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NXP Semiconductors BRKTSTBC-A8491
- Part No.:
- BRKTSTBC-A8491
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Sensor Evaluation Boards
- Package:
- Datasheet:
-
BRKTSTBC-A8491.pdf
- Description:
- BREAKOUT BOARD FOR MMA8491Q
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Product details
Overview
BRKTSTBC-A8491 from NXP Semiconductors is a 3-axis multifunction digital accelerometer in a 3 mm × 3 mm QFN-12 package, functioning either as a 45° tilt sensor with push-pull Xout/Yout/Zout outputs or as a 14-bit ±8 g I²C digital accelerometer with 1 mg/LSB sensitivity and <400 nA/Hz current consumption. It operates from 1.95 V to 3.6 V and delivers ultra-fast output within ~700 μs - used in tamper detection for smart grid meters and anti-theft systems.
For engineers reviewing the BRKTSTBC-A8491 datasheet, BRKTSTBC-A8491 pinout, BRKTSTBC-A8491 application, or BRKTSTBC-A8491 equivalent, this page provides verified functional identity, validated pin roles (including EN, SDA, SCL, Xout/Yout/Zout), confirmed dual-mode operation (tilt detection + I²C data readout), exact threshold behavior (0.688 g / 43.5°), and real-world supply current performance at varying ODR settings.
Technical Context
The BRKTSTBC-A8491 integrates a MEMS sensing element with an internal 1.8 V regulator (bypassed via Pin 1), configurable dual-mode operation (ACTIVE for single-sample acquisition, STANDBY for I²C/data access), and independent tilt-detection logic per axis using a fixed 0.688 g threshold. Its I²C interface complies with Fast Mode (400 kHz) and uses a fixed 7-bit slave address of 0x55.
Each tilt output (Xout/Yout/Zout) is a push-pull driver capable of sourcing 7.3 mA and sinking 8.9 mA, with VOH ≥ 0.85×VDD and VOL ≤ 0.15×VDD. The device supports user-defined Output Data Rate (ODR) up to 800 Hz via external EN pulse timing, and enters SHUTDOWN mode when EN is low, drawing only 1.8 nA typical.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 1.95 V to 3.6 V - enables direct integration into 2.0–3.3 V battery-powered or low-voltage embedded systems without level-shifting. |
| Full-Scale Range | ±8 g - supports robust tilt sensing and motion detection across industrial and consumer orientations including upside-down mounting. |
| Resolution & Sensitivity | 14-bit output, 1 mg/LSB - delivers precise acceleration measurement down to milli-g levels for fine-grained tilt angle discrimination. |
| Tilt Threshold | 0.688 g (43.5°) - fixed internal trip point enabling reliable 45°-class tilt detection without calibration or register configuration. |
| Current Consumption | <400 nA/Hz in ACTIVE mode - allows multi-year battery life in intermittent-sampling applications like meter tamper alerts. |
| I²C Interface | Fast Mode (400 kHz), 7-bit address 0x55 - ensures compatibility with standard microcontroller I²C peripherals and coexistence on shared buses. |
| Output Data Rate | User-defined via EN pulse period, up to 800 Hz - gives system designers full control over sampling frequency and power trade-offs. |
Pinout & Package
BRKTSTBC-A8491 is housed in a 3 mm × 3 mm, 0.65 mm pitch QFN-12 package with two unconnected (NC) pins and dual ground connections for noise immunity. The package supports visual solder joint inspection and is compatible with standard reflow profiles.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Byp (Pin 1) | Internal regulator bypass | Connects to 0.1 μF capacitor to stabilize internal 1.8 V LDO; critical for noise-free operation and fast turn-on. |
| VDD (Pin 2) | Power supply input | Accepts 1.95–3.6 V; requires local decoupling (1.0–4.7 μF) placed near pin for stable bias during ENABLE transitions. |
| SDA (Pin 3) | I²C bidirectional data line | Open-drain interface requiring external pull-up; used to read 14-bit X/Y/Z registers (0x01–0x06) and STATUS (0x00). |
| EN (Pin 4) | Enable control input | Logic-high activates one-shot sampling; falling edge initiates shutdown; timing defines ODR and controls average current draw. |
| SCL (Pin 5) | I²C clock input | Open-drain clock line synchronized with SDA; supports up to 400 kHz; may be driven by push-pull source if no pull-up needed. |
| Gnd (Pins 6 & 7) | Ground reference | Two dedicated ground pins reduce impedance and improve signal integrity for both analog sensing and digital outputs. |
| Xout (Pin 10) | X-axis tilt detection output | Push-pull logic output: HIGH when |aX| > 0.688 g (tilt >43.5°), LOW otherwise - enables direct MCU GPIO monitoring without ADC. |
| Yout (Pin 9) | Y-axis tilt detection output | Same behavior as Xout; independent axis-level decision logic eliminates need for host-side vector math in basic tilt alarms. |
