PMW3901 Optical Flow Sensor Module – XY Translation

The PMW3901 Optical Flow Sensor Module is a compact, high-performance sensor designed to measure XY translational motion with impressive speed and accuracy. Whether you're building autonomous drones, robotics platforms, or custom motion-tracking systems, this module delivers reliable surface tracking data over SPI interface — making it an essential component for makers, engineers, and hobbyists alike.

Key Features

PMW3901 Optical Flow Chip: Measures XY surface translation (movement) at up to 7.4 inches per second, even in low-light conditions
SPI Interface: Easy integration with microcontrollers including Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and STM32
Low Power Consumption: Efficient design ideal for battery-powered applications like drones and mobile robots
Compact Form Factor: Small PCB footprint fits easily into tight project enclosures
Wide Operating Range: Works effectively at heights of 80mm–1500mm above the tracking surface
High Frame Rate: Captures up to 126 frames per second for smooth, real-time motion data
Versatile Applications: Ideal for drone stabilization, robotic navigation, gesture control, and positioning systems

Specifications

Sensor: PMW3901MB Optical Flow
Interface: SPI (4-wire)
Operating Voltage: 1.8V – 3.3V
Frame Rate: Up to 126 fps
Recommended Operating Height: 80mm – 1500mm
Dimensions: Compact PCB module

What Can You Build With It?

The PMW3901 is widely used in cutting-edge DIY and professional projects:

🚁 Drone & UAV Stabilization – Achieve accurate hover and position hold
🤖 Autonomous Robots – Enable precise odometry and dead-reckoning navigation
🖱️ Custom Input Devices – Build optical mice or gesture-sensing controllers
📐 Motion Capture Systems – Track XY movement for industrial or creative applications

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the PMW3901 Optical Flow Sensor Module measure?

A: The PMW3901 Optical Flow Sensor Module measures XY translational motion — detecting surface movement in the horizontal (X) and vertical (Y) axes. It outputs motion data in real time via SPI, making it ideal for drone stabilization, robot navigation, and other motion-sensing applications.

Q: What microcontrollers are compatible with the PMW3901 module?

A: The PMW3901 module uses a standard 4-wire SPI interface and is compatible with a wide range of microcontrollers, including Arduino (with 3.3V logic), Raspberry Pi, STM32, ESP32, and other popular development boards. Most manufacturers provide open-source libraries to simplify integration.

Q: What is the recommended operating height for the PMW3901 sensor?

A: For optimal performance, the PMW3901 sensor is recommended to operate at a height of 80mm to 1500mm above the tracking surface. Performance may vary depending on surface texture and ambient lighting conditions.

Q: Is the PMW3901 module suitable for drone projects?

A: Absolutely. The PMW3901 is one of the most popular optical flow sensors used in drone and UAV projects for position hold and indoor stabilization. Its low power draw, high frame rate, and compact size make it an excellent fit for DIY flight controllers and autonomous vehicle builds.

Production & Packaging Notice

To maintain high stock availability and fast shipping times, our items are sourced from multiple verified manufacturing facilities. While the core quality, materials, and product specifications remain identical, you may notice slight variations in the packaging design, manufacturing origin, or the wording of the printed instructions.