MMA7261QR2 - ±2.5g/10g 3-Axis Accelerometer | NXP | 16-QFN
MPN: MMA7261QR2 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.85 | $7.85 |
| 10 | $6.92 | $69.20 |
| 100 | $5.41 | $541.00 |
| 500 | $4.3 | $2,150.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.62 | $3,620.00 |
MMA7261QR2 Overview
An accelerometer (also called a g-sensor) is a MEMS device that measures proper acceleration along one or more axes. The MMA7261QR2 is a 3-axis accelerometer, meaning it senses motion in X, Y, and Z simultaneously. Capacitive-sensing MEMS accelerometers occupy the product hierarchy: accelerometer -> MEMS motion sensor -> inertial sensor -> sensor IC -> semiconductor. These devices translate gravitational and inertial force into a measurable electrical signal for tilt, vibration, shock, and motion detection.
Key specifications include a maximum supply of 3.6 V (typical 3.3 V operation), supply current of 500 µA, zero-g offset full-scale span and filter characteristics trimmed at the factory, and selectable bandwidths of 350 Hz (X, Y) or 150 Hz (Z). The g-Select (g-SEL1, g-SEL2) logic inputs allow four sensitivity ranges to be chosen in-circuit. Sleep mode reduces supply current to 3 µA, enabling battery-powered portable designs.
The capacitive sensing cell uses a polysilicon micromachined structure suspended over fixed beams. Deflection under acceleration changes the differential capacitance, which is converted to a ratiometric analog voltage by an on-chip ASIC. The integrated low-pass filter limits high-frequency alias noise before the output stage. Factory calibration of offset and sensitivity supports <10 % total error over the operating range.
Typical applications include portable consumer electronics such as cell phones, PDAs, MP3 players, handheld games, and PND dead-reckoning; HDD freefall detection and laptop computer security; and industrial / medical motion monitoring. The wide dynamic range and selectable full scale make it well suited to battery-powered gadgets where the g range can be dynamically optimized for activity versus freefall.
When designing in the MMA7261QR2, place the decoupling capacitor within 1 cm of the supply pin and route g-Select lines to GPIO outputs so application firmware can switch range on the fly. Confirm mechanical isolation from PCB flexure and vibration to avoid output noise in handheld products.
This page synthesizes distributor live inventory, drop-in accelerometer substitutes, and design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet to help engineers evaluate the MMA7261QR2 for new designs or legacy replacements.
Drop-in alternatives for MMA7261QR2 — 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 MMA7261QR2 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Output Type, Package, Sensor Type, Acceleration Range, Filter.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MMA7260QR2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →MMA7261QR2-Q
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MMA7261Q
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →MMA7261QR2 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Sensor Type | 3-Axis Accelerometer (X, Y, Z) |
| Acceleration Range | ±2.5g, ±3.3g, ±6.7g, ±10g (selectable) |
| Output Type | Analog, ratiometric |
| Sensitivity (typ) | 480 mV/g (at 1.5 g, 3.3 V supply) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.2 V to 3.6 V |
| Supply Current (active) | 500 µA |
| Supply Current (sleep mode) | 3 µA |
| Bandwidth (X, Y) | 350 Hz |
| Bandwidth (Z) | 150 Hz |
| Filter | 1-pole low-pass, on-chip |
| g-Select Inputs | 2 (4 sensitivity modes) |
| Package | 16-QFN (6 mm × 6 mm), exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -20 °C to +85 °C |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Lead Free, RoHS Compliant |
MMA7261QR2 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 2 | g-SEL1 — g-Select logic input 1 (selects sensitivity range) |
| Pin 3 | g-SEL2 — g-Select logic input 2 (selects sensitivity range) |
| 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 | Sleep — Sleep mode input (active low to enable sleep) |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 11 | XOUT — X-axis analog output |
| Pin 12 | YOUT — Y-axis analog output |
| Pin 13 | ZOUT — Z-axis analog output |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Power supply (+2.2 V to +3.6 V) |
| Pin 15 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 16 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
MMA7261QR2 is suitable for 6 applications: Hard-Drive Freefall Detection, Cell-Phone and PDA Tilt / Motion Sensing, Laptop Computer Security and Anti-Theft, Portable Navigation Device (PND) Dead-Reckoning, Medical Patient-Motion / Activity Monitor, Hand-Held Gaming and Motion-Controlled UI.
