Product Description
Product Description
The DFRobot Gravity: Lightning Sensor lightning detection sensor module SEN0290 is a compact module for indoor and outdoor lightning event detection. It uses the AMS AS3935 Franklin lightning sensor IC together with the dedicated Coilcraft MA5532-AE antenna. This combination enables detection of lightning distance, intensity, and event frequency within a radius of up to 40 km.
The Gravity: Lightning Sensor variant is intended for embedded applications that require early thunderstorm awareness. Its built-in man-made disturber rejection algorithm helps reduce false triggers caused by electrical appliances and other interference sources. When a lightning event is detected, the IRQ pin outputs a pulse that can be used for signaling or to trigger external functions.
Technical Features
- Lightning sensor IC: AMS AS3935 Franklin lightning sensor
- Antenna: Coilcraft MA5532-AE
- Lightning detection range up to 40 km
- Detection of lightning distance, intensity, and event frequency
- I2C interface for connection to microcontrollers and single-board computers
- IRQ output with pulse generation on detected lightning events
- Integrated man-made disturber rejection
- Distance estimation in 15 steps with 1 to 4 km resolution
Application Areas
This module is suitable for weather stations, portable measurement devices, and networked sensing systems for local thunderstorm monitoring. Due to its compact size, it can also be integrated into wearable devices or mobile outdoor electronics for climbing, elevated work environments, and field instrumentation.
Additional use cases include protection systems for lightning-sensitive equipment, where a detected lightning event should trigger an automated response such as switching to backup power or isolating equipment from the power grid. The interrupt output can also be used to trigger external capture systems, for example in lightning photography applications.
What's Included
- Gravity: Lightning Sensor x1
- XH2.54-2P Black Header x1
- Gravity-4P I2C/ UART Sensor Wire x1
