075582814553
The MPU9250 9-DOF MEMS sensor module is a popular motion-sensing solution. This article will discuss the MPU9250 sensor module variants, pinout, internal components, circuit design, specifications, features, working operation, and more.
The MPU9250 9-DOF MEMS sensor module is a compact motion-tracking solution that integrates a 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, and 3-axis magnetometer into a single chip. By using MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology, tiny mechanical sensing elements are fabricated directly on the silicon die and combined with electronic circuits, allowing accurate motion and orientation sensing in a very small package.
The module is designed for easy integration. It includes built-in pull-up and pull-down resistors for I²C/SPI communication, as well as pins for address selection and frame synchronization. An onboard LDO voltage regulator supplies the required 3.3 V to the sensor, allowing the module to be safely powered from a 5 V source. Header pins break out all essential signals, and mounting holes help secure the module in projects.
If you are interested in purchasing the MPU9250, feel free to contact us for pricing and availability.
The most common MPU9250 module type, typically measuring around 25–26 mm × 15–16 mm. It usually includes an onboard 3.3 V LDO regulator, I²C pull-up resistors, and mounting holes, making it ideal for general prototyping and development.
A smaller PCB version designed for space-constrained applications such as drones and wearable devices. These modules may have fewer external components and sometimes omit mounting holes to reduce size and weight.
These variants include an onboard voltage regulator, allowing the module to be powered directly from a 5 V supply. They are convenient for use with 5 V microcontrollers and beginner-friendly setups.
Modules without a voltage regulator that require a stable 3.3 V input. They are commonly used in low-power or battery-operated designs where efficiency is important.
MPU9250 modules are available in various PCB colors such as blue, purple, or black. Component placement may vary, but the core sensor functionality remains the same.
While pin names are consistent, the physical pin sequence or spacing can differ slightly between manufacturers, so checking the pinout before use is essential.
| Pin Name | Label on Module | Function / Description |
| VCC | VCC | Power supply input (typically 5V; onboard LDO regulates to 3.3V) |
| Ground | GND | Ground reference |
| I²C Serial Clock | SCL | I²C clock line for communication with microcontroller |
| I²C Serial Data | SDA | I²C data line for communication with microcontroller |
| Auxiliary Data | EDA | Auxiliary I²C data line for external sensors |
| Auxiliary Clock | ECL | Auxiliary I²C clock line for external sensors |
| Address Select | AD0 | Selects I²C address (LOW or HIGH) |
| Interrupt Output | INT | Interrupt signal for motion or data-ready events |
| SPI Chip Select | NCS | Chip select pin when using SPI communication |
| Frame Synchronization | FSYNC | Synchronizes sensor data with external devices |
The MPU9250 is the main integrated circuit on the module. It combines a 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, and 3-axis magnetometer in a single MEMS-based chip. This IC is responsible for sensing motion, rotation, and orientation data used in navigation, robotics, and motion-tracking applications.
The onboard low-dropout (LDO) regulator converts the input supply (typically 5V) down to a stable 3.3V required by the MPU9250. This allows the module to be safely powered from common microcontroller power rails without needing an external regulator.
These resistors are connected to the SDA and SCL lines to ensure proper logic-high levels during I²C communication. They eliminate the need for external pull-up resistors, simplifying wiring and improving signal reliability.
The header pads break out all important pins such as power, communication, interrupt, and synchronization signals. They allow easy connection to breadboards or jumper wires for rapid prototyping.
Decoupling capacitors stabilize the power supply by filtering noise and voltage spikes. This ensures accurate sensor readings and reliable operation of the MPU9250.
Mounting holes make it easy to securely attach the module to enclosures, frames, or PCBs, which is especially important in mobile or vibration-prone projects.
• MPU9150
• ICM-20948
• LSM9DS1
• BNO055
• ICM-20949
• FXOS8700CQ +FXAS21002C
The circuit diagram shows how the MPU9250 sensor module is powered, connected, and stabilized for reliable operation. The left side of the diagram focuses on power regulation. A generic 3.3 V LDO regulator converts the input VCC (commonly 5 V) into a clean and stable 3.3 V supply required by the MPU9250. Capacitors placed before and after the LDO (such as 4.7 µF and 10 µF) smooth voltage fluctuations, while 100 nF capacitors filter high-frequency noise.