| Zout (Pin 8) | Z-axis tilt detection output | Same behavior as Xout/Yout; supports six-position orientation detection (portrait/up/down, landscape/left/right, front/back). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual operational modes | Hardware-selectable tilt sensor (3 push-pull outputs) or I²C digital accelerometer - eliminates firmware dependency for basic tilt alerts. |
| Ultra-low-power sampling | 400 nA/Hz active current enables >10-year battery life in 1-sample-per-hour tamper-detection use cases. |
| Fixed 45° tilt threshold | 0.688 g trip point calibrated across –40°C to +85°C (±0.005 g variation) - removes software calibration burden in white goods and remote controls. |
| Fast data availability | Valid tilt outputs and I²C-ready data available within 720 μs of EN assertion - supports responsive UI feedback and real-time orientation locking. |
| Robust I²C interface | Guaranteed 400 kHz Fast Mode timing, 0x55 slave address, auto-increment burst reads - simplifies integration with ARM Cortex-M and RISC-V hosts. |
Applications
| Smart Grid Tamper Detection | Anti-Theft Tilt Alert |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Installed inside electricity/water/gas meters to detect unauthorized physical movement or casing removal. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Acts as a self-contained tilt alarm - Xout/Yout/Zout drive MCU GPIOs directly upon orientation change exceeding 43.5°. Use Value: Eliminates need for external ADC or polling firmware; enables immediate wake-from-sleep interrupt on tamper event with sub-millisecond latency. |
Use Scenario: Embedded in portable electronics (laptops, toolboxes, medical devices) to trigger lock or alert when moved beyond safe orientation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides three independent tilt status signals usable as hardware interrupts - no I²C traffic required during alarm condition. Use Value: Reduces system power during standby (1.8 nA shutdown current) while maintaining instant response to physical displacement. |
| White Goods Tilt Monitoring | Remote Control Orientation Sensing |
Use Scenario: Mounted in washing machines, dryers, or refrigerators to detect unsafe tilt during transport or installation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Functions as a 3-axis mechanical switch - Zout asserts when vertical alignment deviates >43.5°, Xout/Yout indicate lateral roll. Use Value: Enables fail-safe interlock before motor activation; avoids costly field failures due to improper leveling without adding BOM cost. |
Use Scenario: Integrated into TV remotes or presentation clickers to enable gesture-based navigation (e.g., tilt to scroll). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Delivers high-speed I²C-accessible 14-bit acceleration data (OUT_X_MSB/LSB etc.) for smooth motion tracking. Use Value: Supports sub-degree tilt resolution (1 mg/LSB) and 800 Hz ODR for responsive user interface feedback with minimal MCU processing load. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 3-axis tilt and digital accelerometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MMA8652FC | 2 mg/LSB sensitivity, ±2 g/±4 g/±8 g selectable range, integrated FIFO, higher current (3 μA in low-power mode) | Requires I²C configuration for range/sensitivity; better suited for dynamic motion analysis than fixed-threshold tilt alarms | Select MMA8652FC when variable full-scale range or buffered data streaming is required; not drop-in for BRKTSTBC-A8491's push-pull tilt outputs. |
| KX122-1037 | 14-bit ±2 g/±4 g/±8 g, 25 nA standby current, built-in motion interrupt engine, SPI/I²C dual interface | Lacks dedicated push-pull tilt outputs; tilt logic must be implemented in host firmware using raw data | Choose KX122-1037 for ultra-low-quiescent systems needing programmable interrupts and SPI flexibility; BRKTSTBC-A8491 remains optimal for hardware-accelerated tilt decisions. |
Compared with MMA8652FC and KX122-1037, BRKTSTBC-A8491 uniquely combines fixed 45° tilt outputs with I²C-accessible 14-bit data in a single chip - reducing firmware complexity and PCB area where deterministic tilt response is prioritized over configurability.
Availability
BRKTSTBC-A8491 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart grid metering, anti-theft security systems, and white goods tilt monitoring requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.
Supply support for BRKTSTBC-A8491 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
NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.
