GY-521 MPU-6050 Module GY- 3 Axis Acceleration Gyroscope 6 DOF Module (Original chip)-Black Tantalum Capacitor

SKU: FA2012-0-2
Microcontroller Chip

MPU-6050 (Original/Authentic Silicon)

Operating Voltage

3.0V to 5.0V DC (via onboard regulator)

Communication Interface

I2C (up to 400kHz Fast Mode)

Gyroscope Range

±250, ±500, ±1000, ±2000 °/sec

Accelerometer Range

±2g, ±4g, ±8g, ±16g

ADC Resolution

16-bit A/D converters for all axes

Filtering

Black Tantalum Capacitors (Low ESR)

I2C Address

0x68 (Default), 0x69 (selectable via AD0 pin)

Dimensions

Approx. 20mm x 15mm

The GY-521 MPU-6050 Module combines high-precision 3-axis acceleration and 3-axis angular rate sensing (gyroscope) into a single 6-Degree of Freedom (6-DOF) package. This specific variant features the original MPU-6050 chip for guaranteed performance and uses black tantalum capacitors for enhanced signal integrity, making it a reliable choice for professional robotics and DIY projects alike.
Product Description
The GY-521 MPU-6050 (Original Chip Edition) is built around the authentic InvenSense (now TDK) MPU-6050 sensor, ensuring compliance with official specifications and maximizing compatibility with established software libraries and applications. This board is designed to provide highly accurate simultaneous motion data across six axes.
A standout feature of this version is the inclusion of black tantalum capacitors. Tantalum capacitors are renowned in professional electronics for their superior capacitance stability over temperature variations and low Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR). This means the module provides exceptionally clean and stable power to the sensitive integrated circuits, which translates directly to reduced noise and minimized drift in your accelerometer and gyroscope readings—crucial for applications like flight control or precise orientation tracking.
The module also integrates a Digital Motion Processor (DMP), which offloads complex calculations like sensor fusion from your main microcontroller (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, etc.), making it easy to implement sophisticated motion tracking using the I2C interface.
Key Features
  • Authentic MPU-6050 Sensor: Guarantees specification compliance and reliability.
  • Superior Stability: Black tantalum capacitors ensure low-noise power regulation and stable data acquisition.
  • 6-Axis Integration: Combines a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer.
  • Digital Motion Processor (DMP): Handles complex MotionFusion algorithms internally.
  • Wide Voltage Operation: Onboard LDO regulator allows input power from 3V to 5V.
  • I2C Interface: Standard communication protocol with a configurable address pin (AD0).
  • Auxiliary I2C Pass-Through: Allows connection of an external magnetometer for a full 9-DOF system.
  • Integrated Temperature Sensor: Provides environmental data for potential thermal compensation.
Common Usage
The GY-521 module is suitable for applications requiring precise motion and orientation data:
  1. Drone/UAV Flight Control: Provides critical stabilization data for multi-rotor aircraft.
  2. Robotics Navigation: Essential for self-balancing robots and motion control systems.
  3. Virtual Reality (VR) & Gaming: Used in head tracking or gesture-based input devices.
  4. Industrial Monitoring: Vibration analysis and tilt sensing in equipment.
  5. Wearable Technology: Motion analysis in fitness trackers or medical devices
Q: What is the benefit of the "Original Chip" versus a "CHN Variant"?

The original chip guarantees adherence to the manufacturer’s exact specifications, potentially offering better consistency and compatibility in demanding professional applications compared to localized alternatives.

Q: Why use a tantalum capacitor instead of a standard ceramic one?

Tantalum capacitors offer superior noise reduction and stability over a wider temperature range. This results in cleaner sensor data and fewer errors in your motion calculations.

Q: How do I power this module? Can I use 3.3V logic?

You can power the VCC pin with either 5V or 3.3V thanks to the onboard regulator. The logic pins are compatible with both 3.3V and 5V systems without requiring a separate logic level shifter.

Q: Is the sensor pre-calibrated from the factory?

The sensor has a factory trim, but environmental factors and mounting position introduce offsets. You must run a standard software calibration routine (available in most MPU-6050 libraries) when setting up your project.

Q: How many pins do I need on my microcontroller to use this?

The module uses the I2C interface, requiring only two data pins (SDA and SCL) plus power (VCC and GND). This makes it very efficient in terms of pin usage.