SparkFun 9DoF IMU Breakout - ISM330DHCX, MMC5983MA (Qwiic)

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

breakout

A breakout is a small circuit board that makes a tiny or hard-to-solder component easier to connect to with standard pins. It matters because this OLED module can be wired into a microcontroller project without needing to solder directly to the display’s fine contacts.

FIFO

FIFO stands for “first in, first out” and is a small memory buffer inside the sensor that stores recent readings in order. This matters because it can help capture motion data without the microcontroller needing to read the sensor every single instant.

Gyroscope

A gyroscope measures rotation, such as how fast a board is turning around its X, Y, and Z axes. This matters for projects like gesture controls, balancing robots, and motion tracking where tilt or rotation changes need to be detected.

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.

I2C address

An I2C address is the number a device uses so a microcontroller can tell it apart from other devices on the same I2C bus. It matters because two devices with the same fixed address may conflict if used together.

IMU

An Inertial Measurement Unit combines motion sensors to measure movement and orientation. It matters for asset tracking because it can detect movement, tilt, vibration, or changes in direction.

LSB

Least significant bit is the smallest step a digital converter can represent. In a DAC, it tells you the tiniest voltage change the output can make at a given resolution and output range.

magnetometer

A sensor that measures magnetic fields, often used to work out compass direction. It matters because nearby magnets, motors, or metal objects can affect readings and may require calibration.

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.

RMS

RMS is a way of describing the effective level of an AC signal, such as an audio output voltage. It helps compare audio output levels more meaningfully than a peak voltage number.