Sensors

MPU6050

Very common 6-axis accelerometer and gyroscope used in robotics, balancing robots, and motion projects.

China-madeTDK InvenSenseActiveEasy

Best For

Projects needing 6-axis IMU and Huge ecosystem with a commonly available sensors part.

Avoid If

You need production-grade certainty without checking the exact module vendor, pinout, and library maintenance status.

Quick Decision Notes

MPU6050 is indexed as a sensors part from TDK InvenSense. ChipScout tracks it by practical maker-facing dimensions: interfaces, library readiness, estimated price, field-level sources, and whether the page is strong enough for selection rather than only lookup.

Technical Specifications

Measurement3-axis accelerometer + 3-axis gyroscopeSource: TDK InvenSense
Aux InterfaceI2CSource: TDK InvenSense
Working Voltage2.3V - 3.4VSource: TDK InvenSense

Common Use Cases

  • Maker prototypes
  • Low-cost modules
  • Educational hardware

Known Issues

  • Breakout boards may use different pin labels or regulator choices
  • Clone modules can differ from the original datasheet part

Interfaces and Library Support

Interfaces
I2C
Wireless
None
Voltage
3.3V
Libraries
Arduino verifiedMicroPython verified
Data Integrity90% confidence
Sourcehttps://invensense.tdk.com/
Last verified2026-05-20
Core specsVerified
PinoutAvailable
Library supportChecked
Price rangePresent
Found a wrong spec?

Every field is meant to be source-backed. Corrections should include a datasheet URL, vendor page, module photo, or reproducible library test.

Submit correction

Source Resources

Pinout Table

VCC3V3 / VCCPower · 3.3V module · Check breakout regulator before using 5V.
GNDGNDPower · Common ground with controller.
SDASDABidirectional · Use board I2C data pin and pull-ups.
SCLSCLInput · Use board I2C clock pin.

Pinout is not yet source-verified. Use the table as an integration checklist, then confirm exact pins against the module vendor page before wiring hardware.

Common Wiring

VCC

Power · 3.3V module · Check breakout regulator before using 5V.

GND

Power · Common ground with controller.

SDA

Bidirectional · Use board I2C data pin and pull-ups.

SCL

Input · Use board I2C clock pin.

Arduino Example

#include <Wire.h>

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Wire.begin();
  Serial.println("MPU6050 I2C scan");
}

void loop() {
  byte count = 0;
  for (byte address = 1; address < 127; address++) {
    Wire.beginTransmission(address);
    if (Wire.endTransmission() == 0) {
      Serial.print("Found I2C device at 0x");
      Serial.println(address, HEX);
      count++;
    }
  }
  Serial.print("Device count: ");
  Serial.println(count);
  delay(3000);
}

MicroPython Example

from machine import Pin, I2C
import time

i2c = I2C(0, scl=Pin(1), sda=Pin(0), freq=100000)
print("MPU6050 I2C addresses:", [hex(x) for x in i2c.scan()])

while True:
    # Replace with the verified MPU6050 driver read call.
    time.sleep(2)

Recommended Development Boards

ESP32-S3 DevKitC

Enough CPU and I2C flexibility for motion demos.

Arduino Uno R4

Common baseline for MPU6050 robotics tutorials.

Raspberry Pi Pico W

Good MicroPython target for IMU fusion experiments.

Alternative Model Reasons

QMI8658SensorsModern China-made IMU often present on newer ESP32 display boards.
ICM-20948SensorsUse when a newer 9-axis IMU is required.
ACS712SensorsCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.
ADXL345SensorsCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.

Common Questions

What is MPU6050 best used for?

Projects needing 6-axis IMU and Huge ecosystem with a commonly available sensors part.

Does MPU6050 support Arduino or MicroPython?

MPU6050 has verified Arduino support and verified MicroPython support.

What interfaces does MPU6050 use?

MPU6050 lists I2C; wireless support is no wireless protocol.

Compare MPU6050 vs QMI8658

Alternatives and Related Parts