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The SW-520D tilt sensor module is a simple yet effective solution for detecting tilt, orientation changes, and sudden movement in electronic projects. This article will discuss the SW-520D tilt sensor module working principle, specifications, pinout, components, applications, alternatives, and more.
The SW-520D tilt sensor module is a simple electronic module designed to detect tilt, orientation changes, or sudden movement. It is commonly used in basic motion-sensing applications where only a digital on/off signal is required.
At its core, the module uses an SW-520D tilt switch that contains a small metal ball inside a sealed tube. When the module is tilted beyond a certain angle, the ball rolls and makes contact with internal pins, closing the circuit. The onboard comparator circuit converts this action into a stable digital output that can be easily read by controllers such as Arduino.
This module operates on 3.3 V to 5 V and is widely used in alarms, robotics, toys, and orientation detection projects. If you are interested in purchasing the SW-520D tilt sensor module, feel free to contact us for pricing and availability.
| Pin Name | Description |
| DO (Digital Output) | Provides a digital HIGH or LOW signal depending on the tilt or movement detected by the sensor. This pin connects directly to a microcontroller’s digital input pin. |
| GND (Ground) | Ground reference for the module. It must be connected to the ground (GND) of the power supply or microcontroller. |
| VCC (Power Supply) | Supplies power to the module. Typically operates at 3.3 V to 5 V, making it compatible with most microcontrollers such as Arduino and ESP boards. |
This is the main sensing element of the module. Inside the metal tube is a small conductive ball that moves when the module is tilted or vibrated. When the ball touches the internal contacts, it closes the circuit, allowing the module to detect tilt or motion.
The LM393 compares the signal from the tilt sensor with a reference voltage set by the potentiometer. It converts the raw mechanical movement into a stable digital signal, ensuring reliable ON or OFF output for microcontrollers.
This blue trimmer allows you to adjust how sensitive the module is to tilt or vibration. Turning it changes the trigger threshold, letting you fine-tune when the output switches based on movement strength.
The power LED lights up when the module is correctly powered. It provides a quick visual confirmation that VCC and GND are properly connected.
This LED indicates the output state of the module. It turns ON or OFF when tilt or vibration is detected, making debugging and testing much easier.
| Model | Type | Output | Operating Voltage | Notes |
| SW-200D / SW-200A Tilt Switch | Mechanical Tilt | Mechanical contact | N/A (passive) | Simple tilt switch only; requires external circuit |
| Mercury Tilt Switch | Mechanical Tilt | Mechanical contact | N/A (passive) | Uses mercury drop; highly reliable but hazardous |
| Generic Vibration/Tilt Module | Mechanical Tilt/Vibration | Digital | 3.3 V – 5 V | Similar behavior, added vibration sensitivity |
| ADXL335 Accelerometer | Analog 3-axis | Analog (X/Y/Z) | 3.3 V | Measures tilt in degrees; more precise than simple tilt switch |
| ADXL345 Digital Accelerometer | Digital 3-axis | I²C/SPI | 2.0 V – 3.6 V | Digital data output, multi-axis tilt and motion data |
| MPU-6050 IMU | 6-axis accel/gyro | I²C | 3.3 V | Full motion sensing with angle calculation |
| Parameter | Specification |
| Product Name | SW-520D Tilt Sensor Module |
| Sensor Type | Mechanical tilt / vibration switch |
| Core Component | SW-520D ball-type tilt switch |
| Output Type | Digital output (DO) |
| Logic Level | TTL compatible |
| Operating Voltage (VCC) | 3.3 V – 5 V DC |
| Output Current (Max) | ≤ 15 mA |
| Interface | Digital (direct MCU connection) |
| Trigger Method | Tilt or sudden movement |
| Sensitivity Adjustment | Via onboard potentiometer |
| Comparator IC | LM393 (commonly used) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +80°C |
| Response Time | Mechanical (instant on movement) |
| Power Consumption | Very low |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole pin header |
| Module Dimensions | ~30 mm × 14 mm (typical) |
| Life Expectancy | Long mechanical life |
• Wide operating voltage range - The SW-520D sensor module operates from 3.3 V to 5 V DC, allowing it to work seamlessly with most microcontrollers and logic systems. This wide range simplifies power design and integration.
• Digital TTL output - The module outputs a stable TTL-compatible digital signal, making it easy to read tilt events directly through a digital input pin without additional signal conditioning.
• Simple tilt and motion detection - A mechanical ball-type tilt switch detects orientation changes and sudden movement. When tilted or shaken, the internal contact closes and triggers the output signal.
• Adjustable sensitivity - An onboard potentiometer lets users adjust the triggering threshold. This helps fine-tune the response for different tilt angles or vibration intensities.
