The HMC5883L GY-271 is a popular, low-power 3-axis digital magnetometer designed to measure the earth's magnetic fields. It is commonly used as a digital compass in robotics, navigation, and portable electronic devices. The module communicates with microcontrollers via a simple I2C serial bus, providing highly accurate heading information. Its small size, low power consumption, and reliable performance make it an essential component for any project requiring absolute orientation or magnetic field sensing.

Specifications

• Sensor Chip: Honeywell HMC5883L
• Magnetic Field Range (Full Scale): +/- 8 Gauss (or +/- 800 uT)
• Measurement Axes: X, Y, and Z
• Digital Interface: I2C (Two-Wire Serial Bus)
• Operating Voltage: 3V to 5V (Module dependent, often includes an LDO regulator)
• Data Output Rate: Up to 160 Hz (user selectable)
• Sensitivity: High resolution down to 2 milli-Gauss

Features

• Digital Compass: Provides accurate heading information relative to magnetic North when properly calibrated.
• Integrated Signal Processing: Includes built-in 12-bit Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) and offset compensation.
• Low Power Consumption: Suitable for battery-operated and portable applications.
• Multiple Operating Modes: Supports various modes to optimize for speed or power consumption.
• Common Applications:
  • Drone and UAV navigation
  • Robotics and autonomous vehicles
  • Digital compass and mapping
  • Magnetic field detection