SKU: SENS-3073
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DFRobot Gravity Lightning Distance Sensor - I2C Interface, 40km Range

₹2,309.00 (Inclusive of all taxes)
Out of Stock

The DFRobot Gravity Lightning Distance Sensor integrates the ams OSRAM AS3935 Franklin IC with a dedicated Coilcraft antenna to detect lightning strikes up to 40km away. It provides distance, intensity, and frequency data via a Gravity I2C interface, making it compatible with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and other 3.3V/5V microcontrollers for advanced environmental monitoring and early warning systems.

Features

  • Detects lightning strikes within a 40km radius with a resolution of 1-4km.
  • Measures lightning intensity with 21-bit resolution (0–16,777,201 range).
  • Integrates ams OSRAM AS3935 Franklin IC and Coilcraft MA5532-AE antenna for reliable performance.
  • Features an embedded algorithm to reject interference from man-made electrical noise.
  • Provides a configurable I2C address (0x01, 0x02, or 0x03) and interrupt (IRQ) output.

Out of stock

Description

The Gravity Lightning Distance Sensor is a specialized environmental monitoring module designed for precise detection and analysis of lightning activity. It utilizes the ams OSRAM AS3935 Franklin lightning sensor IC paired with a tuned Coilcraft MA5532-AE antenna to capture electromagnetic signatures generated by lightning discharges. The sensor processes this data to estimate strike distance in 15 discrete steps up to 40km and quantifies intensity with high 21-bit resolution.

Engineered for stability, the module incorporates a sophisticated disturber rejection algorithm to filter out common electrical interference from appliances and motors, ensuring reliable readings both indoors and outdoors. Communication is handled via a standard Gravity I2C interface, which operates at logic levels from 0V to VCC (3.3V–5.5V), simplifying integration with popular development platforms. An interrupt pin (IRQ) provides immediate notification upon lightning detection, enabling real-time triggering for photography or safety systems.

Key Features

  • High-Sensitivity Detection: Leverages the ams OSRAM AS3935 IC and optimized antenna for accurate lightning strike identification up to 40km away.
  • Advanced Noise Immunity: Embedded algorithm effectively suppresses interference from common electrical sources, enhancing signal integrity.
  • Multi-Platform Compatibility: Gravity I2C interface ensures plug-and-play connectivity with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, and other 3.3V/5V logic systems.
  • Configurable I2C Addressing: Supports three selectable I2C addresses (0x01, 0x02, 0x03) to avoid bus conflicts in multi-sensor setups.
  • Real-Time Interrupt Output: IRQ pin provides a hardware trigger pulse upon lightning detection for immediate system response.
  • Compact and Durable Design: Small PCB footprint (30mm x 22mm) with a robust build suitable for embedded and portable applications.

Applications

  • Advanced consumer or professional weather stations for real-time thunderstorm tracking and data logging.
  • Embedded early-warning systems in wearable devices for outdoor sports, climbing, or high-altitude work.
  • Trigger mechanism for lightning photography, using the IRQ interrupt to synchronize camera shutters.
  • Protection systems for sensitive indoor equipment, triggering a switch to backup power upon lightning detection.
  • Environmental monitoring networks and research projects studying lightning frequency and distribution.

Technical Specifications

Input Voltage3.3V ~ 5.5V DC
Maximum Detection Range40 km
Distance Detection Resolution1 ~ 4 km (15 steps to 40km)
Intensity Detection Resolution21 bits (0 – 16,777,201)
Communication InterfaceGravity I2C (logic level: 0-VCC)
Configurable I2C Address0x01, 0x02, 0x03
Output SignalI2C Data, Interrupt (IRQ) Pin
Operating PrincipleElectromagnetic Field Detection (ams OSRAM AS3935 IC)
AntennaIntegrated Coilcraft MA5532-AE
Dimensions (L x W)30.0 mm x 22.0 mm
WeightApprox. 0.013 kg

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the operating voltage range for this lightning sensor?

The sensor operates from 3.3V to 5.5V DC, making it directly compatible with most 3.3V and 5V logic systems like Arduino Uno, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, and STM32 boards. The I2C logic levels automatically match the supplied VCC.

How accurate is the distance measurement, and how is it communicated?

The sensor estimates lightning distance in 15 discrete steps up to 40km, with a resolution between 1km and 4km per step. The calculated distance, along with 21-bit intensity data, is read via the I2C interface. You can also use the configurable I2C address (0x01, 0x02, or 0x03) to avoid bus conflicts.

Can this sensor distinguish real lightning from electrical noise?

Yes, the integrated ams OSRAM AS3935 IC includes a sophisticated disturber rejection algorithm designed to filter out common electrical interference from household appliances, motors, and other man-made sources. This ensures the module provides reliable lightning detection both indoors and outdoors.

How do I get real-time alerts for lightning strikes?

The module features an interrupt (IRQ) output pin. When a lightning event is detected, this pin generates a pulse. You can connect this pin to a microcontroller's interrupt pin to trigger immediate actions, such as logging data, sounding an alarm, or activating a camera shutter for photography.

What is included in the package, and how do I connect it?

The package includes the sensor module, a 2-pin header for the IRQ output, and a 4-pin Gravity I2C cable. For basic operation, connect the 4-pin cable to your controller's I2C port (VCC, GND, SDA, SCL). The header can be soldered to the IRQ pad if you need hardware interrupt functionality.

Package Includes

  • 1 x Gravity Lightning Distance Sensor Module
  • 1 x XH2.54-2P Black Header (for IRQ pin)
  • 1 x Gravity-4P I2C/UART Sensor Cable

Additional Information

Weight 0.013 kg
Dimensions 3 × 2.2 cm