Web Site: www.parallax.com Office: (916) 624-8333 Forums: forums.parallax.com Fax: (916) 624-8003 Sales: sales parallax.com Sales: (888) 512-1024 Technical: support parallax.com Tech Support: (888) 997-8267 4-Directional Tilt Sensor ( 28036) The 4-Directional Tilt Sensor is a perfect accelerometer replacement in those applications which may not need precise angular feedback. This type of sensor is commonly used in many smart phones and digital cameras as a cheaper means to adjust the screen display when the device is rotated. Features Small 6-pin DIP packaging with breadboard-friendly 0.1 pin spacing Easy communication with any microcontroller Positional feedback in four directions Key Specifications Power Requirements: 3 to 5.5 VDC Communication Interface: 2-pin high/low output for four sensor states Operating temperature: 32 to 122 F (0 to 50 C) Dimensions: 0.42 x 0.32 x 0.49 in (1.07 x 0.81 x 1.24 cm) Application Ideas Rotating display adjustment Robotic movement Tilt sensing for remote controls Alarm systems Resources and Downloads Check for the latest version of this document, free software, and example programs from the 4- Directional Tilt Sensor product page. Go to www.parallax.com and search 28036. Theory of Operation Internally, the 4-Directional Tilt Sensor includes one IR LED, two phototransistors, and a small ball that moves when the sensor is rotated. Depending on the orientation of the sensor, the two phototransistors will output high or low signals depending whether light is detected or not. New locations are triggered when the sensor is rotated roughly 30 toward the new position. The chart below depicts the cylinder location when rotating the sensor, and the output states of each phototransistor during revolution. Copyright Parallax Inc. 4-Directional Tilt Sensor ( 28036) v1.0 12/20/2010 Page 1 of 4 Location Phototransistor Phototransistor 1 2 A 0 0 B 1 0 C 1 1 D 0 1 Items of Note: When the sensor is lying flat and only acted on by g-forces, the cylinder will be in Location C. Upon startup and when lying flat, the sensor remains in the last location before shutdown. Once movement is detected, the sensor will respond normally. Pin Definitions and Ratings Pin Name Type Function 1 OUT2* O Output state of phototransistor 2 2 Vdd* P Supply Voltage -> 3.0 - 5.5V 3 GND G Ground -> 0V 4 GND G Ground -> 0V 5 Vdd* P Supply Voltage -> 3.0 - 5.5V 6 OUT1* O Output state of phototransistor 1 Pin Type: P = Power, G = Ground, I = Input, O = Output *Note: Maximum output signal voltage approaches power supply voltage. Copyright Parallax Inc. 4-Directional Tilt Sensor ( 28036) v1.0 12/20/2010 Page 2 of 4