AS3935 Lightning Sensor: AS3935 Arduino, Pinout, Datasheet
IC SENSOR LIGHTNING MLPQ-16
The AS3935 is a programmable fully integrated Lightning Sensor IC that detects the presence and approach of potentially hazardous lightning activity in the vicinity and provides an estimation of the distance to the head of the storm. This article introduces its pinout, datasheet, operating modes and other details.

Arduino lightning detector with AS3935 lighting module
AS3935 Description
The AS3935 is a programmable fully integrated Lightning Sensor ICthat detects the presence and approach of potentially hazardous lightning activity in the vicinity and provides an estimation of the distance to the head of the storm. The embedded lightning algorithm checks the incoming signal pattern to reject the potential man-made disturbers.
The AS3935 can also provide information on the noise level and inform the external unit (e.g. a microcontroller) in case of high noise conditions, with the noise floor generator and noise floor evaluation blocks.
The AS3935 can be programmed via a 4-wire standard SPI or an I²C. Also, in case the latter is chosen, it is possible to choose among four different addresses. Two clocks are internally generated by two different RC-Oscillators: TRCO and SRCO. An automatic procedure can increase the precision of those oscillators.
The AS3935 can be either supplied by an internal voltage regulator or directly by VDD.
AS3935 Pinout

AS3935 Pinout
AS3935 CAD Model
Symbol

AS3935 Symbol
Footprint

AS3935 Footprint
3D Model

AS3935 3D Model
AS3935 Features
Lightning sensor warns of lightning storm activity within a radius of 40km
Distance estimation to the head of the storm down to 1km in 14 steps
Detects both cloud-to-ground and intra-cloud (cloud-to-cloud) flash
Embedded man-made disturber rejection algorithm
Programmable detection levels enable threshold setting for optimal controls
SPI and I²C interface is used for control and register reading
Antenna Tuning to compensate variations of the external components
Supply voltage range 2.4V to 5.5V
Power-down, listening, and active mode
Package: 16LD MLPQ (4x4mm)
Specifications
- TypeParameter
- Number of Pins16
- Packaging
Semiconductor package is a carrier / shell used to contain and cover one or more semiconductor components or integrated circuits. The material of the shell can be metal, plastic, glass or ceramic.
Tape & Reel (TR) - Part Status
Parts can have many statuses as they progress through the configuration, analysis, review, and approval stages.
Discontinued - Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) is a standardized rating that indicates the susceptibility of electronic components, particularly semiconductors, to moisture-induced damage during storage and the soldering process, defining the allowable exposure time to ambient conditions before they require special handling or baking to prevent failures
3 (168 Hours) - Max Operating Temperature
The Maximum Operating Temperature is the maximum body temperature at which the thermistor is designed to operate for extended periods of time with acceptable stability of its electrical characteristics.
85°C - Min Operating Temperature
The "Min Operating Temperature" parameter in electronic components refers to the lowest temperature at which the component is designed to operate effectively and reliably. This parameter is crucial for ensuring the proper functioning and longevity of the component, as operating below this temperature may lead to performance issues or even damage. Manufacturers specify the minimum operating temperature to provide guidance to users on the environmental conditions in which the component can safely operate. It is important to adhere to this parameter to prevent malfunctions and ensure the overall reliability of the electronic system.
-40°C - Max Power Dissipation
The maximum power that the MOSFET can dissipate continuously under the specified thermal conditions.
100mW - Reach Compliance Code
Reach Compliance Code refers to a designation indicating that electronic components meet the requirements set by the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation in the European Union. It signifies that the manufacturer has assessed and managed the chemical substances within the components to ensure safety and environmental protection. This code is vital for compliance with regulations aimed at minimizing risks associated with hazardous substances in electronic products.
unknown - Output Type
The "Output Type" parameter in electronic components refers to the type of signal or data that is produced by the component as an output. This parameter specifies the nature of the output signal, such as analog or digital, and can also include details about the voltage levels, current levels, frequency, and other characteristics of the output signal. Understanding the output type of a component is crucial for ensuring compatibility with other components in a circuit or system, as well as for determining how the output signal can be utilized or processed further. In summary, the output type parameter provides essential information about the nature of the signal that is generated by the electronic component as its output.
I2C, SPI - Operating Supply Voltage
The voltage level by which an electrical system is designated and to which certain operating characteristics of the system are related.
5.5V - Interface
In electronic components, the term "Interface" refers to the point at which two different systems, devices, or components connect and interact with each other. It can involve physical connections such as ports, connectors, or cables, as well as communication protocols and standards that facilitate the exchange of data or signals between the connected entities. The interface serves as a bridge that enables seamless communication and interoperability between different parts of a system or between different systems altogether. Designing a reliable and efficient interface is crucial in ensuring proper functionality and performance of electronic components and systems.
SPI - Max Supply Voltage
In general, the absolute maximum common-mode voltage is VEE-0.3V and VCC+0.3V, but for products without a protection element at the VCC side, voltages up to the absolute maximum rated supply voltage (i.e. VEE+36V) can be supplied, regardless of supply voltage.
5.5V - Operating Supply Current
Operating Supply Current, also known as supply current or quiescent current, is a crucial parameter in electronic components that indicates the amount of current required for the device to operate under normal conditions. It represents the current drawn by the component from the power supply while it is functioning. This parameter is important for determining the power consumption of the component and is typically specified in datasheets to help designers calculate the overall power requirements of their circuits. Understanding the operating supply current is essential for ensuring proper functionality and efficiency of electronic systems.
350μA - Nominal Supply Current
Nominal current is the same as the rated current. It is the current drawn by the motor while delivering rated mechanical output at its shaft.
100mA - Sensor Type
In electronic components, the parameter "Sensor Type" refers to the specific type of sensor technology used in a particular component to detect and measure physical phenomena such as light, temperature, pressure, motion, or proximity. Different sensor types utilize various principles and mechanisms to convert the detected input into an electrical signal that can be processed by the electronic component. Common sensor types include photodiodes, thermistors, accelerometers, and proximity sensors, each designed for specific applications and environments. Understanding the sensor type is crucial for selecting the right component for a given task and ensuring accurate and reliable sensing capabilities in electronic systems.
Lightning - RoHS Status
RoHS means “Restriction of Certain Hazardous Substances” in the “Hazardous Substances Directive” in electrical and electronic equipment.
RoHS Compliant - Lead Free
Lead Free is a term used to describe electronic components that do not contain lead as part of their composition. Lead is a toxic material that can have harmful effects on human health and the environment, so the electronics industry has been moving towards lead-free components to reduce these risks. Lead-free components are typically made using alternative materials such as silver, copper, and tin. Manufacturers must comply with regulations such as the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive to ensure that their products are lead-free and environmentally friendly.
Lead Free
AS3935 Functional Block Diagram

