An I²C accelerometer measures acceleration and sends digital readings to a host—such as a microcontroller—over the I²C bus. A three-axis sensor reports motion along three perpendicular axes, so it can detect movement and shock as well as static gravity for tilt. Choosing one means matching its measurement range, noise, bandwidth, power use, electrical interface, and built-in features to the project—not just checking that it supports I²C.
What an I²C accelerometer does
An accelerometer senses acceleration and converts it into digital data. The host reads that data over I²C, a serial bus; many accelerometers also support SPI. With a three-axis part, readings correspond to three perpendicular directions. Gravity provides a reference for estimating tilt when the sensor is stationary, while changes in acceleration can indicate movement or shock.
Some sensors also detect events on the chip and store samples in a FIFO (first in, first out) buffer. Those functions can reduce how often the host needs to read or process data, though they must be configured for the application.
How to choose a sensor
Match measurement range and resolution to the motion
Full-scale range is the strongest acceleration the sensor can measure before readings reach their limit. A wider range can accommodate stronger impacts, but a small-motion or tilt project should also consider resolution and noise: simply selecting the largest range is not automatically best. The Analog Devices ADXL343 offers selectable ranges of ±2 g, ±4 g, ±8 g, and ±16 g, with 10- to 13-bit resolution, depending on configuration. [Analog Devices ADXL343 specifications]
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Compare bandwidth, noise, and power together
Bandwidth describes how quickly the sensor can respond to changing acceleration. A high-bandwidth part may suit vibration or condition-monitoring work, while a lower-bandwidth, lower-power choice may better fit a basic motion or wearable project. The ADXL383 is positioned for uses including condition-based monitoring, structural health monitoring, seismic imaging, robotics, audio, and wearables. Its product page specifies 16 kHz bandwidth and two operating choices: a 520 μA high-performance mode and a 33 μA ultra-low-power mode. These are manufacturer specifications for that sensor, not independent comparative test results. [Analog Devices ADXL383 specifications]
For another point of comparison, Analog Devices lists a minimum operating current of 23 μA for the ADXL343. Minimum current should not be treated as a guaranteed current in every configuration; check the data sheet for the operating conditions and mode relevant to the project. [Analog Devices ADXL343 specifications]
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Check supply and logic voltage for the exact part and board
I²C compatibility does not mean that every sensor accepts the same supply or host logic voltage. The ADXL343 specifies a 2.0 V to 3.6 V supply and I/O from 1.7 V to VS. The ADXL383 lists VS options of 2.25 V to 3.6 V or 1.8 V, and can interface with a host using a separate supply. Confirm the sensor or evaluation board’s electrical requirements against the host before connecting them; do not assume voltage compatibility from the bus name alone. [ADXL343 specifications] [ADXL383 specifications]
Decide whether on-chip events and buffering are useful
Embedded event detection can let a sensor signal an activity, tap, or free-fall event without requiring the host to continuously inspect every sample. The ADXL343 lists activity/inactivity, single- and double-tap, and free-fall detection, two interrupt outputs, and a 32-level FIFO. The ADXL383 lists tap and activity/inactivity functions, configurable interrupts, and an integrated temperature sensor. Check the specific feature set and configuration options in the device documentation before designing around an event. [ADXL343 specifications] [ADXL383 specifications]
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Consider package, board, and software support
A sensor chip and an evaluation board are different purchasing choices. Board connectors, power arrangements, host requirements, drivers, and example firmware are specific to the board and sensor. The ADXL343 product page identifies a breakout board for evaluation; the ADXL383 documentation describes an I²C evaluation board, drivers, and application examples. The ADXL380 also has a dedicated I²C evaluation board and user guide. These are device-specific evaluation options, not evidence that a board is a generic microcontroller breakout or includes a host processor. [ADXL343] [ADXL383] [ADXL380]
ADXL343 and ADXL383 compared
The specifications below are from Analog Devices’ product pages. The ADXL343 data sheet is Rev. A, dated April 17, 2012; the ADXL383 data sheet is Rev. 0, dated June 11, 2026. Values are manufacturer specifications, not results from a side-by-side test.
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| Specification | ADXL343 | ADXL383 |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement range and resolution | Selectable ±2 g, ±4 g, ±8 g, or ±16 g; 10- to 13-bit resolution | not stated on the cited product page |
| Bandwidth | not stated in the cited product-page summary | 16 kHz |
| Operating current | 23 μA minimum listed; operating conditions depend on configuration | 520 μA high-performance mode; 33 μA ultra-low-power mode |
| Supply and I/O | Supply: 2.0 V to 3.6 V; I/O: 1.7 V to VS | VS options: 2.25 V to 3.6 V or 1.8 V; host may use a separate supply |
| Built-in features | Activity/inactivity, single/double tap, free-fall, two interrupt outputs, 32-level FIFO | Tap and activity/inactivity detection, configurable interrupts, integrated temperature sensor |
| Evaluation-board information | ADI identifies an ADXL343 breakout board | EVAL-ADXL383-2Z supports I²C evaluation; host header is 10-pin, dual-row, 2.00 mm pitch |
Sources: ADXL343 product page and ADXL383 product page. A missing value in this comparison means it was not stated in the cited product-page information; it should not be read as a zero or as proof the device lacks that capability.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Getting started with an I²C accelerometer
There is no single wiring or software procedure that applies to every accelerometer board. Use the exact part’s data sheet and, if applicable, the evaluation board’s user guide and firmware. Before writing code, establish the following:
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- Which board or sensor is being used, and whether it supports I²C in the intended configuration.
- Whether the host and sensor supply and I/O voltage requirements are compatible.
- How the board connects to the host, including connector pinout and any required power arrangement.
- Which driver or example applies to that exact sensor and host platform.
- What measurement range, operating mode, and data rate suit the motion being measured.
For the ADXL383, Analog Devices documents the EVAL-ADXL383-2Z for I²C evaluation and specifies a 10-pin, dual-row header with 2.00 mm pitch. That connector detail matters when planning a physical connection; it does not by itself establish compatibility with a particular host or cable. Consult the board documentation for the complete setup. [ADXL383 and EVAL-ADXL383-2Z documentation]
Choose by project, not by interface
- Tilt or modest movement: Start by assessing the range and resolution needed, then check noise and the host’s voltage requirements. The ADXL343’s selectable ranges extend from ±2 g to ±16 g, so the appropriate setting depends on the expected acceleration.
- Vibration or condition monitoring: Investigate bandwidth and operating mode as well as range. The ADXL383’s specified 16 kHz bandwidth and selectable performance/power modes make it a distinct candidate for applications such as condition monitoring; validate its specifications against the project’s sampling and signal requirements.
- Low host activity or event-driven sensing: Check whether the sensor’s interrupt and FIFO features match the events and sample handling the project needs. Feature names alone do not establish how accurately an event will be detected in a particular installation.
- Prototype with an evaluation board: Verify the board’s connector, power arrangement, host requirements, and available software before ordering. A manufacturer’s evaluation board is specific to its sensor and is not necessarily a plug-and-play breakout for every microcontroller.
Useful documentation is part of the choice: compare the data sheet, evaluation-board guide, driver availability, and examples for the exact part. The cited Analog Devices pages document the ADXL343, ADXL383, and ADXL380 product or evaluation options; they do not establish current availability from any particular retailer.
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