This article is accurate for the vast majority of GY-521 modules sold from 2015–present. Always verify your specific board version, as clone manufacturers sometimes change resistor values or omit components.
VCC_IN (5V) --- C1(10µF) ---| AMS1117-3.3 |--- C2(10µF) --- VDD_3.3V (IN) (OUT) GND --- C3(0.1µF)
From the schematic, the standard GY-521 pinout (in a 7-pin header or 4-pin variant) is: gy 521 schematic
Some early or simplified GY-521 modules omit the LDO and use a direct 3.3V input – but the standard version includes it for 5V compatibility.
If you have ever worked with robotics, drone stabilizers, or motion-tracking projects, you have likely encountered the module. At its heart lies the famous MPU6050 —a 6-axis MotionTracking device that combines a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer on a single chip. This article is accurate for the vast majority
C5 and C6 must be within 2mm of the MPU6050 VDD and GND pins. GY-521 clones sometimes violate this, causing erratic I2C behavior.
At the heart of the GY-521 schematic lies the MPU-6050, a product of InvenSense (now TDK). To understand the breakout board, we must first understand the chip it supports. If you have ever worked with robotics, drone
The GY-521 breakout board is designed to make the high-precision MPU-6050 sensor accessible for hobbyist electronics and prototyping. While the core sensor operates at a native 3.3V, the GY-521 includes an onboard voltage regulator (typically marked DE=A1D or similar), which allows it to be safely powered by a 5V supply from an Arduino Uno . Specification MPU-6050 Input Voltage 3.3V to 5.0V (DC) Communication I2C Protocol (Up to 400kHz) Gyro Range ±250, 500, 1000, 2000 °/sec Accel Range ±2, 4, 8, 16g ADC Resolution 16-bit for each axis Pinout Configuration