| Feature | Details |
| Sensor Chip | HMC5883L / QMC5883L (Compatible) |
| Interface | I2C (Standard) |
| Measurement Range | ±1.3 to 8 Gauss |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0V to 5.0V DC |
| Heading Accuracy | 1° to 2° |
| Output Resolution | 12-bit ADC |
Product Description The GY-271 3-Axis Electronic Compass is a high-resolution magnetic field sensor designed for low-field magnetic sensing with a digital interface. Based on anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) technology, this sensor measures both the direction and the magnitude of Earth’s magnetic fields. By detecting the magnetic North, it allows microcontrollers to calculate an accurate compass heading. It is a critical component for autonomous drones, mobile robot navigation, and handheld orientation devices that require a reliable "North" reference.
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Key Highlights
3-Axis Magnetometer: Measures magnetic field strength along the X, Y, and Z axes, allowing for accurate heading calculations even when the sensor is not perfectly level.
Integrated Voltage Regulator: The board includes a low-dropout (LDO) regulator, making it safely compatible with both 3.3V and 5V power supplies and logic levels.
Fast I2C Communication: Utilizes the standard I2C protocol, requiring only two data wires (SCL/SDA) to interface with microcontrollers like Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi.
High Resolution: The internal 12-bit ADC provides high-precision data, enabling heading accuracy within 1 to 2 degrees after proper calibration.
Low Power Consumption: Designed for battery-operated devices, the sensor draws minimal current during operation and features a sleep mode for energy efficiency.
Technical Specifications
Operating Temperature: -30°C to +85°C
I2C Address: 0x1E (Standard HMC) or 0x0D (QMC version)
Maximum Output Rate: 160 Hz
Board Dimensions: 14mm x 14mm
Pin Configuration: VCC, GND, SCL, SDA, DRDY (Data Ready)
[Image showing the Earth's magnetic field lines and how the 3-axis sensor aligns with them]
Prototyping & Installation Tip Magnetic sensors are extremely sensitive to Hard Iron and Soft Iron interference. Keep the sensor away from magnets, motors, speakers, and large metal objects (like steel chassis), as these will distort the readings. To get an accurate heading, you must perform a "Calibration" routine (spinning the sensor in a figure-eight pattern) to account for local magnetic offsets. For software, libraries like HMC5883L_Simple or QMC5883LCompass are highly recommended depending on the specific chip variant on the board.
Note: This product is the GY-271 Sensor Module ONLY. Header pins are usually included but may require soldering. Product images are for illustration purposes only.