The central section shows the MPU9250 IC and its communication lines. The SDA and SCL pins are used for I²C communication, while MOSI, MISO, SCLK, and CS (NCS) support SPI mode. The 10 kΩ resistors connected to these lines act as pull-up and pull-down resistors, ensuring defined logic levels and stable communication when the bus is idle. The AD0 pin allows I²C address selection, enabling multiple devices on the same bus.
On the right side, the INT pin provides an interrupt output that signals events such as data readiness or motion detection to a microcontroller. The AUX_SDA and AUX_SCL pins form an auxiliary I²C bus for connecting external sensors, such as a magnetometer. Additional decoupling capacitors near the power pins reduce electrical noise, ensuring accurate sensor readings. The circuit diagram explains how power conditioning, signal routing, and noise filtering work together to make the MPU9250 module stable, accurate, and easy to interface.
| Parameter | Specification |
| Sensor Type | 9-DOF IMU (Accelerometer + Gyroscope + Magnetometer) |
| Accelerometer Axes | 3-axis |
| Gyroscope Axes | 3-axis |
| Magnetometer Axes | 3-axis |
| Accelerometer Range | ±2 g, ±4 g, ±8 g, ±16 g |
| Gyroscope Range | ±250 dps, ±500 dps, ±1000 dps, ±2000 dps |
| Magnetometer Range | ±4800 µT |
| Resolution | 16-bit (Accel & Gyro), 16-bit (Magnetometer) |
| Supply Voltage (Module) | 5 V (typical, via onboard LDO) |
| Operating Voltage (IC) | 3.3 V |
| Supply Current | ~4 mA (typical) |
| Communication Interfaces | I²C, SPI, Auxiliary I²C |
| I²C Address | 0x68 or 0x69 (AD0 selectable) |
| Max I²C Speed | Up to 400 kHz |
| SPI Clock Speed | Up to 1 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to +85°C |
| Interrupt Pin | Data ready, motion, FIFO overflow |
| Sensor Fusion Support | External (MCU-based) |
| Package Type | MEMS silicon sensor |
| Module Mounting | Through-hole mounting holes |
| Dimensions (Module) | ~15 mm × 25 mm (typical) |
The MPU9250 integrates a 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, and 3-axis magnetometer into a single MEMS chip. This allows the module to measure linear acceleration, angular velocity, and magnetic field data simultaneously, enabling full motion and orientation tracking in one compact solution.
Using MEMS technology, the sensing elements are built directly on a silicon die and integrated with signal-processing electronics. This results in a very small, lightweight module suitable for space-constrained applications such as drones, wearables, and robotics.
The module supports I²C, SPI, and auxiliary I²C communication. This flexibility allows it to work with a wide range of microcontrollers and makes system integration easier across different hardware platforms.
The accelerometer and gyroscope offer selectable full-scale ranges. Users can choose lower ranges for higher sensitivity or higher ranges for fast or aggressive motion, making the sensor adaptable to many applications.
An integrated LDO regulator allows the module to be powered from a typical 5 V supply while safely delivering 3.3 V to the sensor. This removes the need for an external regulator and simplifies power design.
Built-in pull-up resistors on the I²C lines ensure stable and reliable communication. This reduces external components and speeds up prototyping.
The INT and FSYNC pins allow real-time event signaling and external frame synchronization. These features are useful for precise timing, data-ready notifications, and sensor fusion systems.
The auxiliary I²C bus enables connection of external sensors directly through the MPU9250. This allows synchronized data acquisition without adding extra I²C buses to the microcontroller.
Exposed header pins and mounting holes make the module easy to connect, test, and securely install in both prototype and final designs.
Catalogue
FPGA / CPLD
Memory
MOS 
MCU 
DSP
OCEP
Secondary 
Other