NXP Semiconductors MMA7261Q

Overview

MMA7261Q from Freescale Semiconductor is a ±2.5g to ±10g three-axis capacitive micromachined accelerometer with integrated signal conditioning, factory-trimmed low-pass filtering, temperature compensation, and g-Select sensitivity configuration. It delivers ratiometric analog outputs (XOUT/YOUT/ZOUT), operates from 2.2 V to 3.6 V, draws 500 µA active current and 3 µA in Sleep Mode, and is used for freefall detection in laptops and HDD protection in portable electronics.

For engineers reviewing the MMA7261Q datasheet, MMA7261Q pinout, MMA7261Q application, or MMA7261Q equivalent, key selection considerations include selectable full-scale ranges (2.5g/3.3g/6.7g/10g), QFN-16 package compatibility, ratiometric output behavior, sleep-mode timing response (0.5 ms enable), and ESD-sensitive handling requirements.

Technical Context

The MMA7261Q integrates dual surface-micromachined capacitive g-cells per axis with an ASIC implementing switched-capacitor C-to-V conversion, gain control, and single-pole low-pass filtering. Sensitivity scaling is achieved via internal EEPROM-trimmed gain stages selected by g-Select1/g-Select2 logic inputs.

Its ratiometric architecture ensures output offset (1.65 V at 0g, VDD = 3.3 V) and sensitivity (480 mV/g @ 2.5g) scale linearly with supply voltage, enabling direct interface to microcontroller ADCs without external reference. The device features factory-set zero-g offset, full-scale span, and filter cutoff - no external components required.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 16-lead QFN (6 mm × 6 mm × 1.45 mm), case 1622-02, exposed thermal pad internally connected to VSS. Pin 1 marked by non-metallic identifier; flag not recommended for soldering in consumer applications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 3-axis analog-output accelerometer applications.

Compared with ADXL335 and MMA8451Q, the MMA7261Q uniquely combines analog ratiometric outputs, four factory-trimmed sensitivity modes, and sub-5 µA sleep current in a QFN-16 package - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, battery-powered motion UI and drop-protection systems requiring analog simplicity and in-field range flexibility.

Availability

MMA7261Q is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for laptop freefall detection, HDD protection, and smartphone motion UI applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MMA7261Q 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) is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in embedded processing, sensors, and analog solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The MMA7261Q belongs to Freescale's legacy MEMS accelerometer product line, designed specifically for ultra-low-power, cost-sensitive portable electronics requiring robust motion sensing without external signal conditioning.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for the MMA7261Q?

The MMA7261Q is specified to operate from –40°C to +105°C. All electrical characteristics-including zero-g offset, sensitivity, and noise-are guaranteed across this full industrial temperature range. The device incorporates factory-trimmed temperature compensation circuits for X, Y, and Z axes, ensuring stable performance without host-side calibration routines.

How does the g-Select feature work on the MMA7261Q?

The MMA7261Q uses two logic inputs-g-Select1 (pin 1) and g-Select2 (pin 2)-to select among four full-scale ranges: 2.5g (00), 3.3g (01), 6.7g (10), or 10g (11). These pins can be driven externally or left unconnected, as internal pull-downs default the MMA7261Q to 2.5g mode. Sensitivity values (e.g., 480 mV/g at 2.5g) are factory-trimmed and require no external components.

Can the MMA7261Q be used with a 1.8 V supply?

No-the MMA7261Q requires a minimum supply voltage of 2.2 V and maximum of 3.6 V. Operation below 2.2 V is outside specification and may result in undefined output behavior or failure to power up, especially below 0°C. For 1.8 V systems, consider alternatives such as the ADXL345 or MMA8451Q, which support lower supply rails.

What is the purpose of the exposed thermal pad on the MMA7261Q QFN package?

The exposed thermal pad on the MMA7261Q (case 1622-02) is internally connected to VSS and serves as a primary thermal and electrical ground path. Freescale explicitly advises against soldering it down in consumer applications to avoid mechanical stress-induced calibration shift. Instead, it should remain unsoldered while surrounding ground pads are properly connected per PCB layout guidelines.

Does the MMA7261Q require external filtering components?

No-the MMA7261Q integrates a single-pole switched-capacitor low-pass filter with factory-set cutoff frequencies (350 Hz for XY, 150 Hz for Z). However, Freescale recommends adding a 1.0 kΩ resistor and 0.1 µF capacitor RC network on each analog output (XOUT/YOUT/ZOUT) to suppress clock feedthrough noise from the internal switched-capacitor circuitry, improving signal integrity for MCU ADC sampling.