Small, Low Power, 3-Axis

±200 g Accelerometer
Data Sheet ADXL377
FEATURES GENERAL DESCRIPTION
3-axis sensing The ADXL377 is a small, thin, low power, complete 3-axis
Small, low profile package accelerometer with signal conditioned voltage outputs. The
3 mm × 3 mm × 1.45 mm LFCSP ADXL377 measures acceleration resulting from motion, shock,
Low power: 300 µA (typical) or vibration with a typical full-scale range of ±200 g.
Single-supply operation: 1.8 V to 3.6 V
The user selects the bandwidth of the accelerometer using
10,000 g shock survival
the CX, CY, and CZ capacitors at the XOUT, YOUT, and ZOUT pins.
Excellent temperature stability
Bandwidths can be selected to suit the application, with a range
Bandwidth adjustment with a single capacitor per axis
of 0.5 Hz to 1300 Hz for the x-axis and y-axis and a range of
RoHS/WEEE and lead-free compliant
0.5 Hz to 1000 Hz for the z-axis.
APPLICATIONS The ADXL377 is available in a small, low profile, 3 mm × 3 mm ×
Concussion and head trauma detection 1.45 mm, 16-lead lead frame chip scale package (LFCSP_LQ).
High force event detection

FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM

+3V

VS

ADXL377
OUTPUT 32kΩ XOUT
AC AMPLIFIERS
AMPLIFIER CX

CDC 32kΩ YOUT

DEMODULATOR
3-AXIS CY
SENSOR
32kΩ ZOUT

CZ

GND ST
10765-001

Figure 1.

Rev. 0 Document Feedback

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ADXL377 Data Sheet

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Features .............................................................................................. 1 Performance ...................................................................................8
Applications ....................................................................................... 1 Applications Information .................................................................9
General Description ......................................................................... 1 Power Supply Decoupling ............................................................9
Functional Block Diagram .............................................................. 1 Setting the Bandwidth Using CX, CY, and CZ .............................9
Revision History ............................................................................... 2 Self-Test ..........................................................................................9
Specifications..................................................................................... 3 Selecting Filter Characteristics: Noise/Bandwidth Trade-Off....9
Absolute Maximum Ratings ............................................................ 4 Axes of Acceleration Sensitivity ............................................... 10
ESD Caution .................................................................................. 4 Layout and Design Recommendations ................................... 11
Pin Configuration and Function Descriptions ............................. 5 Outline Dimensions ....................................................................... 12
Typical Performance Characteristics ............................................. 6 Ordering Guide .......................................................................... 12
Theory of Operation ........................................................................ 8
Mechanical Sensor........................................................................ 8

REVISION HISTORY
9/12—Revision 0: Initial Version

Rev. 0 | Page 2 of 12
Data Sheet ADXL377

SPECIFICATIONS
TA = 25°C, VS = 3 V, CX = CY = CZ = 0.1 μF, acceleration = 0 g, unless otherwise noted. All minimum and maximum specifications are
guaranteed. Typical specifications are not guaranteed.

Table 1.
Parameter Test Conditions/Comments Min Typ Max Unit
SENSOR INPUT Each axis
Measurement Range ±200 g
Nonlinearity % of full scale up to 180 g ±0.5 %
Cross-Axis Sensitivity1 ±1.4 %
SENSITIVITY, RATIOMETRIC2 Each axis
Sensitivity at XOUT, YOUT, and ZOUT VS = 3 V 5.8 6.5 7.2 mV/g
Sensitivity Change Due to Temperature3 VS = 3 V ±0.02 %/°C
ZERO g BIAS LEVEL, RATIOMETRIC
Zero g Voltage VS = 3 V, TA = 25°C 1.4 1.5 1.6 V
Zero g Offset vs. Temperature
X-Axis and Y-Axis ±12 mg/°C
Z-Axis ±30 mg/°C
NOISE PERFORMANCE
Noise Density
XOUT and YOUT 2.7 mg/√Hz
ZOUT 4.3 mg/√Hz
FREQUENCY RESPONSE4
Bandwidth5 No external filter
XOUT and YOUT 1300 Hz
ZOUT 1000 Hz
RFILT Tolerance 32 ± 15% kΩ
Sensor Resonant Frequency 16.5 kHz
SELF-TEST6
Logic Input Low 0.6 V
Logic Input High 2.4 V
ST Actuation Current 60 μA
Output Change Self-test, 0 to 1
At XOUT −6.5 mV
At YOUT 6.5 mV
At ZOUT 11.5 mV
OUTPUT AMPLIFIER No load
Output Swing Low 0.1 V
Output Swing High 2.8 V
POWER SUPPLY
Operating Voltage Range7 1.8 3.0 3.6 V
Supply Current VS = 3 V 300 μA
Turn-On Time8 No external filter 1 ms
OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE −40 +85 °C
1
Defined as coupling between any two axes.
2
Sensitivity is essentially ratiometric to VS.
3
Defined as the output change from ambient temperature to maximum temperature or from ambient temperature to minimum temperature.
4
Actual frequency response controlled by user-supplied external filter capacitors (CX, CY, and CZ).
5
Bandwidth with external capacitors = 1/(2π × 32 kΩ × Cx).
6
Self-test response changes cubically with VS.
7
Tested at 3.0 V and guaranteed by design only (not tested) to work over the full voltage range from 1.8 V to 3.6 V.
8
Turn-on time is dependent on CX, CY, and CZ and is approximately 160 × (CX or CY or CZ) + 1, where CX, CY, and CZ are in μF and the resulting turn-on time is in ms.

