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Copyright © Parallax Inc. 4-Directional Tilt Sensor (#28036) v1.0 12/20/2010 Page 1 of 4
4-Directional Tilt Sensor (#28036)
The 4-Directional Tilt Sensor is a perfect accelerometer replacement in those applications which may not
need precise angular feedback. This type of sensor is commonly used in many smart phones and digital
cameras as a cheaper means to adjust the screen display when the device is rotated.
Features

Small 6-pin DIP packaging with
breadboard-friendly 0.1" pin spacing
 Easy communication with any
microcontroller
 Positional feedback in four directions
Key Specifications

Power Requirements: 3 to 5.5 VDC
 Communication Interface: 2-pin
high/low output for four sensor states
 Operating temperature: 32 to 122 °F
(0 to 50 °C)
 Dimensions: 0.42 x 0.32 x 0.49 in
(1.07 x 0.81 x 1.24 cm)
Application Ideas

Rotating display adjustment
 Robotic movement
 Tilt sensing for remote controls
 Alarm systems
Resources and Downloads
Check for the latest version of this document, free software, and example programs from the 4-
Directional Tilt Sensor product page. Go to www.parallax.com and search 28036.
Theory of Operation
Internally, the 4-Directional Tilt Sensor includes one IR LED, two phototransistors, and a small ball that
moves when the sensor is rotated. Depending on the orientation of the sensor, the two phototransistors
will output high or low signals depending whether light is detected or not. New locations are triggered
when the sensor is rotated roughly 30° toward the new position.
The chart below depicts the cylinder location when rotating the sensor, and the output states of each
phototransistor during revolution.