MMA6271QT - ±2.5g/10g 2-Axis Micromachined Accelerometer | NXP
MPN: MMA6271QT ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.95 | $7.95 |
| 10 | $7.2 | $72.00 |
| 100 | $6.45 | $645.00 |
| 500 | $5.7 | $2,850.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.05 | $5,050.00 |
MMA6271QT Overview
A micromachined accelerometer is a MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) sensor that converts gravitational or inertial acceleration into an analog voltage via the deflection of a proof mass between capacitive plates. In the system hierarchy, the MMA6271QT sits at the sensor/transducer tier, above raw signal output and below the host microcontroller that digitises and interprets the data. Two-axis accelerometers measure inclination and motion in a plane - typically used for tilt sensing, gaming input, hard-disk protection and basic motion detection - and are differentiated from three-axis IMUs (inertial measurement units) by their lack of a Z-axis and (in this case) any digital interface.
Key features include zero-g offset full-scale span calibration, integrated temperature compensation, g-Select sensitivity switching, a 1-pole analogue low-pass filter with user-set bandwidth, and a self-test pin for end-of-line verification. The device operates from a single 3.3 V supply (2.2 V to 3.6 V) and draws approximately 1.0 mA quiescent current, making it suitable for portable battery-powered systems.
The MMA6271QT uses NXP's surface-micromachined polysilicon sense element with differential capacitive readout, which provides high sensitivity per g and excellent offset stability over the -40 °C to +105 °C industrial operating range. The integrated signal chain - sensor + op-amp + filter + output buffer - eliminates the need for external signal conditioning components.
Typical applications include HDD free-fall detection, tilt and orientation sensing in consumer electronics, motion-activated user interfaces, vibration monitoring in industrial equipment, and gaming controllers. The four g-Select ranges cover most low-g motion-sensing scenarios with one device.
Design tip: place 0.1 µF decoupling capacitors close to the VDD and GND pins, and route the analogue outputs away from switching converters to preserve signal integrity. For accurate tilt measurement, calibrate zero-g offset at room temperature after reflow.
This page synthesises distributor availability, drop-in alternative listings and practical MEMS design notes that are not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, providing a one-stop reference for component selection.
Drop-in alternatives for MMA6271QT — 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 MMA6271QT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Output Type, Package, Self-Test, Sensor Type, Supply Voltage.
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)
MMA6801KW
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MMA6813BKCWR2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →MMA6821BKWR2
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MMA6271QT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Sensor Type | Accelerometer, 2-axis (X, Y) |
| Technology | Capacitive MEMS (micromachined) |
| Acceleration Ranges | ±2.5g, ±3.3g, ±6.7g, ±10g (g-Select) |
| Bandwidth | 350 Hz (1-pole low-pass filter) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.2 V to 3.6 V (3.3 V typical) |
| Output Type | Analogue voltage, ratio-metric to VDD |
| Self-Test | Yes (active high on dedicated pin) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +105 °C |
| Package | 16-QFN (HQCCN), 6 x 6 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Number of Pins | 16 |
| RoHS Status | RoHS Compliant |
| Lead-Free Status | Lead Free |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete |
| Packaging (rail/tape) | Tray |
MMA6271QT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Power supply (2.2 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 2 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 3 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 4 | XOUT — X-axis analogue acceleration output |
| Pin 5 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 6 | YOUT — Y-axis analogue acceleration output |
| Pin 7 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 8 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 9 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 10 | g-SEL1 — g-Select range select input 1 |
| Pin 11 | g-SEL2 — g-Select range select input 2 |
| Pin 12 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 13 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 14 | ST — Self-test (active high) |
| Pin 15 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 16 | NC — Not connected |
Typical Applications
MMA6271QT is suitable for 6 applications: HDD Free-Fall Detection, Tilt and Orientation Sensing, Motion-Activated User Interface, Vibration Monitoring in Industrial Equipment, Gaming Controller Motion Input, Portable Medical Motion/Posture Sensing.
HDD Free-Fall Detection
The MMA6271QT's selectable ±10g range makes it well suited to hard-disk drive free-fall protection, where a sudden acceleration event above 1 g must be detected within milliseconds to park the drive heads before impact. Placed on the HDD PCB and powered from the 3.3 V rail, the analogue X/Y outputs feed a host comparator or ADC interrupt. Versus a discrete accelerometer plus op-amp design, the integrated signal conditioning and 350 Hz bandwidth provide a clean, low-noise trigger with no external components. The g-Select input lets the same firmware distinguish tilt (low g) from drop (high g) events.
Recommended
Tilt and Orientation Sensing
For tilt and orientation sensing, the MMA6271QT's ±2.5g and ±3.3g modes deliver the highest sensitivity per g, ideal for detecting small inclinations in handheld devices, appliances and industrial displays. The dual X/Y outputs give a 2D tilt vector with a single IC, while the integrated temperature compensation keeps the zero-g drift low across the -40 °C to +105 °C range. In a typical e-compass or level-application design, the MMA6271QT complements a 2-axis magnetometer (e.g. NXP MAG3110) by providing gravity reference. The analogue output drives directly into the host ADC without requiring a digital protocol stack.
