NXP Semiconductors MPL115A1

Overview

MPL115A1 from NXP Semiconductors is an absolute pressure sensor IC with integrated MEMS transducer and signal-conditioning circuitry, delivering digitized pressure and temperature outputs via SPI interface. It operates across 50 kPa to 115 kPa range with ±1 kPa accuracy over –40 °C to +105 °C, consumes only 5 μA in active mode, and resides in a 3 × 5 × 1.2 mm LGA-8 package-enabling barometric sensing in space-constrained portable electronics.

For engineers reviewing the MPL115A1 datasheet, MPL115A1 pinout, MPL115A1 application, or MPL115A1 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, calibrated performance parameters, SPI timing constraints, host-side compensation requirements, and validated alternative options for barometric measurement systems requiring low-power, factory-trimmed digital pressure sensing.

Technical Context

The MPL115A1 integrates a MEMS pressure die with on-chip ADC, temperature sensor, and calibration coefficient ROM. All sensor data-including raw 10-bit pressure (Padc) and temperature (Tadc) values plus four 14–16-bit factory coefficients (a0, b1, b2, c12)-are accessed via memory-mapped SPI reads; no internal compensation is performed.

Host microcontroller execution of the documented second-order polynomial (Pcomp = a0 + (b1 + c12×Tadc)×Padc + b2×Tadc) is mandatory to derive compensated absolute pressure. The device supports SPI clock frequencies up to 8 MHz, requires external 1 μF decoupling on CAP pin, and enters sub-1 μA shutdown when SHDN is pulled low.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: LGA-8 (TSON8, SOT1769-1), 3.0 mm × 5.0 mm × 1.2 mm, RoHS-compliant surface-mount package with exposed cavity for pressure port access.

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 MPL115A1 delivers verified ±1 kPa accuracy across –40 °C to +105 °C in a smaller 3×5 mm footprint with simpler 10-bit data handling-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained industrial and portable barometers where host-based compensation is already implemented.

Availability

MPL115A1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for barometric weather stations, portable altimeters, HDD environmental compensation, and industrial environmental monitors requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant LGA packaging.

Supply support for MPL115A1 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

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

The MPL115A1 belongs to NXP's precision analog sensor family, designed specifically for low-cost, low-power digital barometric measurement in portable and industrial equipment where factory-calibrated MEMS pressure sensing with host-side compensation is preferred.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MPL115A1?

The MPL115A1 is an absolute pressure sensor IC that measures ambient atmospheric pressure from 50 kPa to 115 kPa and outputs digitized pressure and temperature readings via SPI. It does not perform internal compensation; instead, it provides factory-stored calibration coefficients so the host microcontroller can compute compensated absolute pressure using a documented polynomial equation. This architecture enables high accuracy while minimizing on-die complexity and power consumption in the MPL115A1.

Does the MPL115A1 include built-in temperature compensation?

No, the MPL115A1 does not perform on-chip temperature or nonlinearity compensation. It outputs raw 10-bit pressure (Padc) and temperature (Tadc) ADC values along with four factory-programmed coefficients (a0, b1, b2, c12) stored in internal ROM. The host microcontroller must execute the specified second-order compensation algorithm-using these values-to derive the final compensated pressure result. This design keeps the MPL115A1's active current at just 5 μA and avoids fixed-function logic that would limit flexibility or increase die size.

What are the critical timing requirements for SPI communication with the MPL115A1?

The MPL115A1 supports SPI clock frequencies up to 8 MHz, with minimum SCLK high/low times of 62.5 ns each. Chip select (CS) must be asserted ≥125 ns before the first SCLK edge (tSCS), and data must be held ≥30 ns after SCLK low (tHOLD). Data becomes valid ≤32 ns after the SCLK falling edge (tDDLY). These constraints ensure reliable register reads-including coefficient data at addresses 04h–0Bh-and command writes like the 24h CONVERT instruction. Violating tSCS or tHOLD risks corrupted coefficient or conversion data in the MPL115A1.

How is the MPL115A1 powered and decoupled?

The MPL115A1 accepts a supply voltage from 2.375 V to 5.5 V on the VDD pin and draws only 5 μA in active mode. A 1 μF ceramic capacitor must be placed between the CAP pin and GND to stabilize the internal regulator output-this is not optional and directly impacts measurement stability. The GND pin serves as the common reference for both analog and digital sections. No additional LDO or filtering is required, making the MPL115A1 compatible with standard 3.3 V or 5 V microcontroller rails without external regulators.

Can the MPL115A1 be used in harsh industrial environments?

Yes, the MPL115A1 is rated for continuous operation from –40 °C to +105 °C and features robust handling guidelines for reflow, cleaning, and mechanical mounting. Its LGA-8 package (SOT1769-1) uses a metal lid with an exposed pressure port, and NXP explicitly recommends protecting the vent hole during PCB cleaning or ultrasonic processes. The device withstands 1000 kPa overpressure and supports no-clean solder pastes to avoid chemical exposure to the MEMS element-making the MPL115A1 suitable for sealed industrial enclosures, automotive cabin modules, and ruggedized portable instrumentation.