Hard-Drive Freefall Detection
The NXP MMA7261QR2 is widely used as the freefall sensor inside portable laptop hard drives, where it must detect the near-zero-g moment of a dropped system and command the drive to park its heads within milliseconds. Its selectable ±10 g range (set via g-SEL1=1, g-SEL2=1) keeps the zero-g target at the centre of the dynamic range, maximising resolution of the drop event while still tolerating large shock transients during normal handling. The integrated 1-pole low-pass filter (350 Hz X/Y, 150 Hz Z) suppresses high-frequency vibration that would otherwise trigger spurious interrupts, and the analog ratiometric output feeds directly into a host ADC or comparator for sub-millisecond threshold detection. With 3 µA sleep current the part can remain armed in standby the entire time the drive is idle.
Recommended
Cell-Phone and PDA Tilt / Motion Sensing
The MMA7261QR2 gives cell phones, PDAs and handheld game consoles a true 3-axis tilt and motion sense from a single 6 mm × 6 mm part. Tying the g-Select inputs to MCU GPIO lets firmware switch dynamically between ±2.5 g for fine tilt UI and ±10 g for hard shake gestures or screen-rotation events without re-flashing the application. The ratiometric analog output swings around Vdd/2 (≈1.65 V at 3.3 V) so it can feed directly into the MCU's ADC. The accelerometer is factory-calibrated to <10 % total error and the on-chip temperature compensation eliminates the need for end-of-line calibration in consumer products.
Recommended
Laptop Computer Security and Anti-Theft
In mobile computing, the MMA7261QR2 functions as an always-on motion sentinel: any unexpected tilt or acceleration above a user-defined threshold wakes the host and triggers a security response, lock-screen, or alarm. The analog outputs can be polled periodically by a low-power MCU in deep sleep; a sudden level change triggers full-power wake-up, after which the firmware may switch g-Select to a higher range for sharper impact detection. Operating current of 500 µA active and 3 µA sleep keeps the security watchdog budget well under 1 % of typical laptop battery capacity. The exposed-pad QFN aids thermal dissipation and improves mechanical robustness against solder-joint fatigue in portable plastic enclosures.
Recommended
Portable Navigation Device (PND) Dead-Reckoning
Personal navigation devices use accelerometer inputs to augment GPS in tunnels and urban canyons where satellite lock is lost. The MMA7261QR2's ±2.5 g / ±10 g switched ranges let the PND distinguish pedestrian walking acceleration from vehicle driving acceleration, both of which are critical inputs to the dead-reckoning filter. Bandwidths of 350 Hz X/Y and 150 Hz Z cover the dominant energy of human gait and vehicle dynamics. The analog ratiometric output pairs naturally with the device's existing ADC subsystem. With the part in Sleep Mode between samples, a pedestrian-navigation subsystem can be implemented at milliwatt average power.
Recommended
Medical Patient-Motion / Activity Monitor
Wearable patient monitors and fall-detection pendants need a tiny, low-power 3-axis accelerometer. The MMA7261QR2 fits: the 6 mm × 6 mm QFN mounts inside a wrist band or pendant, the selectable g range allows the firmware to track both slow postural tilt (±2.5 g) and quick fall impacts (±10 g), and 3 µA quiescent current means an on-board coin cell can power multi-month deployments. On-chip temperature compensation and factory zero-g calibration remove the need for in-field trimming by clinical staff. The exposed pad aids solder joint reliability under repeated flexure from body movement.