• Onboard comparator circuit - The built-in comparator (commonly LM393) processes the raw mechanical signal and provides a clean, reliable digital output, improving stability and accuracy.
• Visual status indication - An onboard LED indicates the sensor’s output state, making debugging and testing easier during development.
• Fast response time - Because the sensor uses a mechanical switch, it responds instantly to movement or tilt, making it suitable for real-time detection applications.
• Low power consumption - The SW-520D consumes minimal current, making it ideal for battery-powered and low-energy designs.
• Noise-resistant output - The comparator-based design helps reduce false triggers caused by electrical noise, improving reliability in real-world environments.
• Easy microcontroller interface - With only VCC, GND, and DO pins, the module can be directly connected to Arduino, ESP8266, ESP32, and similar platforms without extra components.
• Compact and durable design - Its small PCB footprint and simple structure make it easy to install in tight spaces while maintaining long service life.
The first diagram explains the internal working principle of the SW-520D tilt switch. Inside the sensor body are small metallic balls that move freely with gravity. When the sensor is placed flat, the balls settle away from the internal terminals, so there is no electrical connection between them. In this position, the switch remains open and no signal is produced.
The second diagram shows what happens when the sensor’s orientation changes. As the sensor is tilted upright, gravity causes the metallic balls to roll toward the internal terminals. Once the balls touch both terminals at the same time, they create a conductive path. This closes the circuit and changes the electrical state of the switch, indicating that a tilt has occurred.
The final diagram illustrates how the tilt switch is used inside the SW-520D sensor module. Because the raw mechanical contact can be unstable, it is connected to a comparator circuit. When the switch closes due to tilt, the comparator converts this change into a clean digital signal. This signal drives an indicator LED and can also be safely read by a microcontroller, making the module easy to use in practical applications.
The diagram below illustrates how the SW-520D tilt sensor module connects to an Arduino Uno to detect orientation changes. The module uses four pins: VCC and GND supply 5V power from the Arduino, while DO and AO provide digital and analog outputs for tilt detection.
The digital output (DO) is connected to Arduino pin D2 and acts like a switch. When the sensor reaches a certain tilt angle, the internal metal ball closes the circuit, changing the output state to HIGH or LOW. This is ideal for simple tilt or motion-triggered applications.
The analog output (AO) connects to A0 and outputs a variable voltage based on tilt or vibration intensity. Its sensitivity can be adjusted using the onboard potentiometer, allowing more precise motion detection.
The Arduino can be powered via USB or a 9V DC jack, which then provides regulated 5V to the sensor. The ON and OFF labels in the diagram show how sensor orientation directly affects the output signals.
This diagram shows a basic signal-conditioning circuit for the SW-520D tilt sensor, not the full module itself. It explains how the raw tilt switch is stabilized before connecting to an Arduino input.
The SW-520D acts as a mechanical switch. When tilted, its internal metal ball closes the contact and connects the signal line to ground (GND). When upright, the switch is open.
The 10 kΩ resistor (R) is a pull-up resistor connected to 5V. It keeps the output signal HIGH when the tilt switch is open. Without this resistor, the output would float and give unstable readings.
The 100 nF capacitor (C) forms an RC filter with the resistor. It smooths noise, vibration, and contact bounce caused by the metal ball inside the sensor, resulting in a cleaner and more stable signal.
The output node is connected to Arduino D2 or A0, allowing the signal to be read as either digital (ON/OFF) or analog (filtered voltage change). This circuit is commonly built into SW-520D sensor modules to improve reliability.
• Tilt and orientation detection
• Anti-theft and tamper detection systems
• Motion-triggered alarms
• Vehicle tilt and vibration monitoring
• Smart home safety devices
• Robotics balance and movement sensing
• Industrial equipment position monitoring
• DIY electronics and Arduino projects
• Toy and game motion detection
• Portable device movement sensing
• Simple and low-cost tilt detection solution
• Easy to interface with Arduino and microcontrollers
• Supports both digital and analog output
• Adjustable sensitivity via onboard potentiometer
• Low power consumption
• Compact size for small projects
• Reliable for basic orientation and motion detection
• Mechanical design prone to contact bounce
• Limited accuracy compared to MEMS tilt sensors
• Detects tilt or vibration only, not exact angle
• Sensitive to strong vibrations and shocks
• Not suitable for high-precision motion sensing
• Wear over time due to moving internal parts
The SW-520D tilt sensor module is a practical choice for basic tilt and motion detection tasks where simplicity, low cost, and ease of use are key requirements. Its mechanical tilt switch, adjustable sensitivity, and comparator-based digital output allow reliable detection of orientation changes without complex signal processing. While it cannot provide precise angle measurements like MEMS accelerometers, it performs well in alarms, anti-theft systems, robotics, and general Arduino projects.
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