Rev. 0 | Page 3 of 12
ADXL377 Data Sheet

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS

Table 2. ESD CAUTION
Parameter Rating
Acceleration (Any Axis)
Unpowered 10,000 g
Powered 10,000 g
VS −0.3 V to +3.6 V
All Other Pins (GND − 0.3 V) to (VS + 0.3 V)
Output Short-Circuit Duration Indefinite
(Any Pin to Ground)
Operating Temperature Range −55°C to +125°C
Storage Temperature Range −65°C to +150°C

Stresses above those listed under Absolute Maximum Ratings

may cause permanent damage to the device. This is a stress
rating only; functional operation of the device at these or any
other conditions above those indicated in the operational
section of this specification is not implied. Exposure to absolute
maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect
device reliability.

Rev. 0 | Page 4 of 12
Data Sheet ADXL377

PIN CONFIGURATION AND FUNCTION DESCRIPTIONS

ZOUT

NC
VS

VS
16 15 14 13

RES 1 ADXL377 12 NC
TOP VIEW
ST 2
(Not to Scale)
11 NC
+Y
RES 3 +Z 10 NC

YOUT 4 +X 9 NC
5 6 7 8

XOUT

GND

GND

NC
NOTES
1. NC = NO CONNECT.
2. THE EXPOSED PAD IS NOT INTERNALLY

10765-002
CONNECTED, BUT SHOULD BE SOLDERED
FOR MECHANICAL INTEGRITY.

Figure 2. Pin Configuration

Table 3. Pin Function Descriptions

Pin No. Mnemonic Description
1, 3 RES Reserved. This pin must be connected to GND or left open.
2 ST Self-Test.
4 YOUT Y Channel Output.
5 XOUT X Channel Output.
6, 7 GND Must be connected to ground.
8 to 13 NC No Connect. Not internally connected.
14, 15 VS Supply Voltage. 3.0 V typical.
16 ZOUT Z Channel Output.
EPAD Exposed Pad. The exposed pad is not internally connected, but should be soldered for mechanical integrity.

Rev. 0 | Page 5 of 12
ADXL377 Data Sheet

TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS

N > 250 for all typical performance figures, unless otherwise noted. N is the number of parts tested and used to produce the histograms.
35 1.525

1.520
30
PERCENT OF POPULATION (%)

1.515
25

OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)

1.510

20 1.505

15 1.500

1.495
10
1.490
5
1.485

0 1.480

10765-006
1.4800

1.4825

1.4850

1.4875

1.4900

1.4925

1.4950

1.4975

1.5000

1.5025

1.5050

1.5075

1.5100

1.5125

1.5150

1.5175

1.5200

–60 –40 –20 0 20 40 60 80 100

10765-003

TEMPERATURE (°C)
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)

Figure 3. X-Axis Zero g Output Voltage at 25°C, VS = 3 V Figure 6. X-Axis Zero g Offset vs. Temperature, VS = 3 V
(14 Parts Soldered to PCB)

30 1.525

1.520
25
PERCENT OF POPULATION (%)

1.515
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)

20 1.510

1.505
15
1.500

10 1.495

1.490
5
1.485

0 1.480

10765-007
1.4800

1.4825

1.4850

1.4875

1.4900

1.4925

1.4950

1.4975

1.5000

1.5025

1.5050

1.5075

1.5100

1.5125

1.5150

1.5175

1.5200

–60 –40 –20 0 20 40 60 80 100

10765-004

TEMPERATURE (°C)
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)

