How to Use the AS5600 Magnetic Rotary Encoder with Arduino

The AS5600 is a precise magnetic rotary encoder capable of measuring angles with 12-bit resolution. It communicates via I2C or analog output, making it ideal for robotics, motor control, and position sensing applications. This tutorial will guide you through connecting and using the AS5600 with Arduino.

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What You Will Need

1. AS5600 Magnetic Rotary Encoder Module
2. Arduino Board (e.g., Uno, Mega, Nano)
3. Breadboard and Jumper Wires
4. A computer with the Arduino IDE installed

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Step 1: Understanding the AS5600 Module

The AS5600 supports both I2C and Analog outputs. In I2C mode, it provides highly accurate angle data. The analog mode outputs a voltage proportional to the angle.

Pinout

Pin	Function
VCC	Power Supply (3.3V/5V)
GND	Ground
SDA	I2C Data Line
SCL	I2C Clock Line
OUT	Analog Output (optional)
DIR	Direction Configuration
MODE	Output Mode Configuration

Note: The DIR pin configures the rotation direction, and the MODE pin selects between I2C or analog output modes. For I2C, connect MODE to GND.

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Step 2: Wiring the AS5600 to Arduino

I2C Mode (Default)

Connect the AS5600 to the Arduino as follows:

AS5600 Pin	Arduino Pin
VCC	5V
GND	GND
SDA	A4
SCL	A5

Note: For other Arduino boards, ensure you use the correct I2C pins.

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Step 3: Install the Required Library

To make working with the AS5600 easier, install the "AS5600" library from GitHub or the Arduino Library Manager.

Steps to Install:

1. Open the Arduino IDE.
2. Go to Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries.
3. Search for "AS5600" and click Install.

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Step 4: Upload the Code

Here is an example code to read the angle from the AS5600 using I2C:

#include <Wire.h>
#include <AS5600.h>

AS5600 encoder;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  Wire.begin();

  if (!encoder.begin()) {
    Serial.println("AS5600 not detected. Check connections.");
    while (1);
  }

  Serial.println("AS5600 initialized.");
}

void loop() {
  // Read the current angle in degrees
  float angle = encoder.getAngle();
  Serial.print("Angle: ");
  Serial.print(angle);
  Serial.println(" degrees");

  delay(100); // Update every 100ms
}

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Step 5: Test the Setup

1. Connect the Arduino to your computer via USB.
2. Open the Arduino IDE and select the correct Board and Port under the Tools menu.
3. Upload the code by clicking Upload.
4. Open the Serial Monitor (Tools > Serial Monitor) and set the baud rate to 9600.
5. Rotate the magnet in front of the AS5600 sensor. The angle in degrees should be displayed in real time.

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Optional: Using Analog Output Mode

1. Connect the OUT pin of the AS5600 to an analog pin on the Arduino (e.g., A0).
2. Modify the code to read the analog voltage:

const int analogPin = A0;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  pinMode(analogPin, INPUT);
}

void loop() {
  int value = analogRead(analogPin); // Read analog voltage
  float angle = map(value, 0, 1023, 0, 360); // Convert to degrees

  Serial.print("Analog Angle: ");
  Serial.print(angle);
  Serial.println(" degrees");

  delay(100);
}

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Applications of the AS5600

1. Motor position sensing
2. Rotary knob encoders
3. Robotic joint angle measurement
4. Camera gimbal stabilization systems

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Troubleshooting

• No data: Verify the I2C connections and ensure the correct pins are defined in the code.
• Erratic values: Ensure the magnet is correctly positioned and aligned with the sensor.
• No response in analog mode: Confirm the MODE pin is configured correctly.

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Conclusion

You’ve successfully interfaced the AS5600 magnetic rotary encoder with Arduino to measure angular position. Whether you’re using I2C for precise readings or analog mode for simplicity, this sensor is a versatile tool for projects requiring rotational measurement. Experiment further by integrating it into motor control or robotics projects!