Recommended
Hand-Held Gaming and Motion-Controlled UI
Game controllers, smart remotes and pointer-style input devices translate user hand motion into on-screen actions using a 3-axis accelerometer. The MMA7261QR2's wide ±2.5 g to ±10 g selectable range covers both fine pointer tilt and sharp gesture shakes, and the 350 Hz X/Y bandwidth keeps fast motion gestures from being attenuated. The 16-QFN package keeps the BOM real estate minimal so the controller can stay small and light. Analog ratiometric output works with virtually any host MCU that has an ADC, simplifying integration into existing game-console reference designs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MMA7261QR2 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MMA7260QR2 | MMA7261QR2-Q | MMA7261Q |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 16-QFN (6x6 mm) | 16-QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 16-QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 16-QFN (6x6 mm) - same |
| Acceleration Range | ±2.5 / ±3.3 / ±6.7 / ±10 g | ±1.5 / ±2 / ±3 / ±6 g | ±2.5 / ±3.3 / ±6.7 / ±10 g (identical) | ±2.5 / ±3.3 / ±6.7 / ±10 g (identical) |
| Output Type | Analog, ratiometric | Analog, ratiometric (identical) | Analog, ratiometric (identical) | Analog, ratiometric (identical) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.2 V to 3.6 V | 2.2 V to 3.6 V (identical) | 2.2 V to 3.6 V (identical) | 2.2 V to 3.6 V (identical) |
| Supply Current (active) | 500 µA | 500 µA (identical) | 500 µA (identical) | 500 µA (identical) |
| Sensitivity (typ @ 3.3 V) | 480 mV/g | 800 mV/g | 480 mV/g (identical) | 480 mV/g (identical) |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (R2 suffix) | Tape & Reel (R2 suffix) | Tape & Reel (R2 suffix), AEC-Q100 grade | Tray (Q suffix) |
| AEC-Q100 Automotive | No | No | Yes (AEC-Q100) | No |
Key Differentiators
- Selectable g ranges vs higher peak full-scale (vs MMA7260QR2)
- Standard grade now, automotive grade same package (vs MMA7261QR2-Q)
- Identical silicon in tray-friendly packaging (vs MMA7261Q)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 3.3 V active supply, the MMA7261QR2 draws approximately 500 µA in continuous mode. Add a 0.1 µF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor within 1 cm of the VDD pin and a 10 µF bulk cap on the regulator rail if it also powers the ADC. Switching to Sleep Mode (tied to GND for low) drops consumption to ~3 µA, which is acceptable for battery-powered wearables that wake the part periodically via a host GPIO.
Use generous copper pads under the exposed thermal pad of the 16-QFN and stitch vias to a solid inner ground plane to improve solder-joint robustness against shock and vibration. Keep high-speed digital lines (MCU data buses, RF traces) at least 5 mm away from the analog XOUT/YOUT/ZOUT traces to avoid coupling onto the low-amplitude signals. Route the three axis outputs as matched-length differential-style traces if the host ADC uses simultaneous sampling.
Do not leave the g-Select pins floating - either tie them to VDD or GND, or drive them with MCU GPIOs. Floating pins can trigger unintended sensitivity modes and inject noise. Also confirm that the host ADC reference is the same rail used by the accelerometer; using a different reference defeats the ratiometric output and reintroduces supply-noise sensitivity that the part was designed to reject.
Place a 100 Ω series ferrite bead on the supply trace close to the VDD pin if the rail is shared with switching regulators, to prevent switching noise from coupling into the analog ratiometric output. The on-chip 1-pole 350 Hz/150 Hz filter is not a substitute for supply noise rejection at higher frequencies - decoupling remains essential.
Compliance Information
Lead-Free and RoHS Compliant per NXP / distributor product pages. AEC-Q100 qualification available on the MMA7261QR2-Q variant (not on the standard part). REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-mineral declarations not stated in the verified web data.
