Integrating advanced USB interface IC & high-performance accelerometer enables seamless transfer of positioning data to enhance user experience

 FTDI Chip has added to the array of hardware solutions it offers professional engineers and hobbyist working with the extremely prevalent Arduino open-source electronics development platform. The company’s FT121 G-Sensor shield focusses on the implementation of Arduino-based gaming systems, enabling such projects to be conceived and subsequently executed simply and rapidly through its USB human interface device (HID) class support. This follows on from the recent news that FTDI Chip’s FT800 Embedded Video Engine (EVE) product has been included in Excamera’s Gameduino 2 handheld games console.

The FT121 G-Sensor shield can be connected directly to an Arduino Pro development board, with data transfer carried out via the SPI interface. This allows the system microcontroller unit (MCU) on the Arduino unit to access the shield’s FT121 USB device controller IC and the 3-axis linear accelerometer (STMicroelectronics’ LIS331DLH). Selectable SPI and I²C interfaces can be used to control the different axes of the accelerometer (X, Y and Z) with selectable full scales of ±2g, ±4g and ±8g available.

With dimensions of 53.98mm x 63.50mm, the shield has 3 push buttons and 2 LEDs through which the HID mechanism can be implemented. Running off a 5V supply, the shield has an on-board 3.3V regulator for powering the accelerometer. A mini-B USB connector is also included. An operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C is supported. Pricing of the FT121 G-Sensor shield is $24.95 for a single unit.

For more information on this product go to: http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/DataSheets/Modules/DS_FT121_G_Sensor_Shield.pdf