NXP Semiconductors MMA3204KEG

Overview

MMA3204KEG from Freescale Semiconductor is a dual-axis (X/Y) surface-micromachined capacitive accelerometer with integrated signal conditioning, 4th-order Bessel low-pass filtering, and factory-calibrated ±100g/±30g full-scale ranges. It delivers ratiometric analog outputs (XOUT/YOUT), features self-test, status fault reporting, and operates over –40°C to +125°C in a 20-lead SOIC package. Used in hard drive protection, impact monitoring, and VR input devices.

For engineers reviewing the MMA3204KEG datasheet, MMA3204KEG pinout, MMA3204KEG application, or MMA3204KEG equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-axis sensitivity asymmetry (100g X / 30g Y), ratiometric output scaling, on-chip self-test activation via ST pin, and AEC-Q100 Grade 2 qualification for automotive-grade reliability.

Technical Context

The MMA3204KEG integrates a polysilicon g-cell transducer hermetically sealed at wafer level with a CMOS ASIC using switched-capacitor techniques for capacitance-to-voltage conversion. Its 4-pole Bessel filter (f_–3dB = 360–440 Hz) preserves pulse shape integrity without external components, and ratiometric operation ensures offset/sensitivity scale linearly with VDD (4.75–5.25 V).

Self-test applies electrostatic force to deflect the central mass, producing calibrated output shifts (9.6–14.4 g_ST). Fault detection monitors low voltage (VLVD = 3.25 V typ), clock frequency (f_min = 50–260 kHz), and EPROM parity, latching STATUS high until reset by ST pulse ≥100 μs - unless fault persists.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 20-lead SOIC (Case 475A-02), surface-mount, Pb-free, RoHS-compliant. Dimensions: 12.8 mm × 7.5 mm × 2.3 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-axis analog accelerometer applications.

Compared with ADXL203CE and MMA8452Q, the MMA3204KEG uniquely combines asymmetric dual-axis analog outputs (100g/30g), integrated Bessel filtering, and hardware self-test with fault latching - making it optimal for ruggedized analog-signal-chain applications where deterministic timing and minimal external components are critical.

Availability

MMA3204KEG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for vibration monitoring, hard drive protection, and appliance control requiring stable component supply across automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics programs.

Supply support for MMA3204KEG includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Freescale Semiconductor (now part of NXP Semiconductors) was a leading designer of embedded processors, sensors, and analog ICs, specializing in automotive, industrial, and networking solutions.

The MMA3204KEG belongs to Freescale's micromachined accelerometer product line, engineered for high-reliability inertial sensing in harsh environments - emphasizing robustness, factory calibration, and system-level diagnostic capability.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range specified for the MMA3204KEG?

The MMA3204KEG is rated for continuous operation from –40°C to +125°C and is qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 2 standards. This specification is confirmed in Table 2 of the official datasheet and reflects its suitability for under-hood automotive and industrial environments where thermal extremes are common. The MMA3204KEG maintains full performance across this range without recalibration.

Does the MMA3204KEG require external passive components for its filter function?

No, the MMA3204KEG implements an onboard 4-pole switched-capacitor Bessel filter with a fixed cutoff frequency of 360–440 Hz. As stated in the "SPECIAL FEATURES" section, no external resistors or capacitors are needed to set the filter characteristics. However, an external RC filter (1 kΩ + 0.01 μF) is recommended on XOUT/YOUT to suppress clock feedthrough noise - this is distinct from the internal signal-conditioning filter.

How does the ratiometric output of the MMA3204KEG improve system accuracy?

The MMA3204KEG's ratiometric output means both zero-g offset and sensitivity scale linearly with VDD supply voltage. When interfaced with an ADC powered from the same VDD rail, supply-induced gain and offset errors cancel out - significantly improving end-to-end measurement accuracy without software compensation. This behavior is explicitly documented in the "Ratiometricity" section of the datasheet and verified in Table 2 operating characteristics.

What is the purpose of the separate AVDD and VDD pins on the MMA3204KEG?

The MMA3204KEG uses AVDD (Pin 10) as the dedicated analog supply for the sensor front-end and signal conditioning circuitry, while VDD (Pin 9) powers the digital logic, oscillator, and EPROM. This separation minimizes digital switching noise coupling into the sensitive analog path, enhancing SNR and measurement stability - a design requirement emphasized in the "BASIC CONNECTIONS" layout guidelines and confirmed in the Pin No. 9/10 descriptions.

Can the STATUS pin of the MMA3204KEG be used to confirm proper self-test execution?

Yes - the STATUS pin serves a dual role: it reports faults (LVD, clock failure, EPROM parity) and mirrors the ST input during self-test activation. As noted in Note 12 of Table 2, STATUS goes high whenever ST is high, allowing verification of ST pin connectivity and basic logic path functionality. After self-test completion, STATUS returns to its fault-latched state unless cleared by a valid ST pulse, enabling robust pre-deployment diagnostics for the MMA3204KEG.