NXP Semiconductors MPL115A1T1

Overview

MPL115A1T1 from NXP Semiconductors is a miniature absolute pressure sensor IC with integrated MEMS transducer and signal-conditioning ASIC, 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-optimized for barometric altitude sensing in portable electronics.

For engineers reviewing the MPL115A1T1 datasheet, MPL115A1T1 pinout, MPL115A1T1 application, or MPL115A1T1 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, SPI timing constraints (up to 8 MHz), factory-stored calibration coefficients, compensated pressure computation logic, and RoHS-compliant LGA mounting guidance-enabling rapid integration into low-power embedded systems requiring atmospheric pressure measurement.

Technical Context

The MPL115A1T1 integrates a MEMS-based absolute pressure sensor element with an on-die conditioning IC featuring a 10-bit ADC for simultaneous pressure and temperature digitization. Calibration coefficients (a0, b1, b2, c12) are factory-programmed into internal ROM and accessed via SPI memory-mapped reads at fixed addresses (e.g., 04h–0Bh).

Host microcontroller executes a deterministic 3-stage MAC-based compensation algorithm using raw ADC outputs (Padc, Tadc) and coefficients to compute 10-bit compensated pressure (Pcomp), scaled linearly from 0 (50 kPa) to 1023 (115 kPa). SPI communication requires 8-bit command words with MSB = 1 for read (e.g., 80h for Padc_MSB) and MSB = 0 for write (e.g., 24h for CONVERT), with strict timing: tSCLK ≤ 125 ns, tDDLY ≤ 32 ns, and tWCS ≥ 30 ns.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: LGA-8 (SOT1769-1), 3.0 mm × 5.0 mm × 1.2 mm, RoHS-compliant surface-mount package with exposed cavity for pressure port access. Requires 1 μF decoupling capacitor on CAP pin and light-shielded PCB layout to prevent optical interference with MEMS die.

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 MPL115A1T1 offers the smallest footprint (3 × 5 mm), lowest active current (5 μA), and built-in SHDN pin-making it optimal for ultra-compact, battery-sensitive applications where ±1 kPa accuracy suffices and SPI is preferred over I²C.

Availability

MPL115A1T1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for barometric altimetry, portable weather stations, and industrial air pressure monitoring requiring stable component supply, consistent calibration performance, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MPL115A1T1 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 markets.

The MPL115A1T1 belongs to NXP's miniature MEMS pressure sensor product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems needing reliable digital barometric pressure measurement without external calibration infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the pressure measurement range and accuracy of the MPL115A1T1?

The MPL115A1T1 measures absolute pressure from 50 kPa to 115 kPa with ±1 kPa accuracy over the –20 °C to +85 °C temperature range. This corresponds to altitudes from approximately –500 m to +1,500 m above sea level. Accuracy is achieved through factory-trimmed calibration coefficients and host-side compensation using the documented polynomial equation. The MPL115A1T1 does not require field recalibration for standard barometric use cases.

How does the MPL115A1T1 interface with a microcontroller?

The MPL115A1T1 uses a 4-wire SPI interface (CS, SCLK, DIN, DOUT) operating up to 8 MHz. Communication is memory-mapped: commands like CONVERT (24h) are written, and pressure/temperature data or calibration coefficients (e.g., Padc_MSB at 00h) are read using address-prefixed 8-bit command words. The host MCU must execute the documented compensation algorithm using raw ADC values and stored coefficients to obtain compensated pressure. The MPL115A1T1 has no internal processing-computation occurs externally.

Does the MPL115A1T1 include temperature sensing capability?

Yes, the MPL115A1T1 integrates a temperature sensor alongside its pressure transducer. It outputs a 10-bit temperature ADC value (Tadc) simultaneously with pressure (Padc) during each conversion cycle. These raw values, combined with factory-stored coefficients (b2, c12), enable the host MCU to compensate pressure readings for temperature-induced drift. The temperature measurement supports the compensation algorithm but is not intended as a standalone high-accuracy thermometer.

What is the role of the CAP pin on the MPL115A1T1?

The CAP pin connects to the output of the internal voltage regulator and must be decoupled with a 1 μF ceramic capacitor to ground. This capacitor stabilizes the analog supply rail powering the MEMS sensor and ADC, ensuring measurement repeatability and noise immunity. Omitting or undersizing this capacitor results in unstable pressure readings and increased measurement variance. The MPL115A1T1 will not function correctly without proper CAP pin decoupling.

Can the MPL115A1T1 operate in harsh environmental conditions?

Yes-the MPL115A1T1 is rated for operation from –40 °C to +105 °C and withstands up to 1000 kPa overpressure. Its LGA-8 package is RoHS-compliant and designed for reflow soldering per JEDEC standards. However, the MEMS die is light-sensitive: direct illumination through the pressure port degrades accuracy. Proper mechanical shielding (e.g., opaque gasket or conformal coating over vent hole) is required in bright environments. The MPL115A1T1 is not hermetically sealed against moisture ingress-intended for controlled indoor or protected outdoor use.