SparkFun Micro Magnetometer - MMC5983MA (Qwiic)

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

Daisy chain

A wiring layout where devices are connected one after another in a line. It matters because long or awkward chains can make projects messy or less convenient, while a hub lets several devices branch out from one point.

dynamic range

Dynamic range describes how wide a span of values a sensor can measure, from very low to very high. For a light sensor, a wide dynamic range means it can work in dim indoor settings as well as bright sunlight without changing hardware.

FSR

Full-scale range is the span between the lowest and highest output a converter can produce. Error specifications given as a percentage of FSR depend on the selected output range, such as 2.5 V or 5 V.

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.

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.

PCB

A printed circuit board is a rigid board with copper tracks that connect electronic parts without loose wires. For this kit, the PCBs also form the airplane shape, so they are both the circuit base and part of the finished model.

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.

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.