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Product description: Rotary encoder module - I2C - STEMMA QT / Qwiic - Adafruit 5880
An easy-to-use module from Adafruit with a built-in rotary encoder that connects to a microcontroller via I2C . It allows you to track the encoder's rotation and detect button presses , without having to write complicated code to support these functions. The module has a microcontroller with seesaw software that processes signals from the encoder and saves them as an incremental value. It also has a NeoPixel diode , the color of which can be changed via I2C, and a red INT LED that signals interrupt activity. Thanks to the STEMMA QT connector, connecting to systems such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi is quick and convenient. The built-in system allows you to connect up to 8 modules to one I2C port . The module is powered by a voltage from 3 V to 5 V, and three address jumpers are used for its configuration.
Main features of the module
- Module with I2C communication: fast connection to microcontrollers via I2C (default address 0x36)
- Built-in encoder: push-button encoder offers easy rotation and press detection
- NeoPixel LED: visual status display via I2C-controlled RGB diode
- Compatibility: works with Arduino, Raspberry Pi and other microcontrollers
- Easy configuration: up to 8 modules can be connected to one I2C port thanks to address jumpers. The first will be at address 0x36, the last at address 0x3D when all three jumpers are soldered
- 3V to 5V Power Supply: Supports a variety of voltage levels for greater versatility
Module pins
The Adafruit rotary encoder has four main pins: power (VCC), ground (GND), and two communication lines - SCL and SDA. The VCC pin is used to power the device, usually with a voltage of 3.3 V or 5 V, depending on the microcomputer used. GND is ground, or a common reference point for all connections. SCL and SDA are I2C communication lines, which are used to transfer data between the encoder and the master device. Thanks to these pins, it is possible to connect the module to a wide range of systems, making it very versatile.
The board provides easy connection using STEMMA QT.
Compatible software
Using an I2C encoder in your projects requires installing the appropriate programming libraries. For platforms such as Raspberry Pi or Arduino microcontrollers, there are dedicated libraries in Python (CircuitPython) and C++ . In the case of Python, Adafruit provides a library that allows you to easily read the encoder position and operate the built-in button. The configuration is based on a few simple steps : installing the required packages, connecting the encoder to the appropriate pins (SDA, SCL) and using a few simple commands in the code to start reading data. Thanks to these libraries, you don't have to worry about the technical details, which makes the process accessible for beginners and allows you to quickly implement the project.
Technical specification of the module
- Communication: I2C
- Supply voltage: 3 V to 5 V
- Maximum number of connected modules: 8 on one I2C line
- Built-in microcontroller: supports seesaw protocol
- Rotary encoder: to detect rotations and button presses
- LEDs:
- NeoPixel: configurable RGB LED (color change via I2C)
- INT LED: Red LED indicating interrupt activity
- Connector: STEMMA QT, compatible with many systems (e.g. Arduino, Raspberry Pi)
- Addressing: three jumpers to set the I2C address
- Dimensions: 25.4 x 25.4 mm
Kit Contents
- 1x Rotary encoder module - I2C - STEMMA QT/Qwiic - Adafruit 5880
- 1x 6-pin connector