Sensors
MPU6050
Very common 6-axis accelerometer and gyroscope used in robotics, balancing robots, and motion projects.
Best For
Projects needing 6-axis IMU and Huge ecosystem 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
MPU6050 is indexed as a sensors part from TDK InvenSense. 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
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
Every field is meant to be source-backed. Corrections should include a datasheet URL, vendor page, module photo, or reproducible library test.
Submit correctionSource Resources
Pinout Table
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
Power · 3.3V module · Check breakout regulator before using 5V.
Power · Common ground with controller.
Bidirectional · Use board I2C data pin and pull-ups.
Input · Use board I2C clock pin.
Arduino Example
#include <Wire.h>
void setup() {
Serial.begin(115200);
Wire.begin();
Serial.println("MPU6050 I2C scan");
}
void loop() {
byte count = 0;
for (byte address = 1; address < 127; address++) {
Wire.beginTransmission(address);
if (Wire.endTransmission() == 0) {
Serial.print("Found I2C device at 0x");
Serial.println(address, HEX);
count++;
}
}
Serial.print("Device count: ");
Serial.println(count);
delay(3000);
}MicroPython Example
from machine import Pin, I2C
import time
i2c = I2C(0, scl=Pin(1), sda=Pin(0), freq=100000)
print("MPU6050 I2C addresses:", [hex(x) for x in i2c.scan()])
while True:
# Replace with the verified MPU6050 driver read call.
time.sleep(2)Recommended Development Boards
Enough CPU and I2C flexibility for motion demos.
Common baseline for MPU6050 robotics tutorials.
Good MicroPython target for IMU fusion experiments.
Alternative Model Reasons
Common Questions
What is MPU6050 best used for?
Projects needing 6-axis IMU and Huge ecosystem with a commonly available sensors part.
Does MPU6050 support Arduino or MicroPython?
MPU6050 has verified Arduino support and verified MicroPython support.
What interfaces does MPU6050 use?
MPU6050 lists I2C; wireless support is no wireless protocol.
Alternatives and Related Parts
QMI8658
QST
China-made 6-axis IMU frequently found on modern low-cost ESP32 development boards.
ICM-20948
TDK InvenSense
9-axis motion sensor used in newer IMU breakouts with better vendor support than many legacy modules.
ACS712
Allegro MicroSystems
Hall-effect current sensor module used for AC/DC current measurement projects.
ADXL345
Analog Devices
3-axis digital accelerometer with broad maker library support.