GY-521 MPU-6050 3-Axis Gyroscope & Accelerometer Module
GY-521 MPU-6050 6-DOF Motion Sensing Module
The GY-521 MPU-6050 module combines a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer on a single compact board, delivering precise 6-degrees-of-freedom (6-DOF) motion data over a simple I²C interface. Whether you're building a drone, a self-balancing robot, a gesture-controlled device, or any motion-aware project, this module is an essential component in your electronics toolkit.
Made in Mainland China.
Key Features
- 6-DOF Sensing: 3-axis gyroscope + 3-axis accelerometer in one chip for complete motion tracking
- MPU-6050 Chip: Industry-standard InvenSense sensor with Digital Motion Processor (DMP) built in
- I²C Interface: Simple two-wire communication compatible with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and most microcontrollers
- Wide Voltage Range: Operates at 3.3V–5V, making it broadly compatible with popular dev boards
- Selectable Full-Scale Range: Gyro ±250/500/1000/2000°/s; Accelerometer ±2g/±4g/±8g/±16g
- On-Board Voltage Regulator: Integrated regulator allows direct 5V supply without additional components
- Compact SMD Package: Lightweight and space-saving for embedded and wearable projects
- Condition: Brand new
- Quantity: 1 module per order
Technical Specifications
- Sensor IC: InvenSense MPU-6050
- Degrees of Freedom: 6 (3-axis gyro + 3-axis accelerometer)
- Communication Protocol: I²C (up to 400 kHz)
- Supply Voltage: 3.3V – 5V DC
- Operating Current: ~3.9 mA
- Gyroscope Range: ±250 / ±500 / ±1000 / ±2000 °/s
- Accelerometer Range: ±2g / ±4g / ±8g / ±16g
- Package: SMD / PCB module
- Origin: Mainland China
What's in the Box
- 1 × GY-521 MPU-6050 Module
Compatible With
- Arduino Uno, Nano, Mega
- Raspberry Pi (all models)
- ESP8266 / ESP32
- STM32 and other I²C-capable microcontrollers
Great for Projects Like
- Drones & quadcopters (flight stabilization)
- Self-balancing robots
- Gesture recognition systems
- Wearable motion trackers
- RC vehicle tilt sensing
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the GY-521 MPU-6050 module compatible with Arduino?
A: Yes! The GY-521 MPU-6050 module communicates via I²C and is fully compatible with Arduino Uno, Nano, Mega, and other Arduino-family boards. Simply connect SDA and SCL to your Arduino's corresponding pins and use the widely available MPU-6050 Arduino library to get started quickly.
Q: What is the difference between the gyroscope and the accelerometer on this module?
A: The 3-axis gyroscope measures rotational velocity (how fast the module is spinning around each axis), while the 3-axis accelerometer measures linear acceleration (including the force of gravity). Together, they provide full 6-DOF motion data, making this module ideal for orientation tracking, stabilization, and motion-detection applications.
Q: Can the GY-521 MPU-6050 run on 5V?
A: Yes. The GY-521 board includes an on-board voltage regulator, so you can safely power it directly from a 5V source (such as the 5V pin on an Arduino) without needing additional components. It is also compatible with 3.3V systems.