allow it to work over an input voltage range of 3.3V¨C5.5 V. The 0.1¡å pin spacing making it easy to use with Arduino.
Compared to the L3G4200D, the L3GD20 uses a higher resonant frequency that makes it more resistant to audio noise and vibrations. This board remains pin-compatible with the original L3G4200D carrier, although changes in I2C addresses and configuration registers mean that code written to interface with an L3G4200D might need to be modified to work with an L3GD20.
The L3GD20 has many configurable options, including three selectable angular rate sensitivities, a choice of output data rates, an embedded FIFO for buffering output data, and a programmable external interrupt signal. The three angular velocity readings are available through a digital interface, which can be configured to operate in either I2C or SPI mode.
The carrier board includes a low-dropout linear voltage regulator that provides the 3.3 V required by the L3GD20, which allows the sensor to be powered from a 3.3V-5.5 V supply. The breakout board also includes a circuit that shifts the I2C/SPI clock and data in lines to the same logic voltage level as the VCC, making it simple to interface the board with 5 V systems.
Pin |
Description |
GND |
The ground (0 V) connection for your power supply. |
VCC |
This is the main 2.5-5.5 V power supply connection. The SCL and SDA level shifters pull the I2C and SPI bus high bits up to this level. |
SDA |
Level-shifted I2C data line.Note that it is also the SPI data in line (also doubles as SDO in 3-wire mode): HIGH is VCC, LOW is 0 V |
SCL |
Level-shifted I2C/SPI clock line: HIGH is VCC, LOW is 0 V |
INT |
Programmable interrupt, a 3.3-V-logic-level output. This output is not level-shifted |
DRDY |
DRDY/INT2 Data ready indicator, a 3.3-V-logic-level output. HIGH (3.3 V) indicates angular rate data can be read. Can also be configured as a FIFO interrupt. This output is not level-shifted. |
CS |
SPI enable (chip select). Pulled up to 3.3V to enable I2C communication by default; drive low to begin SPI communication.See the schematic. |
SDO |
SPI data out line in 4-wire mode: HIGH is 3.3V, LOW is 0 V. This output is not level-shifted. Also used as an input to determine I2C slave address. |
We recommend careful reading of the L3GD20 datasheet before using this product.With the CS pin in its default state (pulled up to 3.3V), the L3GD20 can be configured and its angular velocity readings can be queried through the I2C bus. We will show an example on how to use this module with Arduino.
For Arduino UNO/Duemilanove:
For Arduino Mega:
If you have the Sensor Shield, it is pretty easy to connect. Plug and play!
Download this library and add it to library file of Arduino IDE.
Open the example:
Open the Serial Monitor of Arduino IDE:
