The Adafruit MSA301 is a compact, low-cost triple-axis accelerometer with 14-bit resolution and a rich set of built-in motion detection features. Despite its small size and low price, it includes tap/double-tap detection, orientation sensing, freefall detection, and configurable data rates from 1 Hz to 500 Hz.

Communicating over I2C at a fixed address (0x26), the MSA301 draws as little as 2 µA in low-power mode — ideal for battery-powered projects. The breakout includes a 3.3 V regulator and level shifting for compatibility with both 3.3 V and 5 V systems, plus STEMMA QT / Qwiic connectors for solderless wiring.

Key Features

• 3-Axis Accelerometer – 14-bit resolution with ±2g/±4g/±8g/±16g selectable range
• Motion Detection – Tap, double-tap, orientation, and freefall detection built in
• Configurable Data Rate – 1 Hz to 500 Hz output options
• Ultra-Low Power – As low as 2 µA in low-power mode (sensor only)
• Interrupt Output – Hardware interrupt pin for event-driven sensing
• I2C Interface – Fixed address 0x26
• STEMMA QT / Qwiic Connectors – Solderless I2C connection (cable not included)
• 3.3 V and 5 V Compatible – On-board regulator and level shifting
• Mounting Holes – Four 2.5 mm holes for secure attachment

Ideal For

• Motion and gesture detection
• Tilt and orientation sensing
• Wearable electronics and activity tracking
• Battery-powered projects requiring low-current accelerometry

Package Contents

• 1× Adafruit MSA301 Triple Axis Accelerometer Breakout (assembled and tested)
• 1× Header strip

Resources

• STEMMA QT Overview
• Arduino Library (GitHub)
• CircuitPython Library (GitHub)