AS5600 - Troubleshooting
This page contains some tips if you are experiencing problems with this product.
Check wiring
Make sure your Qwiic cable is properly connected and in good condition. Try using the same cable with another Qwiic-compatible device to verify that it works. If the issue persists, replace the cable to rule out any possible damage or defects.
Check I2C pins
If you are connecting the AS5600 using standard I2C pins on your microcontroller, double-check that you are using the correct ones. Different microcontrollers use different default I2C pins. Check your board documentation to confirm the correct SDA and SCL pin assignments.
Scan for I2C devices
Run an I2C scanner sketch on your microcontroller to check if the sensor is detected. If no device is found, there may be a wiring issue or a problem with the I2C bus.
Check for conflicting devices
If you have multiple I2C devices connected to the same bus, make sure none of them use the same address. The AS5600 typically uses the fixed I2C address 0x36.
Verify power supply
Make sure the sensor is receiving proper voltage. This board supports both 3.3V and 5V operation through an onboard voltage regulator.
Try reinitializing
If the sensor fails to initialize on the first attempt, try calling sensor.begin() again or reset your microcontroller.
Check magnet placement
The magnet must be positioned directly above the center of the AS5600 chip. Improper alignment can prevent the sensor from detecting the magnetic field correctly.
Check magnet distance
Place the magnet approximately 0.5mm to 3mm above the sensor. If the magnet is too far away or too close, the sensor may not detect it properly.
Use the correct type of magnet
The AS5600 works best with a diametric magnet. Standard fridge magnets or weak magnets may not produce reliable readings.
Rotate the magnet, not the board
To measure angles correctly, rotate the magnet itself while keeping the sensor stationary.
Verify proper I2C connection
Double-check your SDA and SCL wiring if the sensor reports AS5600 not found!. Incorrect wiring is one of the most common issues.
Scan for I2C devices
Run an I2C scanner sketch to verify that the AS5600 appears on the I2C bus.
Test another magnet
If the sensor still fails to detect the magnetic field, try another magnet. Some magnets are too weak or incorrectly polarized for proper operation.
Angle values jump or fluctuate
Loose magnets or unstable mounting can cause rapidly changing angle values. Make sure the magnet is firmly attached and centered.
Angle direction is reversed
Use sensor.setDirection() to configure the direction of angle increment:
sensor.setDirection(AS5600_COUNTERCLOCK_WISE);
or
sensor.setDirection(AS5600_CLOCK_WISE);
PWM output is not working
If you are using PWM mode, make sure the OUT pin on the AS5600 is connected to the correct GPIO pin on your microcontroller.
Sensor not detected on ESP32 boards
Some ESP32 boards require manually setting I2C pins using:
Wire.begin(SDA_PIN, SCL_PIN);
For example on some ESP32-C6 boards:
Wire.begin(6, 7);
Serial Monitor shows strange symbols
Make sure the Serial Monitor baud rate matches the baud rate configured in code:
Serial.begin(115200);
Sensor readings are slow
Avoid using very large delays in your loop if you need faster updates.
Sensor gets warm
Make sure the sensor is powered with the correct voltage and that there are no short circuits or incorrect wiring connections.