NXP Semiconductors MPL015A2

Overview

MPL015A2 from Freescale Semiconductor is an absolute pressure sensor with digital I²C output, designed for barometric measurement in portable electronics. It delivers 50–115 kPa full-scale range, ±1 kPa accuracy at 25°C, and operates from -40°C to +105°C in a 5.0 × 3.0 × 1.2 mm LGA package. Its 5 μA active current and 0.06 μA shutdown current support battery-powered altimeters and weather stations.

For engineers reviewing the MPL015A2 datasheet, MPL015A2 pinout, MPL015A2 application, or MPL015A2 equivalent, key selection criteria include its factory-calibrated 10-bit compensated pressure output, integrated ADC, I²C address 0x60, and requirement for host-side compensation using stored calibration coefficients.

Technical Context

The MPL015A2 integrates a MEMS pressure transducer with a signal-conditioning IC and 10-bit ADC, delivering raw pressure and temperature digitized outputs via I²C. Calibration coefficients (a₀, b₁, b₂, c₁₂) are factory-programmed into internal ROM and accessed by the host microcontroller.

Compensation is executed externally using the formula P_comp = a₀ + (b₁ + P_adc + c₁₂·T_adc)·P_adc + (b₂ + T_adc)·T_adc, where P_adc and T_adc are 10-bit values. The device supports single- or dual-conversion modes with ≤1 ms total conversion time for both parameters.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-pin LGA, Case 2015-02, 5.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.2 mm max height, RoHS-compliant surface-mount.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar absolute pressure sensing applications.

Compared with BMP280 and MS5637, the MPL015A2 offers lower system-level BOM cost and simpler host integration for basic barometry, but requires external compensation math and lacks SPI support-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained, low-power embedded designs where firmware resources permit algorithm execution.

Availability

MPL015A2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for barometric altimeters, portable weather stations, and HDD environmental compensation requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MPL015A2 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 was a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in embedded processing, sensors, and analog solutions before its acquisition by NXP Semiconductors in 2015.

The MPL015A2 belongs to Freescale's miniature digital pressure sensor product line, engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, space-constrained barometric measurement in portable and industrial systems.

FAQ

What is the I²C address of the MPL015A2?

The MPL015A2 uses a fixed 7-bit I²C slave address of 0x60 (1100000 binary). It does not acknowledge the general call address 0x00. This address is hard-coded and cannot be changed via hardware pins or software configuration. When communicating with the MPL015A2, ensure your host controller targets this exact address and applies appropriate pull-up resistors (4.7 kΩ recommended) on both SDA and SCL lines.

Does the MPL015A2 provide fully compensated pressure output internally?

No, the MPL015A2 does not output fully compensated pressure internally. It delivers raw 10-bit pressure (P_adc) and temperature (T_adc) values plus factory-stored calibration coefficients (a₀, b₁, b₂, c₁₂) via I²C. Host microcontroller firmware must execute the specified compensation algorithm: P_comp = a₀ + (b₁ + P_adc + c₁₂·T_adc)·P_adc + (b₂ + T_adc)·T_adc. This architecture minimizes sensor die complexity and power consumption while shifting computation to the host.

What is the purpose of the CAP pin on the MPL015A2?

The CAP pin on the MPL015A2 connects to an external 1 μF ceramic capacitor that stabilizes the internal voltage regulator and filters supply noise affecting the MEMS sensor and ADC. This capacitor must be placed as close as possible to the CAP and VDD pins. Omitting or undersizing this capacitor causes increased measurement noise and potential instability in pressure readings. The datasheet explicitly specifies 1 μF; using values outside ±20% may degrade performance or violate maximum ratings.

Can the MPL015A2 operate from a 5 V supply?

Yes, the MPL015A2 supports supply voltages from 2.375 V to 5.5 V, making it fully compatible with 5 V systems. All electrical characteristics-including I²C input thresholds (V_IL ≤ 0.3V_DD, V_IH ≥ 0.7V_DD) and output drive strength-are specified across this full range. When powered from 5 V, ensure the host microcontroller's I²C pins are 5 V tolerant or use level-shifting if interfacing with 3.3 V logic. The MPL015A2 itself requires no additional circuitry for 5 V operation.

How does the SHDN pin function on the MPL015A2?

The SHDN pin on the MPL015A2 controls power-down mode: pulling it low (to GND) places the device into shutdown, reducing supply current to 0.06 μA typical. Leaving SHDN open or high (≥0.7V_DD) enables normal operation. It is not a true three-state control-no internal pull-up exists, so external biasing is required for reliable wake-up. During shutdown, I²C communication is disabled and registers retain their last state, but the device does not respond to bus activity until SHDN is released.