Figure 4. Y-Axis Zero g Output Voltage at 25°C, VS = 3 V Figure 7. Y-Axis Zero g Offset vs. Temperature, VS = 3 V
(14 Parts Soldered to PCB)

90 1.525

80 1.520
PERCENT OF POPULATION (%)

70 1.515
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)

60 1.510

50 1.505

40 1.500

30 1.495

20 1.490

10 1.485

0 1.480
10765-008
1.4800

1.4825

1.4850

1.4875

1.4900

1.4925

1.4950

1.4975

1.5000

1.5025

1.5050

1.5075

1.5100

1.5125

1.5150

1.5175

1.5200

–60 –40 –20 0 20 40 60 80 100

10765-005

TEMPERATURE (°C)
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)

Figure 5. Z-Axis One g Output Voltage at 25°C, VS = 3 V Figure 8. Z-Axis Zero g Offset vs. Temperature, VS = 3 V
(14 Parts Soldered to PCB)

Rev. 0 | Page 6 of 12
Data Sheet ADXL377
25 250

20 200
PERCENT OF POPULATION (%)

15 150

OUTPUT (g)
10 100

5 50
X-AXIS
Y-AXIS
Z-AXIS
0 0

10765-012
6.00
6.05
6.10
6.15
6.20
6.25
6.30
6.35
6.40
6.45
6.50
6.55
6.60
6.65
6.70
6.75
6.80
6.85
6.90
6.95
7.00
0 50 100 150 200

10765-009
REFERENCE ACCELERATION (g)
SENSITIVITY (mV/g)

Figure 9. X-Axis Sensitivity at 25°C, VS = 3 V Figure 12. Typical Output Linearity over the Dynamic Range

30 10

25
PERCENT OF POPULATION (%)

20 SENSITIVITY (mV/g)

15

10

5
X-AXIS, Y-AXIS RESPONSE
Z-AXIS RESPONSE
0 1

10765-013
6.00
6.05
6.10
6.15
6.20
6.25
6.30
6.35
6.40
6.45
6.50
6.55
6.60
6.65
6.70
6.75
6.80
6.85
6.90
6.95
7.00

10 100 1k 10k
10765-010

FREQUENCY (Hz)
SENSITIVITY (mV/g)

Figure 10. Y-Axis Sensitivity at 25°C, VS = 3 V Figure 13. Typical Frequency Response

16

14
PERCENT OF POPULATION (%)

12

10

0
6.00
6.05
6.10
6.15
6.20
6.25
6.30
6.35
6.40
6.45
6.50
6.55
6.60
6.65
6.70
6.75
6.80
6.85
6.90
6.95
7.00

10765-011

SENSITIVITY (mV/g)

Figure 11. Z-Axis Sensitivity at 25°C, VS = 3 V

Rev. 0 | Page 7 of 12
ADXL377 Data Sheet

THEORY OF OPERATION
The ADXL377 is a complete 3-axis acceleration measurement The demodulator output is amplified and brought off chip through
system with a typical measurement range of ±200 g. The ADXL377 a 32 kΩ resistor. The user then sets the signal bandwidth of the
contains a polysilicon, surface-micromachined sensor and signal device by adding a capacitor. This filtering improves measurement
conditioning circuitry to implement an open-loop acceleration resolution and helps prevent aliasing.
measurement architecture. The output signals are analog voltages
MECHANICAL SENSOR
that are proportional to acceleration. The accelerometer can mea-
sure the static acceleration of gravity in tilt-sensing applications, The ADXL377 uses a single structure for sensing the accelera-
as well as dynamic acceleration resulting from motion, shock, tion in the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. As a result, the three sense
or vibration. directions are highly orthogonal with little cross-axis sensitivity.
Mechanical misalignment of the sensor die to the package or
The sensor is a polysilicon, surface-micromachined structure misalignment of the package to the PCB is the chief source of
built on top of a silicon wafer. Polysilicon springs suspend the cross-axis sensitivity. Mechanical misalignment can be calibrated
structure over the surface of the wafer and provide resistance at the system level.
against acceleration forces. Deflection of the structure is mea-
sured using a differential capacitor that consists of independent PERFORMANCE
fixed plates and plates attached to the moving mass. The fixed Rather than using additional temperature compensation circuitry,
plates are driven by 180° out-of-phase square waves. Acceleration the ADXL377 uses innovative design techniques to ensure high
deflects the moving mass and unbalances the differential capacitor, performance. As a result, there is neither quantization error nor
resulting in a sensor output whose amplitude is proportional to nonmonotonic behavior, and temperature hysteresis is very low.
acceleration. Phase-sensitive demodulation techniques are then
used to determine the magnitude and direction of the acceleration.

