MPU‑9250: Advanced 9‑Axis Motion Sensor for Arduino Projects

You must have come across numerous external sensors, but the MPU 9250 Arduino is arguably one of the best. 

We’ll discuss what makes this 9-Axis MEMS Sensor outstanding and its additional features over the older versions. 

What is an MPU 9250 Arduino?

Fig 1: A Motion Sensor

It is a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMs) Sensor that is also Arduino compatible. Thus, it is an effective tool in motion-tracking measurements and applications. 

In addition to compatibility with Arduino Uno, it is a high-performing component with relatively low power consumption.

Moreover, unlike the former MPU-9150 sensor and other wearable sensors, the MPU-9250 sensor features a relatively small form factor. 

Lastly, it combines the features of the Accelerometer, Gyroscope, and magnetometer outputs. Again, it condenses two dies to form a single QFN package. One die has an AK8963 3-Axis magnetometer, while the other features an accelerometer and a 3-Axis Gyroscope. 

Pin Configuration for MPU 9250 Sensor Module

Fig 2: An Expert Fixing a Motion Sensor

The table below gives the pin configuration of the MPU-9250 9 Axis Sensor.

MPU 9250 Features

Fig 3: A White Motion Sensor

Gyroscope Properties	Accelerometer Properties	Magnetometer Pro
It has X, Y, and Z Digital-output angular rate sensors with a full-scale range of between ±250, ±500, ±1000, and ±2000 degrees per sec. Also, it features a 16-bit  integrated ADC.	Also, a triple output accelerometer (3-axis accelerometer)  with integrated 16-bit ADCs of ±2g, ±4g, ±8g &±16g	It’s a monolithic hall effect magnetic sensor. Again, the magnetometer axes are three, and it additionally features a magnetic concentrator.
Besides, it has a low-pass filter that is digitally programmable.	Secondly, the accelerometer has an operating current of 450µA	Also, it features a relatively wide range of measurements and high resolution and consumes low current.
Thirdly, it features an operating current of 3.2mA.	You can also set the accelerometer to a low power mode of 8.4µA while at 0.98Hz and 19.8µA while at 31.25Hz	Moreover, its operating current is 280µA when set at a repetition rate of 8Hz.
Its sleep mode current is 8µA.	Also, like the gyroscope, it has a sleep mode current of 8µA.	Furthermore, the 14-bit Output data resolution is at 0.6µT/LSB
Further, the module comes with an already calibrated sensitivity scale factor from the manufacturer	Besides, it features User-programmable interrupts together with a Wake-on-motion interrupt. The latter is essential in the application processor’s low-power operations.	Additionally, it has an extensive measurement range of ±4800µT.
Lastly, it features a self-test function.	Finally, it’s also a self-test device.	It is also a self-test device featuring an internal magnetic source.

MPU 9250 vs. MPU 9150: The Improvements

Fig 4: Fixing a Motion Sensor

Here are some of the features in hardware connection and function where the MPU 9250 beats the former MPU 9150:

1. First, the MPU 9250 is relatively smaller and consumes lesser power than the MPU 9150. 
2. Also, the Gyro and Compass performances of the MPU-9250 are relatively better than those of the MPU 9150. 
3. Thirdly, the MPU-9250 sports an AK8963 magnetometer and MPU-6500, while the other has an AK8975 magnetometer and an MPU-6050. 
4. Moreover, the MPU 9250 has relatively higher power and lesser noise than the MPU 9150 due to the MPU-6500 feature. 
5. Finally, the MPU 9250 has an improved full-scale range over the MPU 9150, thanks to the AK8963 magnetometer. 

MPU 9250 Arduino Guide

First, make connections, as illustrated in the diagram below.

Also, the table below is handy in showing where to connect the multi-chip module to the Arduino.

Further Steps

After making the above connections, download and install the MPU-9250 library in the Arduino IDE. 

Next, restart the Arduino IDE and then upload the code below. It should give 3 accelerometer values,  3 gyro values, and 3 magnetic field values. 

MPU 9250 Applications

Fig 5: Controlling a TV with remote control. 

• It is useful in 3 dimension remote controls, especially in  Internet-connected TVs. 
• Secondly, it’s handy in wearable sensors manufacturing, tablets, and smartphones.
• Also, it is essential in Motion-based gaming applications.

Conclusion

From our guide, you’re now conversant with the workings of the MPU 9250 MEMS MotionTracking™ sensor.  In the future, don’t hesitate to talk to us in case you’ve got any queries about the component.