MMA6263Q - ±1.5g Dual-Axis Accelerometer | NXP | 16-QFN
MPN: MMA6263Q ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.5 | $7.50 |
| 10 | $6.8 | $68.00 |
| 100 | $5.95 | $595.00 |
| 500 | $5.4 | $2,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.85 | $4,850.00 |
MMA6263Q Overview
An accelerometer is a MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) sensor that measures proper acceleration - the rate of change of velocity relative to free-fall. The MMA6200 family uses a capacitive sensing cell in which a proof mass moves between interdigitated capacitors; differential capacitance change is converted to a ratiometric analog voltage by on-chip CMOS signal conditioning. Accelerometers of this type sit within the broader category of inertial sensors, alongside gyroscopes and magnetometers, and are typically used as primary or secondary transducers in motion-sensing systems.
Key differentiating features include ±1.5g full-scale range (lower than the ±2g/±5g/±10g siblings in the family), 740 to 860 mV/g sensitivity, 900 Hz bandwidth, self-test capability on both axes, and a 1-pole low-pass filter with factory-set cut-off. The integrated temperature-compensation scheme calibrates both offset and sensitivity over the operating range, simplifying host firmware.
Architecturally the MMA6263Q combines a surface-micromachined polysilicon sense element with a BiCMOS signal-chain ASIC. Sense-element capacitance is read out through a charge-balancing front end and a chopper-stabilized amplifier; the chopper architecture minimizes 1/f noise drift, which would otherwise degrade low-g resolution over temperature. The 1-pole filter follows the gain block to limit aliasing into downstream ADCs.
Typical applications include tilt sensing in consumer electronics, freefall detection in portable storage, motion-activated user interfaces, vibration monitoring in industrial equipment, and inclination measurement in automotive dead-reckoning units. Its analog output makes it a good fit for any MCU with an integrated ADC.
When designing with the MMA6263Q, observe the supply decoupling guidance in the manufacturer datasheet (typically 0.1 µF + 1 µF ceramic) and confirm the analog outputs feed an ADC reference or are scaled within the MCU's input range. The Q-suffix variant is lead-free and RoHS-compliant; the original Q-format variant is not RoHS-compliant and is now largely obsolete.
Drop-in alternatives for MMA6263Q — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with MMA6263Q (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Acceleration Range, Output Type, Package, RoHS Status, Sensor Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MMA6261Q
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MMA6262Q
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MMA7260Q
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →MMA1270Q
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MMA6263Q Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Sensor Type | Accelerometer, dual-axis (X, Y) |
| Acceleration Range | ±1.5 g |
| Sensitivity | 740 to 860 mV/g |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V nominal |
| Bandwidth | 900 Hz |
| Output Type | Analog, ratiometric (two outputs: X, Y) |
| Filter | 1-pole low-pass, factory-set cut-off |
| Temperature Compensation | On-chip (factory-trimmed offset and span) |
| Self-Test | Yes, both axes |
| Package | 16-QFN-EP (6x6 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Lead Free Status (Q suffix) | Lead-free variant available |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (per DigChip datasheet record) |
| Zero-g Offset | Factory-trimmed, no external components required |
| Sensing Technology | Capacitive surface-micromachined (MEMS) |
| Original Manufacturer | Motorola Semiconductor / Freescale Semiconductor (now NXP) |
MMA6263Q Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — 3.3 V power supply |
| Pin 2 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 3 | ST — Self-test input (active high) |
| Pin 4 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 5 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 6 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 7 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 8 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 9 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 10 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 11 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 12 | XOUT — X-axis analog output |
| Pin 13 | YOUT — Y-axis analog output |
| Pin 14 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 15 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 16 | GND — Ground |
| Pin EP | GND — Exposed pad, ground (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
MMA6263Q is suitable for 6 applications: Tilt and Inclination Sensing, Freefall Detection for Portable Storage, Motion-Activated User Interface, Industrial Vibration Monitoring, Automotive Inclination / Dead Reckoning, Gaming and Motion-Controlled Peripherals.
Tilt and Inclination Sensing
The MMA6263Q is well matched to tilt sensing because its ±1.5g range captures gravity (1g) with comfortable headroom and its analog outputs map directly to angle via asin(AX/1g) and asin(AY/1g). With 740-860 mV/g sensitivity and on-chip temperature compensation, it yields <5° static tilt error without host calibration. Designers wire Xout/Yout to a 10-bit or 12-bit MCU ADC and apply a lookup table; the 900 Hz bandwidth far exceeds tilt dynamics. Placed on a PCB with the package's top edge aligned to the desired reference axis, the MMA6263Q provides clean, drift-free tilt data for handheld instruments, level indicators, and antenna pointing systems.
Recommended
Freefall Detection for Portable Storage
Freefall detection in portable hard drives and SSDs requires distinguishing 0g (freefall) from 1g (static gravity) with millisecond response. The MMA6263Q's ±1.5g range and 900 Hz bandwidth, fed through the host ADC's threshold comparator, trigger a head-park sequence within ~2 ms of freefall onset. Its capacitive MEMS cell is rugged enough to absorb non-operational shocks of hundreds of g without damage. Compared to digital-output accelerometers requiring I²C/SPI configuration, the MMA6263Q's ratiometric analog outputs let the drive controller detect freefall with a simple comparator and a single threshold resistor divider, minimizing firmware burden.
