MMA6280Q - ±1.5/2/4/6g Dual-Axis Accelerometer, 16-QFN | NXP
MPN: MMA6280Q ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.5 | $6.50 |
| 10 | $5.85 | $58.50 |
| 100 | $4.92 | $492.00 |
| 500 | $4.05 | $2,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.3 | $3,300.00 |
MMA6280Q Overview
An accelerometer is a MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) sensor that measures linear acceleration along one or more axes, converting mechanical motion into an electrical signal via a proof-mass whose displacement is detected capacitively. Within the sensor taxonomy, the MMA6280Q sits in the low-g motion-sensor category, between high-g impact sensors (used for crash detection) and ultra-low-noise inclinometers (used for tilt sensing). It is typically paired with a microcontroller that interprets the analog ratiometric output or, in newer variants, a digital I2C/SPI interface.
Key features include 4 user-selectable sensitivities via the g-Select logic pins, ratiometric analog output centered on VDD/2, low 1.5 mA typical supply current, and robust 5000 g mechanical shock survivability. The integrated temperature compensation holds zero-g offset and sensitivity across -20 °C to +85 °C, eliminating external calibration in most consumer and industrial designs. The 1-pole low-pass filter reduces high-frequency noise before the output buffer.
The MMA6280Q uses NXP's surface-micromachined polysilicon sense element suspended over fixed silicon fingers; differential capacitance changes are demodulated by a chopper-stabilized ASIC, producing an output that is ratiometric to the supply. The X and Z sense elements are oriented orthogonally so a single package measures two independent axes, simplifying PCB layout versus two single-axis parts.
Typical applications include tilt sensing in handheld electronics, free-fall detection in data-protection systems, motion-activated user interfaces, anti-theft/anti-tamper alarms, and activity monitoring in portable equipment. Designers choose the g-Select range that matches peak expected acceleration to maximize ADC resolution.
When designing with this part, place a 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin and keep the analog output trace short and guarded from switching nodes. The g-Select pins (g1, g2) are static logic inputs - either tied directly to VDD/GND or driven by a GPIO if range-switching is desired at runtime.
Drop-in alternatives for MMA6280Q — 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 MMA6280Q (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Acceleration Range, Package, RoHS Status, Sensor Type, Output Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MMA6281Q
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MMA7260Q
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →MMA6280QT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MMA2202D
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →MMA3201KEG
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MMA6280Q Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Sensor Type | Accelerometer, Dual Axis (X, Z) |
| Measurement Axes | X, Z |
| Acceleration Range | ±1.5 g, ±2 g, ±4 g, ±6 g (selectable) |
| Sensitivity | 800 mV/g (±1.5 g), 600 mV/g (±2 g), 300 mV/g (±4 g), 200 mV/g (±6 g) |
| X-Axis Bandwidth | 350 Hz |
| Z-Axis Bandwidth | 150 Hz |
| Output Type | Analog, ratiometric |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.2 V to 3.6 V |
| Supply Current | 1.5 mA (typical) |
| Operating Temperature | -20 °C to +85 °C |
| Zero-g Offset | ±1.5 g range, factory trimmed (see datasheet) |
| Mechanical Shock Survivability | 5000 g (unpowered) |
| Package | 16-QFN (HQCCN), 6x6 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Filter | 1-pole low-pass, integrated |
| Temperature Compensation | Built-in |
| RoHS Status | RoHS Compliant (Lead Free) |
MMA6280Q Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 2 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 3 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 4 | g-Select 1 — Range select logic input (g1) |
| Pin 5 | g-Select 2 — Range select logic input (g2) |
| Pin 6 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Power supply (2.2 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 8 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 9 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 10 | Xout — X-axis analog ratiometric output |
| Pin 11 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 12 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 13 | Zout — Z-axis analog ratiometric output |
| Pin 14 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 15 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 16 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
MMA6280Q is suitable for 6 applications: Tilt Sensing in Handheld Electronics, Free-Fall Detection in Hard Drives and Portable Electronics, Motion-Activated User Interfaces, Anti-Theft and Anti-Tamper Alarm Systems, Activity Monitoring in Portable Medical Equipment, Industrial Vibration and Tilt Monitoring.
Tilt Sensing in Handheld Electronics
The MMA6280Q fits handheld tilt-sensing applications because its ±1.5 g low range delivers 800 mV/g sensitivity, maximizing ADC resolution for small-angle measurements. With two axes (X, Z) in a single 16-QFN package, the part measures pitch and roll directly without a third sensor. Designers tie the g-Select pins to VDD/GND to lock the ±1.5 g range and use the ratiometric analog output to an MCU ADC. Compared to digital I2C accelerometers like the MMA8452Q, the MMA6280Q requires no driver code but loses embedded interrupt features.
Recommended
Free-Fall Detection in Hard Drives and Portable Electronics
Free-fall detection in laptops and removable hard drives relies on the MMA6280Q's wide bandwidth (350 Hz X-axis) and low noise floor, which lets the system recognize 0 g transitions in <100 ms. Per NXP application notes, the part's ±1.5 g to ±6 g selectable ranges let the system ignore minor vibrations while still triggering on sustained zero-g. The single 3.3 V supply and 1.5 mA current suit battery-backed designs. Pair with a microcontroller that monitors the Xout/Zout rails and parks the drive head within milliseconds of the trigger.
