ADXL375 - High G Accelerometer (+-200g) with I2C and SPI

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

3.3V regulator

A 3.3V regulator is a power circuit that provides a steady 3.3 volts for parts that need that supply voltage. On a breakout board, it can let the sensor run safely even when the connected microcontroller or power source uses a higher voltage.

breakout

A breakout board carries a small or fine-pitched component and brings its connections out to standard, breadboard- and header-friendly pins. Describing a part as a breakout means it can be wired into a project without soldering directly to the component's tiny contacts.

I2C

I2C is a two-wire communication bus used by many sensors and small modules. It matters because several I2C devices can share the same two wires, but each device needs a compatible address and your controller must support I2C.

logic-level shifting

Logic-level shifting converts digital signals between different voltage levels, such as 3.3V and 5V. It lets devices connect safely to microcontrollers and peripherals that use different logic voltages without damaging either side.

Motion detection

The ability to sense that something has moved, either by comparing successive camera frames or by using a dedicated sensor such as a PIR (infrared) or radar module. When a product lists motion detection, movement can be used as a trigger so a system only acts or records when there is activity rather than running continuously.

Qwiic

Qwiic is a plug-in connector system for I2C devices that uses small 4-pin cables, so you can connect compatible sensors without soldering. It matters because your controller or adapter also needs Qwiic, or you will need a cable or breakout to wire it up.

SPI

A fast serial communication bus often used for displays, memory cards, and sensors. It matters because SPI devices need specific pins for clock and data, plus a separate chip-select line for each device.

STEMMA

A plug-and-cable connection system used on some maker electronics boards to make wiring simpler. If a product uses STEMMA, you need the matching cable or connector type to plug it in without soldering.

STEMMA QT

A small plug-in connector system for I2C boards that lets you connect compatible sensors and controllers without soldering. It matters because it can make wiring faster and less error-prone, especially when adding several small modules to a project.