MPU9550

The MPU9550 is an integrated 9-axis Motion Processing Unit manufactured by InvenSense, now part of TDK. It combines a gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer onto a single silicon chip. The gyroscope is capable of measuring angular velocity along three orthogonal axes, while the accelerometer measures linear acceleration along the same three axes. The magnetometer provides magnetic field strength measurements in three axes, functioning as a digital compass.

This combination of sensors allows the MPU9550 to detect and measure motion, orientation, and magnetic field disturbances. It is commonly used in applications requiring precise motion tracking and stabilization. These applications include consumer electronics like smartphones, tablets, drones, and virtual reality headsets. It is also found in industrial and automotive sectors for navigation and control systems.

The device typically communicates with a host microcontroller via an I2C or SPI interface. It often includes an integrated Digital Motion Processor (DMP) which can offload complex sensor fusion algorithms from the host, simplifying system design and reducing processing load. The MPU9550 offers a high level of integration and performance, making it a popular choice for a wide range of inertial sensing applications. Its small footprint and low power consumption are also advantageous for battery-powered devices.