AS3935 Operating Modes
Power-down Mode.
In Power-down Mode, the entire AS3935 is switched off to reduce the current consumption to minimum (typ 1µA).
Listening Mode.
In listening mode the AFE, the watchdog, the noise floor level generation, the bias block, the TRCO, and the voltage regulator (in case it is enabled) are running. In this mode the system can push down the power consumption to a minimum (typ 60µA). In case the maximum voltage supply does not exceed 3.6V, it is possible to switch off the voltage regulator to save power.
Signal Verification.
The AS3935 enters in this mode every time the watchdog detects dynamic activity picked up by the antenna. Threshold can be set in WDTH REG0x01[3:0]. The IC will leave this mode either if the incoming signal is classified as disturber or if the analysis of the single event (lightning) is finished. If the received signal is classified as a disturber, then the AS3935 will automatically go back to listening mode without any needed action from outside and an interrupt will be generated (with option bit this interrupt can be masked). If the received pattern matches all requirements, the energy calculation is performed and the AS3935 provides distance estimation.
AS3935 Application
Weather Stations
Clocks
Sports EquipmentPortable
Pool Safety
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Cellular phones
Watches
Golf Equipment
AS3935 Manufacturer
AMS is a global leader in the design and manufacture of advanced sensor solutions. Their mission is to shape the world with sensor solutions by providing a seamless interface between humans and technology. AMS focuses on sensor-rich market segments, providing high-performance sensor solutions and driving true leadership in three sensing areas: optical sensing, image sensing, and audio sensing. Headquartered in Austria, AMS employs about 10,000 people globally and serves more than 8,000 customers worldwide. AMS is listed on the SIX Swiss stock exchange (ticker symbol: AMS).
AS3935 Package

AS3935 Package
Datasheet PDF
- Datasheets :
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What is AS3935?
The AS3935 is a programmable fully integrated Lightning Sensor IC that detects the presence and approach of potentially hazardous lightning activity in the vicinity and provides an estimation on the distance to the head of the storm. The embedded lightning algorithm checks the incoming signal pattern to reject the potential man-made disturbers.
What is the as3935 sensor?
This is the AS3935 Sensor a programmable and fully integrated lightning sensor IC that detects the presence and approach of potentially hazardous lightning activity in the area and provides an estimation of the distance to the head of the storm.
What is the use of as3935?
It is available in a 16LD MLPQ (4x4mm) package. AS395 can also provide information at the noise level and inform the Microcontroller in case of high noise conditions, with the noise ground generator and noise ground evaluation blocks.
How accurate is the as3935 at detecting lightning?
The AS3935 is capable of detecting lightning up to 40km away with an accuracy of 1km to the storm front with a sensitive antenna tuned to pick up lightning events in the 500kHz band. There are a number of sources that can cause false positives but the lightning detector itself can reliably filter these out by default.
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