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Hitachi® HM55B Compass Module (#29123)
General Description
The Hitachi HM55B Compass Module is a dual-axis magnetic field sensor that can add a sense of direction
to your next electronic or robotic project. The sensing device on the Compass Module is a Hitachi HM55B
chip. An onboard regulator and resistor protection make the 3 volt HM55B chip compatible with 5 volt
BASIC Stamp® microcontroller supply and signal levels. The Compass Module also makes all the power
and signal connections on the tiny surface mount HM55B chip accessible in a breadboard-friendly 0.3 inch
wide 6-pin DIP package. Acquiring measurements from the module is made easy with the BASIC Stamp
2 microcontroller's SHIFTIN and SHIFTOUT commands, which are designed for synchronous serial
communication with chips like the HM55B.
Features
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Sensitive to microtesla (µT) variations in magnetic field strength
Simplifies direction by resolving magnetic field measurements into two component axes
Good for 6-bit (64-direction) resolution measurements after software calibration
Only 30 to 40 ms between start measurement and data-ready
Built-in resistor protection for data pins eliminates bus conflict risks
Compact and breadboard-friendly 0.3 inch, 6-pin DIP package
Compatible with all BASIC Stamp, Javelin Stamp and SX microcontrollers
Makes communication and direction calculations especially easy with the PBASIC commands
SHIFTOUT, SHIFTIN, and ATN for the BASIC Stamp 2 series of microcontrollers
Application Ideas
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Mobile robot direction sensor
Handheld electronic compass
Weathervane indicator for remote weather stations
Audible compass for the vision impaired
Automotive electronic compass
Quick Start Circuit
29123
© Parallax, Inc. • Hitachi HM55B Compass Module (#29123) • 05/2005
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