NXP Semiconductors BRKOUT-FXLN8372Q

Overview

BRKOUT-FXLN8372Q from Aetrix Electronics is a breakout board designed to evaluate the Freescale FXLN8372QR1 - a 3-axis, low-power, analog-output accelerometer with ±4 g / ±16 g full-scale range selection, high-bandwidth mode (2.7 kHz XY / 600 Hz Z), and fixed 0.75 V zero-g output offset. It enables rapid prototyping in motion-sensing applications requiring robust shock survivability (10,000 g) and operation from –40 °C to +105 °C.

For engineers reviewing the BRKOUT-FXLN8372Q datasheet, BRKOUT-FXLN8372Q pinout, BRKOUT-FXLN8372Q application, or BRKOUT-FXLN8372Q equivalent, this board provides immediate access to all 12 pins of the FXLN8372QR1 QFN-12 device - including EN, ST, g-Select, XOUT/YOUT/ZOUT, BYP, and dual GND - with 0.1" spaced headers, decoupling capacitors, and footprint-matched solder pads for direct sensor integration or signal validation.

Technical Context

The BRKOUT-FXLN8372Q implements the FXLN8372QR1's analog-output architecture with on-board 0.1 µF VDD decoupling (C2/C3), 4.7 µF BYP stabilization (C1), and configurable external bandwidth-setting capacitors matching the high-bandwidth configuration: 8.2 nF on ZOUT and 3.3 nF on XOUT/YOUT per datasheet Figure 3. All signal paths preserve the device's 10 kΩ internal output impedance and 180 µA typical active current draw.

It exposes the FXLN8372QR1's digital control interface (EN, ST, g-Select) with pull-down resistors for default shutdown and ±16 g mode, while maintaining isolation between analog outputs and digital inputs to prevent noise coupling. The board supports self-test activation via ST pin and full-scale range switching without firmware or external logic.

Key Specifications

Availability

BRKOUT-FXLN8372Q is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for robotics motion sensing, white goods tilt/vibration monitoring, and industrial tamper-detection systems requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term design-in support.

Supply support for BRKOUT-FXLN8372Q includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Freescale Semiconductor (now part of NXP Semiconductors) is a global semiconductor company specializing in embedded processing, sensors, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

The FXLN83xxQ product line was engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, high-reliability analog acceleration sensing in space-constrained, thermally demanding environments - delivering calibrated analog outputs without requiring ADC resources or digital interface overhead.

FAQ

What is the function of the BRKOUT-FXLN8372Q breakout board?

The BRKOUT-FXLN8372Q breakout board provides a ready-to-use evaluation platform for the FXLN8372QR1 analog-output accelerometer. It breaks out all 12 pins of the 3×3 mm QFN package to 0.1" headers, includes required decoupling (C1–C3) and bandwidth-setting capacitors per the high-bandwidth configuration, and supports immediate connection to microcontrollers or oscilloscopes for signal validation and system integration testing.

Does the BRKOUT-FXLN8372Q support both ±4 g and ±16 g ranges?

Yes - the BRKOUT-FXLN8372Q exposes the g-Select pin of the FXLN8372QR1, allowing real-time full-scale range switching between ±4 g and ±16 g modes. When g-Select is driven high, the BRKOUT-FXLN8372Q configures the onboard FXLN8372QR1 for ±4 g operation (114.5 mV/g sensitivity); when driven low, it selects ±16 g mode (28.62 mV/g sensitivity), as specified in the FXLN8372QR1 datasheet Table 4.

How is the high-bandwidth mode implemented on the BRKOUT-FXLN8372Q?

The BRKOUT-FXLN8372Q implements high-bandwidth mode using the capacitor values specified for FXLN8372Q in datasheet Figure 3: 3.3 nF on XOUT and YOUT, and 8.2 nF on ZOUT. These values set the −3 dB bandwidth to 2.7 kHz for X/Y axes and 600 Hz for the Z axis - enabling responsive detection of rapid motion events while preserving gravity-based tilt accuracy on the vertical axis.

Can the BRKOUT-FXLN8372Q be used for self-test verification?

Yes - the BRKOUT-FXLN8372Q provides direct access to the ST (Self-Test) pin of the FXLN8372QR1. Driving ST high activates electrostatic self-test, producing a known output shift (35 mg on X/Y, 300 mg on Z) without mechanical stimulus. This allows functional verification of the sensor element and analog signal path during production test or field diagnostics without requiring vibration shakers or tilt fixtures.

What power supply requirements does the BRKOUT-FXLN8372Q have?

The BRKOUT-FXLN8372Q accepts 1.71–3.6 V DC on its VDD input, matching the FXLN8372QR1's native supply range. It includes 0.1 µF ceramic decoupling capacitors (C2/C3) near the VDD pin and a 4.7 µF tantalum capacitor (C1) on the BYP pin to stabilize the internal voltage regulator. No external voltage regulation is needed - the board operates directly from standard low-noise LDOs or microcontroller-supplied rails.