**ADXL362BCCZ-RL7: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the Ultra-Low-Power 3-Axis MEMS Accelerometer**
The ADXL362BCCZ-RL7 from Analog Devices represents a significant advancement in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, engineered specifically for applications where ultra-low power consumption is paramount without compromising performance. This 3-axis accelerometer stands out in the crowded sensor market by offering a unique combination of minimal power draw, high-resolution output, and integrated functionality that makes it an ideal choice for a vast array of battery-powered and always-on devices.
**At the heart of its design is an ultra-low power architecture.** Unlike accelerometers that use duty cycling to achieve low power, the ADXL362 operates in a full measurement mode while consuming a remarkably low 1.8 µA at a 100 Hz output data rate (ODR). This approach eliminates the inherent aliasing and input signal attenuation associated with pulsed operation, ensuring data integrity is maintained. Power consumption drops to a mere 270 nA when in wake-up mode, making it exceptionally suited for applications that spend long periods in a sleep state, waiting for a trigger event.
**The device provides a selectable measurement range of ±2g, ±4g, and ±8g**, catering to various motion sensing needs from subtle tilt measurements to higher-impact shocks. It delivers its data through a 12-bit digital output, providing high-resolution information on all three axes simultaneously. This resolution is critical for accurately discerning minute changes in acceleration, which is essential for advanced applications like medical wearables monitoring patient activity or industrial condition monitoring systems detecting early signs of machinery failure.
A key feature that enhances its utility in power-sensitive systems is its **deeply embedded FIFO (First-In, First-Out) buffer**. This 512-sample buffer allows the system microcontroller to remain in a deep sleep mode for extended periods while the ADXL362 autonomously collects and stores data. The microcontroller only needs to wake up intermittently to retrieve large blocks of data from the FIFO, dramatically reducing the overall system power budget.
Furthermore, the accelerometer includes **on-chip activity and inactivity sensing**. These functions can be configured to automatically monitor acceleration patterns and trigger interrupts based on user-defined thresholds. This allows the host processor to be completely shut down until a meaningful motion event occurs, enabling true "always-on" sensing for years on a single coin-cell battery.
The ADXL362BCCZ-RL7 is offered in a compact, 3.0 mm × 3.25 mm × 1.06 mm LGA package, facilitating its integration into space-constrained designs. Its robust feature set, including a SPI digital interface and excellent temperature stability, ensures reliability across consumer, industrial, and medical applications.
**ICGOODFIND:** The ADXL362BCCZ-RL7 is a benchmark in ultra-low-power motion sensing, successfully balancing minimal energy consumption with high performance. Its always-on measurement mode, embedded FIFO, and intelligent interrupt engines make it a superior choice for designers of wireless sensor nodes, portable medical devices, asset trackers, and any application where longevity and reliable motion data are critical.
**Keywords:** Ultra-Low-Power, MEMS Accelerometer, Always-On Sensing, High-Resolution, FIFO Buffer.