Rev. 0 | Page 8 of 12
Data Sheet ADXL377

APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
POWER SUPPLY DECOUPLING Never expose the ST pin to voltages greater than VS + 0.3 V. If
For most applications, a single 0.1 µF capacitor, CDC, placed the system design is such that this condition cannot be guaran-
close to the ADXL377 supply pins adequately decouples the teed (for example, if multiple supply voltages are present), it is
accelerometer from noise on the power supply. However, in recommended that a clamping diode with low forward voltage
applications where noise is present at the 50 kHz internal clock be connected between ST and VS.
frequency (or any harmonic thereof), additional care in power SELECTING FILTER CHARACTERISTICS:
supply bypassing is required because this noise can cause errors NOISE/BANDWIDTH TRADE-OFF
in acceleration measurement. The selected accelerometer bandwidth ultimately determines
If additional decoupling is needed, a 100 Ω (or smaller) resistor the measurement resolution (smallest detectable acceleration).
or ferrite bead can be inserted in the supply line. In addition, a Filtering can be used to lower the noise floor, thereby improving
larger bulk bypass capacitor (1 µF or greater) can be added in the resolution of the accelerometer. Resolution is dependent on
parallel to CDC. Ensure that the connection from the ADXL377 the analog filter bandwidth at XOUT, YOUT, and ZOUT.
ground to the power supply ground is low impedance because The output of the ADXL377 has a typical bandwidth of 1000 Hz.
noise transmitted through ground has a similar effect as noise The user must filter the signal at this point to limit aliasing errors.
transmitted through VS. The analog bandwidth must be no more than half the analog-to-
SETTING THE BANDWIDTH USING CX, CY, AND CZ digital sampling frequency to minimize aliasing. The analog
The ADXL377 has provisions for band-limiting the XOUT, YOUT, bandwidth can be decreased further to reduce noise and
and ZOUT pins. A capacitor must be added at each of these pins to improve resolution.
implement low-pass filtering for antialiasing and noise reduction. The ADXL377 noise has the characteristics of white Gaussian
The equation for the −3 dB bandwidth is noise, which contributes equally at all frequencies and is described
f−3 dB = 1/(2π × 32 kΩ × Cx) in terms of µg/√Hz (that is, the noise is proportional to the square
root of the accelerometer bandwidth). Limit the bandwidth to the
or more simply, lowest frequency required by the application to maximize the
f−3 dB = 5 µF/Cx resolution and dynamic range of the accelerometer.
The tolerance of the internal resistor (RFILT) typically varies by as With the single-pole roll-off characteristic, the typical noise of
much as ±15% of its nominal value (32 kΩ), and the bandwidth the ADXL377 is determined by
varies accordingly. A minimum capacitance of 1000 pF for CX,
rms Noise = Noise Density × ( BW × 1.6 )
CY, and CZ is recommended in all cases.
It is often useful to know the peak value of the noise. Peak-to-
Table 4. Filter Capacitor Selection for CX, CY, and CZ peak noise can only be estimated by statistical methods. Table 5
Bandwidth (Hz) Capacitor (µF) can be used to estimate the probability of exceeding various peak
50 0.10 values, given the rms value.
100 0.05
200 0.025 Table 5. Estimation of Peak-to-Peak Noise
500 0.01 Percentage of Time That Noise Exceeds
Peak-to-Peak Value Nominal Peak-to-Peak Value (%)
1000 0.005
2 × rms 32
SELF-TEST 4 × rms 4.6
6 × rms 0.27
The ST pin controls the self-test feature. When this pin is set to
8 × rms 0.006
VS, an electrostatic force is exerted on the accelerometer beam.
The resulting movement of the beam allows the user to test
whether the accelerometer is functional. The typical change in
output is −1.08 g (corresponding to −6.5 mV) for the x-axis,
+1.08 g (or +6.5 mV) for the y-axis, and +1.83 g (or +11.5 mV)
for the z-axis. The ST pin can be left open circuit or connected
to ground (GND) in normal use.