Recommended
Motion-Activated User Interface
In consumer products such as remote controls, game controllers, and wearables, the MMA6263Q can wake the host MCU from sleep on detected motion. Because the analog outputs remain at their quiescent value during steady state, a low-power analog comparator at the host wakes the MCU only when AX or AY exceeds a small threshold - extending battery life by orders of magnitude versus polling an ADC continuously. The 740-860 mV/g sensitivity and factory-trimmed zero-g offset make threshold detection stable across temperature without periodic recalibration. The 16-QFN-EP (6x6) package fits inside space-constrained handheld enclosures.
Recommended
Industrial Vibration Monitoring
Vibration monitoring on motors, pumps, and fans requires a sensor with a bandwidth that covers the rotating machinery's fundamental frequency and its first few harmonics. The MMA6263Q's 900 Hz bandwidth is suitable for slower machinery (large pumps, conveyor belts, cooling fans) where most fault-bearing signatures sit below 500 Hz. Its dual-axis capability detects both radial and axial vibration in a single part, reducing PCB area. The factory temperature compensation keeps the zero-g drift within published limits across -20°C to +70°C industrial environments. Per-axis analog outputs feed a 4-20 mA loop or an isolated ADC front end.
Recommended
Automotive Inclination / Dead Reckoning
For automotive dead-reckoning in GPS-denied environments such as tunnels, the MMA6263Q provides tilt data that complements gyroscope and odometer inputs in a sensor-fusion algorithm. Although the part is not AEC-Q100 qualified, the factory temperature compensation and capacitive MEMS architecture give consistent performance across automotive cabin temperature swings. The dual-axis analog outputs are sampled by the vehicle navigation ECU; the 900 Hz bandwidth and ~ms response time keep the tilt term in the Kalman filter fresh. Designers choosing this part for automotive retrofit or aftermarket use should validate against their specific temperature and EMI profile.
Recommended
Gaming and Motion-Controlled Peripherals
Game controllers and pointing devices historically used dual-axis analog accelerometers to convert hand tilt and gesture into game commands. The MMA6263Q's dual-axis output and 740-860 mV/g sensitivity give adequate resolution for tilt steering and gesture flick detection. The 1-pole low-pass filter attenuates hand-tremor noise above 900 Hz, eliminating aliasing in the host ADC. Compared to digital-output MEMS parts, the analog interface lets the designer place the ADC anywhere on the PCB, useful in dense controller layouts where the I²C bus is already congested with other peripherals.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MMA6263Q — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MMA6261Q | MMA6262Q | MMA7260Q | MMA1270Q |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 16-QFN-EP (6x6) | 16-QFN-EP (6x6) - same | 16-QFN-EP (6x6) - same | 16-QFN-EP (6x6) - same | 16-QFN-EP (6x6) - same |
| Acceleration Range | ±1.5 g | ±1.5 g | ±1.5 g | ±1.5/2/4/6 g selectable | ±2.5 g |
| Sensitivity | 740-860 mV/g | ~450-550 mV/g | ~600-720 mV/g | ~800 mV/g at ±1.5g setting | ~500 mV/g typical |
| Output Type | Analog (Xout, Yout) | Analog (Xout, Yout) | Analog (Xout, Yout) | Analog (Xout, Yout) + g-Select | Analog (Xout, Yout) |
| Bandwidth | 900 Hz | 900 Hz | 900 Hz | 350 Hz (X), 150 Hz (Y) at ±6g setting | 900 Hz |
| Self-Test | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Compensation | On-chip, factory-trimmed | On-chip, factory-trimmed | On-chip, factory-trimmed | On-chip, factory-trimmed | On-chip, factory-trimmed |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (Q-format) | Non-compliant (Q-format) | Non-compliant (Q-format) | Non-compliant (Q-format) | Non-compliant (Q-format) |
Key Differentiators
- Dual-axis analog output in a compact 16-QFN-EP (6x6) package with on-chip temperature compensation (vs MMA6261Q)
- Fixed ±1.5g range simplifies host firmware vs selectable-range parts (vs MMA7260Q)
- Same-package sibling across the MMA62xx family for flexible sensitivity trade-offs without PCB rework (vs MMA1270Q)
Design Notes
Per the MMA6263Q datasheet, decouple VDD with both a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor (high-frequency noise) and a 1 µF ceramic or tantalum capacitor (bulk), connected between VDD (pin 1) and ground. Place the 0.1 µF cap within 3 mm of the package pin to minimize lead inductance. Because the outputs are ratiometric, any noise on VDD couples directly to Xout/Yout - use a clean 3.3 V LDO (e.g., NXP TLV1117 or equivalent) rather than sharing a noisy digital rail.
Orient the MMA6263Q's X and Y axes per the package diagram's silk-screen marker; place the IC near the PCB edge so the host MCU's ADC traces are short and do not cross noisy digital lines. Keep the exposed thermal pad soldered to a ground plane for mechanical rigidity and thermal dissipation. Route Xout/Yout as differential pairs if the noise environment is severe, although for typical tilt-sensing applications single-ended routing into a 12-bit ADC is adequate.
Two pitfalls recur in legacy MMA6263Q designs: (1) exceeding the 3.3 V nominal supply damages the analog front end and shifts offset - confirm VDD stays within the datasheet's tolerance; (2) connecting Xout/Yout directly to a 5 V MCU's ADC input without scaling will rail the ADC - either use a 3.3 V-tolerant MCU or add a resistive divider. Also note that the part is RoHS non-compliant in its original Q-format, so EU and California sale require the lead-free Q-suffix variant.
Compliance Information
Per DigChip datasheet record, the MMA6263Q (Q-format) is RoHS non-compliant and contains lead. The Q-suffix lead-free variant exists for compliant designs. AEC-Q100 status not published - not recommended for new automotive programs. Other compliance attributes (REACH, halogen-free, conflict minerals) are not published in the verified data.