NXP Semiconductors DEMOMMA8491

Overview

DEMOMMA8491 from Freescale Semiconductor is an evaluation kit for the MMA8491Q 3-axis MEMS tilt sensor, featuring a ready-to-use demo board with LED-based 45° tilt indication and a breakout board for full pin access to the QFN12 sensor. It operates from a 3V coin cell, uses I²C interface, and delivers tri-state X/Y/Z tilt-detect outputs triggered at ≥0.688g acceleration.

For engineers reviewing the DEMOMMA8491 datasheet, DEMOMMA8491 pinout, DEMOMMA8491 application, or DEMOMMA8491 equivalent, this kit enables rapid validation of tilt-sensing functionality in tamper detection, orientation-aware devices, and low-power industrial sensing systems without custom PCB design.

Technical Context

The DEMOMMA8491 comprises two distinct PCBs: a self-contained demo board implementing tamper-detection logic via discrete LEDs and a momentary switch, and a minimal breakout board exposing all MMA8491Q pins except BYP (satisfied by on-board C1). Both boards use the same MMA8491Q QFN12 sensor with 1.95–3.6V supply range and internal 0.688g tilt threshold.

The demo board performs single-shot sampling on button press, lighting X/Y/Z LEDs when respective axis acceleration meets or exceeds the threshold; the breakout board supports continuous I²C readout of raw acceleration data and configuration registers, enabling full characterization of offset, temperature drift, and cross-axis alignment.

Key Specifications

Availability

DEMOMMA8491 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for tamper detection systems, portable orientation-aware devices, industrial tilt monitoring, and MEMS sensor evaluation requiring stable component supply and immediate out-of-box validation capability.

Supply support for DEMOMMA8491 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) was a leading designer of embedded processors, analog, and sensor solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

The DEMOMMA8491 belongs to the Xtrinsic sensor evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate development of motion-enabled systems using Freescale's MEMS accelerometers and tilt sensors.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DEMOMMA8491 evaluation kit?

The DEMOMMA8491 evaluation kit provides immediate hands-on validation of the MMA8491Q 3-axis tilt sensor. It includes a battery-powered demo board that visually indicates 45° tilt per axis via LEDs and a breakout board for full electrical access to the QFN12 sensor's pins. The DEMOMMA8491 does not require external programming or host MCU to demonstrate basic tilt detection functionality.

Does the DEMOMMA8491 support I²C communication?

Yes - the breakout board portion of the DEMOMMA8491 exposes SDA and SCL pins (J2-1 and J2-2) with recommended 4.7kΩ pull-up resistors, enabling full I²C read/write access to the MMA8491Q's configuration and data registers. The demo board itself does not implement I²C; it uses only the sensor's dedicated tilt-detect outputs (XOUT/YOUT/ZOUT) to drive LEDs.

What power source does the DEMOMMA8491 demo board use?

The DEMOMMA8491 demo board is powered by a single 3V CR2016 coin cell (BT1), providing sufficient energy for thousands of tilt-sampling events. No external power supply or USB connection is required. The breakout board accepts regulated 1.95–3.6V input and includes onboard 0.1 µF decoupling capacitors (C1, C2) as specified in the MMA8491Q datasheet.

How are tilt detection results displayed on the DEMOMMA8491 demo board?

Tilt detection results are shown using three red LEDs (D1–D3), each mapped to one axis (X, Y, Z). When the demo board is held at ≥45° tilt relative to gravity along any axis, the corresponding LED illuminates. Detection occurs on momentary press-and-hold of SW1; release discards the sample. The DEMOMMA8491 implements single-shot sampling - no continuous streaming or data logging.

Can the DEMOMMA8491 breakout board be used without soldering?

Yes - the DEMOMMA8491 breakout board features 0.1-inch pitch through-hole pads (J1–J3) compatible with standard jumper wires, breadboards, and test clips. No soldering is needed to evaluate basic functionality. For permanent integration or high-frequency signal integrity, soldering is recommended - but the board requires no special reflow profile or handling beyond standard QFN12 mounting guidelines referenced in the MMA8491Q datasheet.