Hookup Guide
Schematic
DatasheetProduct Overview
The SparkFun HMC6343 Digital Compass Breakout represents the gold standard in compact, easy-to-integrate navigation. While standard magnetometers can be erratic and difficult to calibrate, the HMC6343 is a fully integrated, high-performance electronic compass module that delivers reliable heading data out of the box. We’ve designed this breakout to make professional-grade navigation accessible for any project, from autonomous rovers to handheld tracking devices.
Why Tilt Compensation Matters
The defining feature of the HMC6343 is its ability to provide accurate heading data even when the board is not perfectly level. Most low-cost compass modules require the sensor to be held strictly flat; if the device tilts, the heading readings skew wildly.
The HMC6343 solves this by combining 3-axis magneto-resistive sensors with 3-axis MEMS accelerometers. The onboard microprocessor fuses this data to calculate a "tilt-compensated" heading, ensuring your project knows exactly which way it is facing, whether it is climbing a hill, banking a turn, or being held in a hand.
Onboard Processing & Calibration
Beyond just reading raw data, this module handles the heavy lifting so your main microcontroller doesn't have to. The HMC6343 features a built-in microprocessor running complex firmware algorithms that perform:
- Heading Computation: It outputs a final heading direction accurate to within a couple of degrees.
- Hard-Iron Calibration: It automatically compensates for magnetic distortion, maintaining accuracy in environments with magnetic interference.
- Rapid Updates: The board computes and outputs fresh data every 200ms (5Hz), ideal for real-time control loops.
Breadboard-Ready Layout
This sensor breaks out the necessary I2C and power pins to a standard 0.1" pitch header. This footprint allows you to easily solder headers for breadboard prototyping or solder wires directly to the board for a rugged, permanent installation in your final product. It is compatible with virtually any microcontroller that supports I2C, giving you complete control over your connections.