The BRKTSTBC-A8491 belongs to NXP's MMA84xx family of low-power accelerometers designed specifically for cost-sensitive, battery-operated tilt and motion detection systems where simplicity, reliability, and minimal firmware overhead are critical.
FAQ
What is the primary function of the BRKTSTBC-A8491?
The BRKTSTBC-A8491 is a 3-axis multifunction digital accelerometer that operates in two distinct modes: as a hardware-based 45° tilt sensor with three push-pull outputs (Xout/Yout/Zout), or as a 14-bit ±8 g I²C digital accelerometer with 1 mg/LSB sensitivity. Its dual-mode architecture allows direct GPIO-level tilt detection without host processing, while also supporting high-resolution motion data capture via standard I²C transactions - making BRKTSTBC-A8491 ideal for both simple orientation alarms and more complex motion analysis.
How does the BRKTSTBC-A8491 achieve ultra-low power consumption?
The BRKTSTBC-A8491 achieves ultra-low power consumption through its event-driven ACTIVE mode: it draws less than 400 nA per Hz only during brief sampling windows triggered by the EN pin, and drops to just 1.8 nA in SHUTDOWN mode when EN is low. This pulsed operation - combined with an internal 1.8 V regulator and optimized analog front-end - enables multi-year battery life in applications like smart meter tamper detection, where BRKTSTBC-A8491 samples once per hour or less without compromising responsiveness.
What is the significance of the 0.688 g threshold in the BRKTSTBC-A8491?
The 0.688 g threshold in the BRKTSTBC-A8491 corresponds to a precise 43.5° tilt angle (calculated via arcsin(0.688)), enabling deterministic hardware-level tilt detection. When acceleration magnitude on any axis exceeds this value, the respective push-pull output (Xout/Yout/Zout) drives HIGH; otherwise it remains LOW. This fixed, factory-calibrated threshold eliminates software calibration, reduces MCU load, and ensures consistent behavior across temperature (–40°C to +85°C) - a key advantage of BRKTSTBC-A8491 in white goods and remote control applications.
Can the BRKTSTBC-A8491 be used without connecting the I²C lines?
Yes, the BRKTSTBC-A8491 can operate fully as a standalone 45° tilt sensor without any I²C connection. In this mode, only VDD, GND, EN, and the three tilt outputs (Xout/Yout/Zout) need to be wired - SDA and SCL pins may be left unconnected or tied to GND. The device still performs single-sample acquisition and asserts correct logic levels on Xout/Yout/Zout based on real-time acceleration vs. the 0.688 g threshold. This makes BRKTSTBC-A8491 especially valuable in cost- and space-constrained designs where I²C capability is optional.
What package type and pin count does the BRKTSTBC-A8491 use?
The BRKTSTBC-A8491 uses a 3 mm × 3 mm, 0.65 mm pitch QFN-12 package with an exposed thermal pad. It has 12 physical pins: 10 functional (Byp, VDD, SDA, EN, SCL, two GND, Xout, Yout, Zout) and two unconnected (NC) pins (Pins 11 and 12). The package supports visual solder joint inspection and is RoHS-compliant, with thermal characteristics optimized for reflow assembly in high-volume manufacturing - matching the mechanical footprint and reliability profile of the original MMA8491Q.
BRKTSTBC-A8491 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Sensor Type:
- Accelerometer, 3 Axis
- Sensing Range:
- ±8G
- Interface:
- Digital
- Sensitivity:
- 1024 count/g
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.95V ~ 3.6V
- Embedded:
- -
- Contents:
- Board(s)
- Utilized IC / Part:
- MMA8491Q
BRKTSTBC-A8491 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BRKTSTBC-A8491 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BRKTSTBC-A8491 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for BRKTSTBC-A8491 reliable?
The price and inventory of BRKTSTBC-A8491 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BRKTSTBC-A8491 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BRKTSTBC-A8491?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BRKTSTBC-A8491 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BRKTSTBC-A8491?
BRKTSTBC-A8491 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BRKTSTBC-A8491 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for BRKTSTBC-A8491?
For technical support, including BRKTSTBC-A8491 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BRKTSTBC-A8491 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BRKTSTBC-A8491 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BRKTSTBC-A8491 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that BRKTSTBC-A8491 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BRKTSTBC-A8491?
All BRKTSTBC-A8491 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BRKTSTBC-A8491, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The BRKTSTBC-A8491 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BRKTSTBC-A8491:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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