NXP Semiconductors MMA7368LT

Overview

MMA7368LT from Freescale Semiconductor is a ±1.5g three-axis capacitive micromachined accelerometer with integrated signal conditioning, 1-pole low-pass filter, temperature compensation, and self-test functionality. It delivers 800 mV/g sensitivity at 1.5g range, operates from 2.2 V to 3.6 V, consumes only 400 μA active current (3 μA in Sleep Mode), and uses an LGA-14 package for compact handheld motion sensing applications including freefall detection and tilt-based UI control.

For engineers reviewing the MMA7368LT datasheet, MMA7368LT pinout, MMA7368LT application, or MMA7368LT equivalent, key selection criteria include its ratiometric analog outputs (XOUT/YOUT/ZOUT), factory-trimmed zero-g offset, fast 0.5 ms enable response time, and robust ±5000 g shock survivability - all critical for battery-powered portable electronics requiring reliable motion inference without external calibration.

Technical Context

The MMA7368LT implements a surface-micromachined polysilicon g-cell transducer paired with a dedicated ASIC using switched-capacitor measurement techniques to convert mechanical deflection into ratiometric voltage outputs. Its internal oscillator drives a 11 kHz sampling clock, feeding a single-pole switched-capacitor low-pass filter with 400 Hz (XY) and 300 Hz (Z) −3 dB bandwidths.

Signal conditioning includes temperature-compensated offset and sensitivity trimming stored in NVM, enabling stable operation across −40°C to +85°C. The device supports two functional states: normal mode (all axes active, 400 μA) and Sleep Mode (outputs disabled, 3 μA), controlled via dedicated logic input on Pin 7 (Sleep) and self-test activation on Pin 13.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 3 mm × 5 mm × 1.0 mm LGA-14 (Case 1977-01), bottom-terminal land grid array with exposed thermal pad (not electrically connected).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LIS3LV02DL and ADXL335, the MMA7368LT offers unique value in battery-constrained designs requiring analog-output simplicity, sub-μA sleep power, and factory-trimmed reliability - especially where rapid wake-up, self-test validation, and ratiometric ADC compatibility are mandatory.

Availability

MMA7368LT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for laptop freefall protection, mobile phone motion UI, and wearable pedometer applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MMA7368LT 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 for automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics markets.

The MMA7368LT belongs to Freescale's MEMS sensor product line, engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, high-reliability motion sensing in portable battery-operated devices - emphasizing factory calibration, shock resilience, and seamless microcontroller integration.

FAQ

What is the operating voltage range for the MMA7368LT?

The MMA7368LT operates from 2.2 V to 3.6 V. Within this range, it functions as a fully calibrated linear accelerometer with guaranteed specifications. Operation outside this window may yield linear output but without calibration assurance. The device's ratiometric architecture ensures that both zero-g offset and sensitivity scale linearly with VDD, simplifying analog-to-digital conversion in microcontroller-based systems using the MMA7368LT.

How does the Sleep Mode function on the MMA7368LT?

Sleep Mode on the MMA7368LT is activated by pulling Pin 7 (Sleep) low, reducing supply current to 3 μA typical while disabling analog outputs. A high signal on Pin 7 restores normal operation with 0.5 ms enable response time. This feature is essential for extending battery life in intermittently active applications such as pedometers or anti-theft systems, and the MMA7368LT maintains full functionality-including self-test readiness-immediately upon wake-up.

Can the MMA7368LT be used for freefall detection in laptops?

Yes, the MMA7368LT is explicitly designed for freefall detection in laptops. Its ±1.5g range, 300 Hz Z-axis bandwidth, and factory-trimmed offset allow precise identification of the −1g transition preceding impact. When combined with its 3 μA Sleep Mode and self-test verification, the MMA7368LT enables reliable, low-power HDD protection systems - a use case confirmed in Freescale's official documentation and widely implemented in commercial laptop platforms using the MMA7368LT.

What is the purpose of the Self Test pin on the MMA7368LT?

The Self Test pin (Pin 13) on the MMA7368LT initiates an electrostatic deflection of the internal g-cell, producing known output shifts on XOUT, YOUT, and ZOUT. This verifies both mechanical integrity (e.g., post-reflow solder joint reliability) and signal chain functionality (ASIC, filtering, output stage). For the MMA7368LT, self-test generates −0.05g to +0.8g response on XY axes and +0.8g to +1.0g on Z-axis - enabling pre-deployment validation and field diagnostics without external test equipment.

Does the MMA7368LT require external components for basic operation?

The MMA7368LT requires only two types of external components for reliable operation: a 0.1 μF ceramic capacitor between VDD and VSS for power supply decoupling, and a 0.1 μF capacitor on each analog output (XOUT/YOUT/ZOUT) to suppress switched-capacitor clock noise. No external resistors, op-amps, or trimming components are needed - all signal conditioning, filtering, temperature compensation, and calibration are integrated, making the MMA7368LT a true plug-and-play solution for motion-sensing subsystems.