Recommended
Motion-Activated User Interfaces
Motion-activated user interfaces (tap-to-wake, gesture recognition, tilt-to-scroll) use the MMA6280Q to detect sub-g accelerations as small as a few degrees of tilt. The 4 selectable g-ranges let designers optimize for the specific gesture amplitude - tap detection typically uses ±6 g (200 mV/g) while tilt-to-scroll uses ±1.5 g (800 mV/g). The on-chip 1-pole low-pass filter rejects high-frequency mechanical noise from handheld vibration. The ratiometric output drives an MCU ADC without an external reference, minimizing BOM cost.
Recommended
Anti-Theft and Anti-Tamper Alarm Systems
Anti-theft and anti-tamper alarms use the MMA6280Q to detect sudden motion, position changes, or tilting of a protected asset. The ±6 g upper range captures impacts from knocks and unauthorized handling while the lower ranges detect gentle tilt. Per NXP datasheet, the 5000 g mechanical shock survivability ensures the part survives attempted tampering without damage. The compact 16-QFN (HQCCN) 6x6 mm package fits inside small alarm housings, and the low 1.5 mA supply current extends battery life in wireless security devices.
Recommended
Activity Monitoring in Portable Medical Equipment
Activity monitoring in portable medical equipment (fall detectors, patient activity trackers, rehabilitation devices) leverages the MMA6280Q's low-g resolution and small footprint. The dual X/Z axes enable classification of posture (standing, sitting, lying) from simple tilt signatures. Per NXP documentation, the integrated temperature compensation keeps zero-g offset stable from -20 °C to +85 °C without external calibration, important for medical wearables exposed to body-heat gradients. The analog output simplifies isolation in battery-powered designs.
Recommended
Industrial Vibration and Tilt Monitoring
Industrial vibration and tilt monitoring of machinery, pipelines, and structural equipment uses the MMA6280Q's 350 Hz X-axis bandwidth to capture vibration signatures up to several hundred Hz. The ratiometric analog output couples directly to industrial 4-20 mA loop transmitters or MCU ADC inputs via the 0.1 µF-decoupled VDD pin. Per NXP datasheet, the part's -20 °C to +85 °C operating range covers most factory environments. The 16-QFN package provides mechanical robustness with 5000 g shock survivability for installation near heavy equipment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MMA6280Q — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MMA6281Q | MMA7260Q | MMA6280QT | MMA2202D | MMA3201KEG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-QFN (HQCCN) 6x6 mm | 16-QFN (HQCCN) 6x6 mm - same | 16-QFN (HQCCN) 6x6 mm - same | 16-QFN (HQCCN) 6x6 mm - same | 16-QFN (HQCCN) 6x6 mm - same | 16-QFN (HQCCN) 6x6 mm - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Output Type | Analog ratiometric | Digital I2C/SPI | Analog ratiometric | Analog ratiometric | Analog ratiometric | Analog ratiometric |
| Axes | X, Z | X, Z | X, Z | X, Z | X | X |
| Acceleration Range | ±1.5/2/4/6 g (selectable) | ±1.5/2/4/6 g (selectable) | ±1.5/2/4/6 g (selectable) | ±1.5/2/4/6 g (selectable) | ±20 g (fixed) | ±100 g (fixed) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Selectable g-range via simple logic pins (vs MMA2202D)
- Dual-axis X/Z in a single small package (vs MMA3201KEG)
- Analog ratiometric output for direct ADC reading (vs MMA6281Q)
Design Notes
Decouple the VDD pin with a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the IC, with the trace to the capacitor kept short and direct to GND. The MMA6280Q draws 1.5 mA typical; per NXP datasheet, peak transient current during switching can be higher, so an additional bulk capacitor (1-10 µF) near the supply pin improves noise on the ratiometric output. Use a low-noise LDO (e.g., a 3.3 V LDO with <30 µVrms noise) to power VDD - ratiometric output scales with VDD, so any supply noise couples directly into the measurement.
Per NXP application guidance, place the 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor on the same PCB layer as the MMA6280Q with the ground via adjacent to the GND pin. The 16-QFN HQCCN package requires a 6x6 mm land pattern with a center exposed pad that must be soldered to a ground plane for thermal dissipation and mechanical stability. Avoid routing noisy digital traces (clocks, switching converter nodes) directly under or parallel to the Xout/Zout analog traces - cross them at 90° if intersection is unavoidable. Keep the sensor isolated from vibration sources on the board (motors, fans).
Estimated: driving VDD above 3.6 V absolute maximum will permanently damage the MMA6280Q; many designers accidentally feed it 5 V from a legacy rail - always verify the rail voltage before applying power. The g-Select pins (g1, g2) are NOT floating inputs - if left disconnected, the input voltage is undefined and the selected g-range may shift mid-operation; tie them directly to VDD or GND, or drive them from a defined logic source. The Z-axis bandwidth (150 Hz) is lower than X (350 Hz); users measuring both axes with the same sample rate must respect the Z-axis's lower bandwidth to avoid aliasing.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per DigiKey listing (Lead Free status confirmed). Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is a consumer/industrial-grade part. Halogen-free status not stated in available data. NXP/Freescale conflict-minerals reporting compliant.
