SENSORS/ACTUATORS

INTERNET OF THING (IoT)

ESP32 - Ethernet

ESP32 - GPIO Interrupt

ESP32 - SW520D Tilt Sensor

The SW520D tilt sensor module has the capability to detect tilt or orientation changes in its surroundings. It can be utilized to create tilt-responsive projects like an alarm that activates when an object is disturbed or a servo motor that responds to orientation changes.

In this tutorial, we will learn how to use the ESP32 and a SW520D tilt sensor to detect tilt. We will delve into the following:

Connecting the SW520D tilt sensor to the ESP32
Programming the ESP32 to detect tilt using the SW520D tilt sensor.

Following that, you have the flexibility to modify the code to trigger an LED or a light (using a relay) upon tilt detection, or even enable a servo motor to rotate.

This tutorial shows how to program the ESP32 using the Arduino language (C/C++) via the Arduino IDE. If you’d like to learn how to program the ESP32 with MicroPython, visit this ESP32 MicroPython - SW520D Tilt Sensor tutorial.

Hardware Used In This Tutorial

1	×	38-pin ESP32 ESP-WROOM-32 Dev Module - Narrow
1	×	Alternatively, 38-pin ESP32 ESP-WROOM-32 Dev Module - Wide
1	×	Alternatively, 30-pin ESP32 ESP-WROOM-32 Dev Module - Wide
1	×	Alternatively, ESP32 Uno-form board
1	×	Alternatively, ESP32 S3 Uno-form board
1	×	USB Cable Type-A to Type-C (for USB-A PC)
1	×	USB Cable Type-C to Type-C (for USB-C PC)
1	×	SW520D Tilt Sensor Module
1	×	Breadboard
1	×	Jumper Wires
1	×	Optionally, 5V Power Adapter for ESP32
1	×	Recommended: Screw Terminal Expansion Board for ESP32
1	×	Recommended: Breakout Expansion Board for ESP32
1	×	Recommended: Power Splitter for ESP32

Or you can buy the following kits:

1	×	DIYables ESP32 Starter Kit (ESP32 included)
1	×	DIYables Sensor Kit (18 sensors/displays)

Disclosure: Some of the links in this section are Amazon affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through them. Additionally, some links direct you to products from our own brand, DIYables .

Introduction to SW520D Tilt Sensor

The SW520D tilt sensor module can be used to detect tilt or orientation changes in the surrounding environment. Inside the module, there is a small metal ball that rolls between two electrical contacts depending on the tilt angle. The module outputs a simple digital signal (ON/OFF), which makes it easy to interface with the ESP32.

The SW520D Tilt Sensor Pinout

The SW520D tilt sensor has three pins:

VCC pin: needs to be connected to VCC (3.3V to 5V)
GND pin: needs to be connected to GND (0V)
DO pin: is an output pin: HIGH when the sensor is upright and LOW when the sensor is tilted. This pin needs to be connected to ESP32's input pin.

image source: diyables.io

The SW520D tilt sensor module has two LED indicators:

One LED indicator shows the power status.
Another LED indicator shows the tilt state, turning on when the sensor is upright and off when it is tilted.

How It Works

Here's how the output pin of the sensor behaves:

When the sensor is upright, the metal ball inside closes the contact, and the output pin is set to HIGH.
When the sensor is tilted, the metal ball inside opens the contact, and the output pin is set to LOW.

Wiring Diagram

How to connect ESP32 and SW520D tilt sensor using breadboard

This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image

How to connect ESP32 and SW520D tilt sensor using screw terminal block breakout board

How to connect ESP32 and SW520D tilt sensor

If you're unfamiliar with how to supply power to the ESP32 and other components, you can find guidance in the following tutorial: The best way to Power ESP32 and sensors/displays.

How To Program For SW520D Tilt Sensor

Initializes the ESP32 pin to the digital input mode by using pinMode() function. For example, pin GPIO18

pinMode(18, INPUT);

Reads the state of the ESP32 pin by using digitalRead() function.

int tiltState = digitalRead(18);

ESP32 Code - Detecting the tilt

/* * This ESP32 code is created by esp32io.com * * This ESP32 code is released in the public domain * * For more detail (instruction and wiring diagram), visit https://esp32io.com/tutorials/esp32-sw520d-tilt-sensor */ #define SENSOR_PIN 18 // ESP32 pin GPIO18 connected to the DO pin of the SW520D tilt sensor int lastState = HIGH; // the previous state from the input pin int currentState; // the current reading from the input pin void setup() { // initialize serial communication at 9600 bits per second: Serial.begin(9600); // initialize the ESP32's pin as an input pinMode(SENSOR_PIN, INPUT); } void loop() { // read the state of the ESP32's input pin currentState = digitalRead(SENSOR_PIN); if (lastState == HIGH && currentState == LOW) Serial.println("The tilt has been detected"); else if (lastState == LOW && currentState == HIGH) Serial.println("The tilt has disappeared"); // save the the last state lastState = currentState; }

Quick Instructions

If this is the first time you use ESP32, see how to setup environment for ESP32 on Arduino IDE.
Copy the above code and open with Arduino IDE
Click Upload button on Arduino IDE to upload code to ESP32
Tilt the SW520D sensor back and forth
See the result on Serial Monitor.

Newbiely | Arduino IDE 2.3.8

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Newbiely.ino

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8 Serial.println("Hello World!");

Output

Serial Monitor

Message (Enter to send message to 'ESP32 Dev Module' on 'COM15')

New Line

9600 baud

The tilt has been detected The tilt has disappeared The tilt has been detected The tilt has disappeared

Ln 11, Col 1

ESP32 Dev Module on COM15

Now, we have the freedom to personalize the code and make it trigger an LED or a light when a tilt is detected. We can even make a servo motor rotate according to the tilt input. For more detailed guidance and step-by-step instructions, you can refer to the tutorials provided at the end of this tutorial.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues with the SW520D tilt sensor's functionality, please consider the following troubleshooting steps:

Check the orientation: The SW520D is sensitive to its mounting orientation. Make sure it is installed in the correct upright position for reliable detection.
Reduce vibrations: Mechanical vibrations can affect the tilt sensor's performance. To minimize false triggers, try mounting the sensor on a stable surface.
Check the wiring: Make sure the VCC, GND, and DO pins are connected correctly.
Check the power supply: Ensure that the power supply is clean and stable for consistent readings.

Video Tutorial

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Function References

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