**ADXL335BCPZ-RL: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the Low-Power 3-Axis Analog Accelerometer**
The **ADXL335BCPZ-RL** is a low-power, low-noise, triple-axis accelerometer from Analog Devices, designed for a wide range of motion-sensing applications. This MEMS-based device provides a complete acceleration measurement solution on a single, monolithic IC, delivering a simple analog voltage output proportional to acceleration. Its combination of performance, power efficiency, and small form factor makes it a cornerstone component in consumer electronics, industrial instrumentation, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
**Core Architecture and Operating Principle**
At the heart of the ADXL335 is a surface-micromachined polysilicon sensor and signal conditioning circuitry. The sensor architecture is built on a differential capacitor design. Under acceleration, a tiny inertial mass attached to a moving plate deflects from its neutral position. This deflection unbalances the differential capacitor, resulting in a raw signal that is proportional to the force applied. This signal is then amplified, demodulated, and filtered by the on-chip circuitry to produce a clean, analog voltage output for each axis (X, Y, and Z).
**Key Technical Specifications and Performance**
The defining characteristics of the ADXL335BCPZ-RL are its ultra-low power consumption and analog interface.
* **Sensing Range:** User-selectable via external circuitry to **±3 g**, making it ideal for measuring tilt, motion, and shock where high-g forces are not expected.
* **Sensitivity:** Nominal sensitivity is **300 mV/g** at a 3.0V supply, providing a strong and easily measurable signal for microcontroller ADCs.
* **Bandwidth:** The bandwidth for each axis is set by external capacitors (CX, CY, and CZ), allowing the user to tailor the measurement range from **0.5 Hz to 1600 Hz**. This is critical for filtering out high-frequency noise or capturing high-speed events.
* **Power Consumption:** The device operates on a minimal **350 μA** (typical) at a 2.5V supply, a key feature for **battery-powered portable applications**.
* **Supply Voltage:** It operates from a single **1.8 V to 3.6 V** supply, compatible with most modern logic and microcontroller systems.
* **Package:** The "CPZ" denotes a small, compact **4 mm × 4 mm × 1.45 mm LFCSP (Lead Frame Chip Scale Package)**, which is suitable for space-constrained PCB designs.
**Application Spectrum**

The analog output and low-power nature of the ADXL335BCPZ-RL make it exceptionally versatile. Its primary applications include:
* **Tilt and Inclination Sensing:** Used in construction tools, robotics, and game controllers to measure static acceleration due to gravity.
* **Motion and Impact Detection:** Employed in wearable devices for activity monitoring and in industrial equipment for shock and vibration detection.
* **Navigation and Positioning:** Acts as a fundamental sensor in dead reckoning systems for drones and autonomous vehicles.
* **IoT and Consumer Electronics:** Integrated into smart home devices, remote controls, and other portable gadgets for intuitive motion-based control and user interfaces.
**Design Considerations**
While integrating the ADXL335, designers must account for several factors. The analog outputs require a stable, clean power supply to prevent noise from coupling into the signal. Proper decoupling capacitors are essential. Furthermore, since the bandwidth is set externally, careful selection of the CX, CY, and CZ capacitors is necessary to match the application's dynamic requirements and to implement an anti-aliasing filter before the signal is digitized by an ADC.
**ICGOODFIND**
**ICGOODFIND**: The **ADXL335BCPZ-RL** stands out as a highly reliable and straightforward solution for low-g acceleration measurement. Its **fully analog output** simplifies system integration, while its **exceptionally low power consumption** ensures longevity in portable applications. For designers seeking a proven, low-cost, and flexible accelerometer for tilt, motion, and vibration sensing, the ADXL335 remains a compelling and effective choice in the vast component landscape.
**Keywords:**
1. **Low-Power**
2. **Analog Output**
3. **3-Axis Accelerometer**
4. **MEMS**
5. **Tilt Sensing**
