SparkFun Qwiic Twist - RGB Rotary Encoder Breakout

The SparkFun Qwiic Twist is a digital RGB rotary encoder breakout that seamlessly connects to the Qwiic Connect System. This device handles all the complexities of interrupts, switches, PWM'ing of LEDs, and offers all these features over a user-friendly I²C interface. The Twist is designed to eliminate the need for a mess of wires that are typically required to implement an RGB encoder in a breadboard, allowing you to focus on your project. Its compatibility with the Qwiic system means no soldering is required to connect it to your system, although 2.54mm-spaced pins are available if you prefer to use a breadboard.

With the Qwiic Twist, a clockwise rotation increases the overall count by 24, and a counter-clockwise rotation decreases it by 24. The number of steps you have turned the knob, also known as 'ticks', are transmitted over I²C. The red, green, and blue LEDs are all set via software commands and can be digitally mixed to achieve over 16 million colors!

The Qwiic Twist features an indent encoder for a satisfying 'clicky' feel. It also includes a built-in button so you can select a GUI menu or element by pressing down on it. The Twist uses a 6mm shaft and is compatible with any 6mm knob, including the Clear Plastic Knob listed in the Hookup Accessories.

An Arduino library for the Qwiic Twist is available, providing a range of features and examples for easy interfacing to the breakout. The I²C address of the Rotary Encoder is 0x3F and can be jumper selected to 0x3E (software-configurable to any address). To communicate with multiple Rotary Encoder sensors on a single bus, a multiplexer/Mux is required. If you need to use more than one Rotary Encoder sensor, consider using the Qwiic Mux Breakout.

The SparkFun Qwiic Connect System is an ecosystem of I²C sensors, actuators, shields and cables that make prototyping faster and less prone to error. All Qwiic-enabled boards use a common 1mm pitch, 4-pin JST connector. This reduces the amount of required PCB space, and polarized connections mean you can’t hook it up wrong.

Product dimensions are 25.4mm x 30.5mm (Length/Width) and 25mm (Height). It operates on a voltage of 3.3V. The current is approximately 2.8mA with LEDs off and approximately 40.6mA with LEDs on 100%. The device detects clockwise and counterclockwise direction, has 24 ticks per 360° rotation, and a built-in momentary button. The RGB LED is controlled via PWM allowing for up to 16M colors. The device supports up to 400kHz I²C communication and has jumpers for address selection, interrupt pull up disable, and I²C pull up disable. The default I²C Address is 0x3F (Jumper Open), and can be changed to 0x3E (Jumper Closed). It comes with 2x Qwiic Connectors.