ChipScout

Sensors

BMI160

Low-power 6-axis IMU used in wearable, robotics, and motion tracking boards.

Bosch SensortecActiveModerate

Best For

Projects needing 6-axis IMU and Low power with a commonly available sensors part.

Avoid If

You need production-grade certainty without checking the exact module vendor, pinout, and library maintenance status.

Quick Decision Notes

BMI160 is indexed as a sensors part from Bosch Sensortec. ChipScout tracks it by practical maker-facing dimensions: interfaces, library readiness, estimated price, field-level sources, and whether the page is strong enough for selection rather than only lookup.

Technical Specifications

Measurement3-axis accelerometer + 3-axis gyroscopeSource: Bosch Sensortec
InterfaceI2C / SPISource: Bosch Sensortec
Low PowerYesSource: Bosch Sensortec
Working Voltage1.71V - 3.6VSource: Bosch Sensortec

Common Use Cases

  • Maker prototypes
  • Low-cost modules
  • Educational hardware

Known Issues

  • Breakout boards may use different pin labels or regulator choices
  • Clone modules can differ from the original datasheet part

Interfaces and Library Support

Interfaces
I2CSPI
Wireless
None
Voltage
3.3V
Libraries
Arduino verifiedMicroPython pending
Data Integrity86% confidence
Sourcehttps://www.bosch-sensortec.com/
Last verified2026-05-20
Core specsVerified
PinoutAvailable
Library supportChecked
Price rangePresent
Found a wrong spec?

Every field is meant to be source-backed. Corrections should include a datasheet URL, vendor page, module photo, or reproducible library test.

Submit correction

Source Resources

Datasheethttps://www.bosch-sensortec.com/Bosch SensortecLibraryBMI160 Arduino library lookupArduino

Pinout Table

VCC3.3VPower the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.
GNDCommon groundConnect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.
SDAMCU I2C dataUse pull-ups appropriate for the board voltage; many modules already include them.
SCLMCU I2C clockKeep wiring short for breadboard prototypes and lower bus speed if unstable.
SCKMCU SPI clockShare with other SPI devices when chip select lines are separate.
MOSIMCU SPI data outRequired for most displays, radios, and writable devices.
MISOMCU SPI data inMay be optional for write-only displays.
CSAny free GPIOUse one chip-select pin per SPI peripheral.

Pinout is not yet source-verified. Use the table as an integration checklist, then confirm exact pins against the module vendor page before wiring hardware.

Common Wiring

VCC

Power the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.

GND

Connect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.

SDA

Use pull-ups appropriate for the board voltage; many modules already include them.

SCL

Keep wiring short for breadboard prototypes and lower bus speed if unstable.

Arduino Example

#include <Wire.h>

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Wire.begin();
  Serial.println("BMI160 I2C wiring smoke test");
}

void loop() {
  // Replace this with the maintained BMI160 library call.
  Serial.println("Check BMI160 on the I2C bus, then read a sample.");
  delay(1000);
}
BMI160 Arduino library lookup

MicroPython Example

MicroPython support is pending. Treat community scripts as prototypes until a maintained driver is linked and tested on a known development board.

Recommended Development Boards

ESP32-C3 development board

Low-cost Wi-Fi/BLE board with enough interfaces for most sensors and modules.

Arduino Uno R4 / compatible

Good baseline for beginner wiring and library validation.

Raspberry Pi Pico W

Practical MicroPython target for I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, and ADC experiments.

Alternative Model Reasons

ACS712SensorsCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.
ADXL345SensorsChoose this when MicroPython support is required for fast prototyping.
AHT10SensorsChoose this when MicroPython support is required for fast prototyping.
AHT20SensorsChoose this when MicroPython support is required for fast prototyping.

Common Questions

What is BMI160 best used for?

Projects needing 6-axis IMU and Low power with a commonly available sensors part.

Does BMI160 support Arduino or MicroPython?

BMI160 has verified Arduino support and MicroPython support pending verification.

What interfaces does BMI160 use?

BMI160 lists I2C, SPI; wireless support is no wireless protocol.

Compare BMI160 vs ACS712

Alternatives and Related Parts

ACS712

Allegro MicroSystems

Hall-effect current sensor module used for AC/DC current measurement projects.

China-madeSensors76% confidence

ADXL345

Analog Devices

3-axis digital accelerometer with broad maker library support.

China-madeSensors84% confidence

AHT10

Aosong

I2C temperature and humidity sensor commonly sold as a compact low-cost breakout.

China-madeSensors76% confidence

AHT20

Aosong

Popular Chinese I2C temperature and humidity sensor used as a low-cost SHT-series alternative.

China-madeSensors82% confidence