Recommended
Motion-Activated User Interface
Consumer electronics use the MMA6271QT to wake up on motion and route gestures - tap, double-tap, tilt-to-page - to the host processor. The 350 Hz bandwidth comfortably captures fast tap transients, while g-Select switching allows the firmware to retarget sensitivity when transitioning from a low-power motion-detection state to a higher-resolution gesture-recognition state. The low 1 mA typical quiescent current is acceptable for battery-powered remotes and game controllers. Compared with a digital-output IMU, the analogue interface needs only two ADC channels, simplifying routing on space-constrained PCBs.
Recommended
Vibration Monitoring in Industrial Equipment
Industrial vibration-monitoring systems use the MMA6271QT in the ±6.7g or ±10g modes to capture machine-condition signatures on motors, pumps and fans. The capacitive MEMS sense element provides good high-frequency response and the 1-pole low-pass filter with external capacitor sets the corner to suppress aliasing before the host ADC. The wide -40 °C to +105 °C range supports factory-floor environments. The analogue outputs can drive long shielded cables to a remote digitiser with proper buffering, and the self-test pin enables periodic end-of-line calibration checks to verify sensor integrity.
Recommended
Gaming Controller Motion Input
Gaming controllers use the MMA6271QT to provide tilt-based steering, weapon-aim motion and gesture recognition on wireless gamepads. The low current draw and small 6x6 mm QFN-16 footprint suit battery-powered handheld enclosures, and g-Select switching allows the host to trade resolution for range depending on whether the player is doing slow aiming or fast flicks. The analogue X/Y outputs are decoded by a single ADC pair on the controller MCU, keeping BOM cost minimal. Per the NXP datasheet, the self-test pin is used at production calibration to confirm MEMS integrity.
Recommended
Portable Medical Motion/Posture Sensing
Wearable medical devices such as posture-correction wearables and patient-activity monitors use the MMA6271QT in the ±2.5g or ±3.3g range to capture subtle inclination of the torso or limb. The integrated temperature compensation ensures stable readings across body-temperature variation (32-42 °C ambient), and the small QFN-16 package fits on flexible wearable PCBs. The analogue outputs are easily integrated into existing bio-signal acquisition front-ends. Compared with a 3-axis digital IMU, the 2-axis analogue interface lowers power consumption and BOM complexity for posture-only applications.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MMA6271QT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MMA6261Q | MMA6262Q | MMA6801KW | MMA6813BKCWR2 | MMA6821BKWR2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 16-QFN (6x6 mm) | 16-QFN (6x6) - same | 16-QFN (6x6) - same | 16-QFN (exposed pad) - same family | 16-QFN (exposed pad) - same family | 16-QFN (exposed pad) - same family |
| Output Type | Analogue (X, Y) | Analogue | Analogue | SPI digital | SPI digital | SPI digital |
| Acceleration Ranges | ±2.5g / ±3.3g / ±6.7g / ±10g | ±1.5g / ±2g | ±1.5g / ±2g | ±10g | ±10g | ±10g |
| g-Select Sensitivity Switching | Yes (4 ranges) | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed (SPI command) | Fixed (SPI command) | Fixed (SPI command) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.2 V to 3.6 V | 2.2 V to 3.6 V | 2.2 V to 3.6 V | 3.135 V to 5.25 V | 3.135 V to 5.25 V | 3.135 V to 5.25 V |
| Resolution | Analogue (continuous) | Analogue | Analogue | 10-bit digital | 10-bit digital | 10-bit digital |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active | Active | Active |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant |
Key Differentiators
- Four-range g-Select switching in one part (vs MMA6261Q)
- Lower supply-voltage range suited to 3.3 V systems (vs MMA6801KW)
- Analogue outputs avoid SPI firmware overhead (vs MMA6813BKCWR2)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 µF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 1) and a 1-10 µF bulk capacitor near the IC to suppress supply transients. The MMA6271QT's analogue outputs are ratio-metric to VDD, so any noise on the 3.3 V rail will appear directly on XOUT/YOUT and may be misinterpreted as motion by the host ADC. Estimated: at 1 mA quiescent current the IC contributes negligible digital switching noise, but upstream switching regulators (buck/boost) can couple switching ripple through VDD; use an LC filter or LDO ahead of the sensor supply.
Route the XOUT and YOUT analogue traces as differential pairs away from switching converter nodes and high-current traces. Keep trace lengths short to minimise parasitic capacitance, which forms an RC with the source resistance and reduces bandwidth. The exposed thermal pad must be soldered to a continuous ground copper pour - this both stabilises the package mechanically under vibration and provides a thermal path. Per NXP application notes, a four-layer PCB with a dedicated ground plane under the sensor significantly improves EMI immunity.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum supply voltage of 3.6 V - even brief transients from an upstream boost regulator can damage the MEMS sense element. After reflow, perform a zero-g calibration at room temperature because solder stress shifts the offset slightly; do not rely on datasheet nominals as the calibrated zero. Finally, exercise the self-test pin during end-of-line test (drive high, observe X/Y delta) - this verifies both MEMS integrity and the integrated signal chain, and is the standard way to catch early-life failures before the product ships.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status confirmed via NXP product page and distributor listings. Halogen-free status not explicitly published; treated as unknown per Data Authenticity Rule 1. AEC-Q100 not stated as qualified for this part - if automotive qualification is required, evaluate the NXP MMA68xx family instead.