Rev. 0 | Page 9 of 12
ADXL377 Data Sheet
AXES OF ACCELERATION SENSITIVITY
Figure 14 shows the axes of sensitivity for the accelerometer. Figure 15 shows the output response when the accelerometer is oriented
parallel to each of these axes.
AZ

AY

10765-014
AX

Figure 14. Axes of Acceleration Sensitivity (Corresponding Output Voltage Increases When Accelerated Along the Sensitive Axis)

XOUT = –1g
YOUT = 0g
ZOUT = 0g

TOP
GRAVITY

XOUT = 0g XOUT = 0g
YOUT = 1g TOP TOP YOUT = –1g
ZOUT = 0g ZOUT = 0g

TOP

XOUT = 1g
YOUT = 0g
ZOUT = 0g

XOUT = 0g XOUT = 0g
10765-015

YOUT = 0g YOUT = 0g
ZOUT = 1g ZOUT = –1g

Figure 15. Output Response vs. Orientation to Gravity

Rev. 0 | Page 10 of 12
Data Sheet ADXL377
LAYOUT AND DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
Figure 16 shows the recommended soldering profile; Table 6 describes the profile features. Figure 17 shows the recommended PCB layout
or solder land drawing.

CRITICAL ZONE
tP TL TO TP
TP
RAMP-UP

TL

TEMPERATURE
TSMAX tL

TSMIN

tS
PREHEAT RAMP-DOWN

10765-016
t25°C
TIME

Figure 16. Recommended Soldering Profile

Table 6. Recommended Soldering Profile

Profile Feature Sn63/Pb37 Pb-Free
Average Ramp Rate (TL to TP) 3°C/sec max 3°C/sec max
Preheat
Minimum Temperature (TSMIN) 100°C 150°C
Maximum Temperature (TSMAX) 150°C 200°C
Time, TSMIN to TSMAX (tS) 60 sec to 120 sec 60 sec to 180 sec
Ramp-Up Rate (TSMAX to TL) 3°C/sec max 3°C/sec max
Time Maintained Above Liquidous (tL) 60 sec to 150 sec 60 sec to 150 sec
Liquidous Temperature (TL) 183°C 217°C
Peak Temperature (TP) 240°C + 0°C/−5°C 260°C + 0°C/−5°C
Time Within 5°C of Actual Peak Temperature (tP) 10 sec to 30 sec 20 sec to 40 sec
Ramp-Down Rate (TP to TL) 6°C/sec max 6°C/sec max
Time 25°C to Peak Temperature (t25°C) 6 minutes max 8 minutes max

0.40 3
MAX
0.25
0.50

0.30
MAX
0.50

3
1.60

0.25

CENTER PAD IS NOT

INTERNALLY CONNECTED
BUT SHOULD BE SOLDERED
FOR MECHANICAL INTEGRITY

1.60
10765-017

DIMENSIONS SHOWN IN MILLIMETERS

Figure 17. Recommended PCB Layout

Rev. 0 | Page 11 of 12
ADXL377 Data Sheet

OUTLINE DIMENSIONS
3.10 0.30
3.00 SQ 0.25
PIN 1 2.90 0.18
INDICATOR PIN 1
13 16 INDICATOR
0.50
12 1
BSC
EXPOSED 1.70
PAD
1.60 SQ
1.50

9 4
0.45 8 5
0.20 MIN
0.40 BOTTOM VIEW
TOP VIEW
1.50 0.35
1.45 FOR PROPER CONNECTION OF
1.40 THE EXPOSED PAD, REFER TO
THE PIN CONFIGURATION AND
0.05 MAX FUNCTION DESCRIPTIONS
0.02 NOM SECTION OF THIS DATA SHEET.
COPLANARITY
SEATING 0.08

04-27-2010-A
PLANE 0.152 REF

Figure 18. 16-Lead Lead Frame Chip Scale Package [LFCSP_LQ]

3 mm × 3 mm Body, Thick Quad
(CP-16-28)
Dimensions shown in millimeters

ORDERING GUIDE
Measurement Specified
Model 1 Range Voltage Temperature Range Package Description Package Option Branding
ADXL377BCPZ-RL ±200 g 3V −40°C to +85°C 16-Lead LFCSP_LQ CP-16-28 Y4P
ADXL377BCPZ-RL7 ±200 g 3V −40°C to +85°C 16-Lead LFCSP_LQ CP-16-28 Y4P
EVAL-ADXL377Z Evaluation Board
1
Z = RoHS Compliant Part.

©2012 Analog Devices, Inc. All rights reserved. Trademarks and

registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
D10765-0-9/12(0)

Rev. 0 | Page 12 of 12