SW-520D Ball Tilt Sensor Module for Angle and Vibration Detection The SW-520D Tilt Sensor module is a ball-switch angle and vibration detector. When the module is tilted past its trigger direction, the internal metal ball changes contact state, allowing a controller to detect orientation, shake, movement, or anti-tamper events. The module provides a simple digital signal, making it easy to use in Arduino and robot projects. It is not a precision inclinometer; it is a reliable low-cost switch for detecting whether the board has crossed a mechanical tilt threshold. Use it for wake-up triggers, fall detection demos, object orientation checks, toy interactions, and safety interlocks where a digital tilt state is enough. Technical Specifications Parameter Value Sensor model SW-520D ball tilt switch Sensor type Single-direction ball tilt / vibration switch Output type Digital switch signal Typical trigger angle About 10 degrees in the sensitive direction Contact behavior Ball contact opens or closes based on orientation Operating voltage 3.3 V / 5 V module use typical Pinout GND, VCC, S Recommended input Microcontroller digital GPIO Measurement style Tilt state, vibration, or movement event Precision note Not an absolute angle sensor Development support Arduino, ESP32, STM32, Raspberry Pi Pico GPIO Board Layout & Label Guide SW-520D switch: Internal ball makes or breaks contact when tilted. Trigger direction: Test orientation before final mounting. G pin: Power ground. V pin: 3.3 V or 5 V power input when used on a module board. S pin: Digital output to controller GPIO. Mounting area: Fix firmly so vibration does not create false triggers. Debounce note: Use software debounce for shake or impact detection. Application Scenarios 1. Digital Threshold Readout Read the digital output from SW-520D Tilt Sensor and print its trigger state for threshold adjustment. const int SENSOR_PIN = 2; void setup() { pinMode(SENSOR_PIN, INPUT); Serial.begin(115200); } void loop() { int state = digitalRead(SENSOR_PIN); Serial.println(state == LOW ? "triggered" : "normal"); delay(100); } 2. LED or Alarm Output Mirror the sensor trigger to an LED, buzzer driver, or relay input. const int SENSOR_PIN = 2; const int ALARM_PIN = 8; void setup() { pinMode(SENSOR_PIN, INPUT); pinMode(ALARM_PIN, OUTPUT); } void loop() { bool triggered = digitalRead(SENSOR_PIN) == LOW; digitalWrite(ALARM_PIN, triggered ? HIGH : LOW); } 3. Event Counter Count stable trigger events with a debounce delay for tilt, temperature, or comparator modules. const int SENSOR_PIN = 2; unsigned long events = 0; unsigned long lastEvent = 0; void setup() { pinMode(SENSOR_PIN, INPUT); Serial.begin(115200); } void loop() { if (digitalRead(SENSOR_PIN) == LOW && millis() - lastEvent > 300) { events++; lastEvent = millis(); Serial.println(events); } } Packing List 1 x SW-520D Angle Sensor Ball Tilt Module FAQ Q: Is it a precision angle sensor?A: No. It is a digital tilt switch, not an accelerometer or inclinometer. Q: Can it detect vibration?A: Yes. Movement can cause repeated contact changes that firmware can count. Q: Does orientation matter?A: Yes. Test the trigger direction before mounting. Q: Can it work with Arduino?A: Yes. Read the signal pin with a digital input on an Arduino-compatible board or OpenELAB UNO R3 Intermediate Kit V2. Q: Why does it bounce?A: The metal ball contact is mechanical, so debounce logic is expected. Q: Can it detect exact degrees?A: No. Use an accelerometer for precise tilt angle measurement. Q: Is it active-low?A: Many module circuits output low on trigger, but verify with your board and code. Q: Where is it useful?A: Anti-tamper switches, toys, fall demos, wake triggers, and simple orientation detection.
