DFRobot - Gravity: 360 Degree Rotary Encoder Module

This Gravity I2C Rotary Encoder adds a tactile knob and visible setting feedback to lighting controls, audio interfaces, and interactive projects. With 360° rotation and 20 pulses per revolution, each mechanical detent provides a distinct adjustment step. Onboard LEDs show the encoder's current status, while programmable step settings let the same knob support fine adjustments or faster changes. Two Gravity connectors and four selectable I2C addresses enable multiple encoders to share one bus, making this module a practical input for Arduino projects with several independently adjustable settings.

Tactile Adjustment with Visible LED Feedback

Each detent gives a physical reference when turning this rotary encoder, while the onboard LED indicators make the current setting visible at the knob. Forward rotation increases the reported value and reverse rotation decreases the value, providing a straightforward interaction for volume, brightness, or speed adjustments. Combining tactile steps with visual feedback makes control changes easier to follow in a project interface, especially when a separate numeric display is unnecessary.

Programmable Steps for Fine or Fast Changes

The programmable 1~51 setting changes the value increment per detent, allowing this rotary encoder to match different control tasks without changing the hardware. At a setting of 1, approximately 2.5 turns advance the LED indication by one light; at 51, one detent advances one light. Smaller increments suit gradual adjustments, while larger increments move through settings more quickly. This software setting changes adjustment sensitivity rather than the fixed 20 mechanical detents per revolution.

Up to Four Encoders on One I2C Bus

Two Gravity connectors support pluggable cascading, and the address switch offers four different I2C addresses for connecting up to four encoder modules. Multiple knobs can therefore share a single I2C interface while reporting separate control values. For example, three encoders can provide individual red, green, and blue adjustments in an RGB lighting project. This arrangement creates a compact control panel without allocating a separate pair of quadrature inputs to every knob.

Use Case Diagram (Control RGB LED by three encoders)

• 360° rotary input with 20 pulses per revolution and tactile detents
• Onboard LED indicators display the current encoder status
• Programmable 1~51 step setting for fine or fast adjustment
• I2C output: forward rotation increases values, reverse rotation decreases values
• Two Gravity connectors support pluggable cascading
• Address switch selects four different I2C addresses for up to four modules

Application Field

• Automotive electronics
• Multimedia speaker
• Instruments and Apparatuses
• Smart home

Application Case

• Volume adjustment
• Fire regulation
• Speed regulation
• Light adjustment

• Operating Voltage: 3.3V~5V
• Total Rotating Angle: 360°
• Pulses Per Revolution: 20
• Interface: two Gravity connectors; I2C
• Cascadable Device Number: 4
• Rotation Lifespan: 30000±200 Cycles
• Contact Resistance: ≤100mΩ
• Insulation Impedance: 100MΩ above
• Oscillation: ＜10ms press
• Operating Temperature: -30℃~+80℃
• Accuracy: 1~51
• Minimum Settable Value: 1(Light up one LED when rotating 2.5 turns)
• Maximum Settable Value: 51(Light up one LED when rotating 1 detent)
• Storage: 0~1023
• Dimension: 37*37mm/1.46*1.46”

• Gravity: Rotary Encoder Module x1
• Gravity I2C/UART Sensor Connector x1