Is KX134 Breakout Suitable for ±64g Vibration Monitoring at 25.6kHz?

Sensors IMU & Motion
1

Hi ,
I’m currently developing a wireless industrial condition monitoring device and considering using the KX134-1211 Qwiic breakout in my design.

My application requirements are:

  • Vibration measurement range: ±64g minimum
  • Sampling rate (ODR): ≥25.6 kHz
  • Bandwidth: ≥10 kHz (X/Y), ≥5.1 kHz (Z)
  • 3-axis measurement
  • SPI interface preferred
  • Temperature range: –40 °C to +85 °C (±2 °C accuracy if possible)

From the datasheet, I see that the KX134 supports:

  • ±64g range
  • ODR up to 25.6 kHz
  • 3-axis
  • SPI interface
  • Temperature range to +105 °C

However, I’d like to confirm the effective bandwidth for vibration capture (especially X/Y ≥10kHz), and whether the sensor/filter chain is suitable for accurate high-frequency data analysis like FFT or RMS at the edge.

My Questions:

  1. Has anyone used the KX134 for high-frequency vibration monitoring (≥10 kHz bandwidth)?
  2. Does the breakout board preserve full sensor performance (e.g., no filtering or I/O limitations)?
  3. Any software/drivers or SPI examples available for ESP32 based integration?
  4. How precise is the onboard temperature sensing for drift compensation?

Thanks in advance!
Looking forward to hearing from those with experience using the KX134 in similar applications.

— Noushadali K
Embedded Systems Enginee

2

What do you mean by ‘effective’ bandwidth? It’ll always depend on the accuracy/performance of the parameters you’re using, how good/representative the calibration is, etc

It doesn’t have any components between the sensor and breakout pins https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/f/0/9/c/1/Qwiic_KX13X-Schematic.pdf

" Switching to SPI

As we’ve covered before in this tutorial, using either KX13x Breakout in SPI mode requires a slight modification to the board. The ADR Jumper must be completely opened so the ADR/SDO pin is floating prior to being connected to the SPI controller’s SDI/COPI pin. Also, make sure the controller the KX13x Breakout connects to runs at 3.3V logic to avoid damaging the IC. Using either accelerometer breakout with a 5V controller requires level shifting the signal." from our guide

From the datasheet “Zero-g Offset Variation from RT over Temp. mg/ºC 0.25”

3

Hi @TS-Russell,

Thanks for the clarification and helpful response.

By “effective bandwidth,” I was referring to the usable frequency range for capturing vibration signals for high-frequency analysis (like FFT or RMS) at the edge. Specifically, I’m targeting ≥10 kHz bandwidth on X/Y axes to detect early signs of mechanical faults (harmonics, bearing wear, etc.) and ≥5.1 kHz on Z.

It’s great to know the breakout board doesn’t add any limiting components and that SPI mode is accessible with the jumper mod. I’ll ensure the ADR jumper is floated and that I’m using 3.3V logic on the ESP32-S3.

Based on your input and the datasheet, it looks like the KX134-1211 breakout meets most of my application requirements, including:

  • ±64g dynamic range
  • 25.6 kHz ODR
  • SPI interface
  • Wide operating temperature range

I’ll proceed with a test setup to evaluate high-frequency signal integrity and FFT quality using this sensor. If any community members have sample code for SPI communication with the KX134 on an ESP32, that would be a great starting point. Otherwise, I’ll be happy to share my results once I’ve got it working.

Appreciate the support!

— Noushadali K
Embedded Systems Engineer

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