MPU-6050 GY-521 6-Axis Gyroscope & Accelerometer Module
MPU-6050 GY-521 6-Axis Gyroscope & Accelerometer Module
MPU-6050 GY-521 – 3-Axis Gyroscope + 3-Axis Accelerometer Module
The MPU-6050 GY-521 is a compact, high-precision 6-axis motion tracking module combining a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer on a single chip. Whether you're building a drone flight controller, robotics project, gesture-recognition system, or alarm device, this module delivers accurate, real-time motion data via the standard I²C protocol — making it one of the most popular IMU modules for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and other microcontroller platforms.
Key Features
- Chip: MPU-6050 with built-in 16-bit ADC for high-resolution 16-bit data output
- Power Supply: 3–5V with internal low-dropout (LDO) regulator — compatible with both 3.3V and 5V logic systems
- Communication: Standard I²C (IIC) protocol for easy microcontroller integration
- Gyroscope Range: ±250 / ±500 / ±1000 / ±2000 °/s (selectable)
- Accelerometer Range: ±2g / ±4g / ±8g / ±16g (selectable)
- Operating Temperature: -40°C to +80°C
- PCB: Immersion Gold PCB with machine-soldered SMD components for reliable, long-lasting quality
- Pin Pitch: 2.54mm — compatible with standard breadboards and pin headers
- Package: SMD, Quantity: 1 module
Technical Specifications
| Chip | MPU-6050 |
| Supply Voltage | 3V – 5V DC |
| Communication Protocol | I²C (IIC) |
| ADC Resolution | 16-bit |
| Gyroscope Ranges | ±250, ±500, ±1000, ±2000 °/s |
| Accelerometer Ranges | ±2g, ±4g, ±8g, ±16g |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to +80°C |
| Pin Pitch | 2.54mm |
| PCB Finish | Immersion Gold |
| Country of Origin | Made in Mainland China |
Common Applications
- Drone / quadcopter flight stabilization
- Robotics motion tracking and balance control
- Gesture recognition systems
- Alarm and tilt detection devices
- Arduino / Raspberry Pi DIY electronics projects
- Wearable device prototyping
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the MPU-6050 GY-521 module compatible with Arduino and Raspberry Pi?
A: Yes! The MPU-6050 GY-521 communicates over the standard I²C protocol, making it fully compatible with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, ESP8266, STM32, and virtually any microcontroller with I²C support. Numerous open-source libraries are available for quick integration.
Q: What voltage does the GY-521 module require?
A: The module accepts a supply voltage of 3V to 5V DC, thanks to its onboard low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator. This means it works seamlessly with both 3.3V and 5V development boards without requiring extra circuitry.
Q: What is the difference between the gyroscope and accelerometer on this module?
A: The 3-axis gyroscope measures angular velocity (rotation rate) across X, Y, and Z axes with selectable ranges up to ±2000°/s, while the 3-axis accelerometer measures linear acceleration (including gravity) with ranges up to ±16g. Together, they enable full 6-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) motion tracking, ideal for orientation, tilt, and movement detection.
Q: Can I use multiple GY-521 modules on the same I²C bus?
A: The MPU-6050 supports two I²C addresses (0x68 and 0x69), controlled via the AD0 pin. This allows up to two modules to be used on the same I²C bus simultaneously. For more modules, an I²C multiplexer (such as the TCA9548A) can be used.