NXP Semiconductors MPL115A2

Overview

MPL115A2 from NXP Semiconductors is an absolute pressure sensor IC with integrated MEMS transducer and signal-conditioning circuitry, delivering digitized pressure and temperature outputs via I²C interface. It operates across 50 kPa to 115 kPa range with ±1 kPa accuracy over –40 °C to +105 °C, draws 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 MPL115A2 datasheet, MPL115A2 pinout, MPL115A2 application, or MPL115A2 equivalent, key selection considerations include its factory-calibrated compensation coefficients, 7-bit I²C address (0x60), 400 kHz I²C support, shutdown current ≤1 μA, and host-side pressure compensation requirement using stored a0/b1/b2/c12 coefficients.

Technical Context

The MPL115A2 integrates a MEMS piezoresistive pressure sensor with on-die temperature sensor, ADC, I²C interface, and internal ROM storing device-specific calibration coefficients. Its compensation algorithm requires host microcontroller execution using raw 10-bit Padc and Tadc values plus four 14–16-bit coefficients (a0, b1, b2, c12) read from dedicated registers.

It supports three operational states: Standby (low-power idle), Active Conversion (triggered by I²C command 0x12), and Shutdown (SHDN = GND, ≤1 μA draw). Wake-up time after shutdown is 3–5 ms, and conversion time is 1.6–3 ms-enabling rapid, low-overhead barometric sampling in battery-powered systems.

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 MPL115A2 offers lowest active current (5 μA vs. 20–30 μA) and simplest host firmware integration for basic barometry, but requires full host-side compensation and has narrower pressure span-making it ideal for cost-sensitive, battery-constrained consumer devices where ±1 kPa tolerance is acceptable.

Availability

MPL115A2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for barometric weather stations, portable altimeters, industrial HVAC monitoring, and HDD head position control requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MPL115A2 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 MPL115A2 belongs to NXP's precision analog sensor family designed specifically for low-power, space-constrained barometric and altimetric measurement in portable and embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the I²C address of the MPL115A2 and how is it configured?

The MPL115A2 uses a fixed 7-bit I²C address of 0x60 (1100000b), with write address 0xC0 and read address 0xC1. No hardware address pins exist-address is hardwired and non-configurable. The device does not acknowledge general call (0x00) and requires standard I²C timing compliance, including 4.7 kΩ pull-ups on SDA/SCL lines. This address is confirmed in Table 2 and Section 10 of the MPL115A2 datasheet.

Does the MPL115A2 perform on-chip pressure compensation, or is host processing required?

The MPL115A2 does not perform on-chip compensation. It outputs raw 10-bit pressure (Padc) and temperature (Tadc) ADC values along with four factory-stored coefficients (a0, b1, b2, c12) that must be read via I²C and used by the host microcontroller to compute compensated absolute pressure using the documented polynomial. This architecture reduces sensor die complexity and cost while enabling firmware-based calibration updates. The MPL115A2 specification explicitly defines this host-side calculation in Section 8.2.

What is the function of the CAP pin on the MPL115A2, and what capacitor value is required?

The CAP pin on the MPL115A2 connects to a mandatory 1 µF capacitor tied to GND. This capacitor stabilizes the internal voltage reference used by the ADC, directly impacting pressure measurement accuracy and repeatability. The datasheet specifies this value in Section 6.2 and Figure 1, and deviation from 1 µF may cause increased noise or offset drift. Ceramic X7R or similar low-ESR capacitors placed close to the CAP pin are recommended per NXP application notes.

Can the MPL115A2 operate reliably in environments above 85 °C?

Yes-the MPL115A2 is fully specified for operation from –40 °C to +105 °C, with ±1 kPa accuracy guaranteed over –20 °C to +85 °C. At temperatures beyond +85 °C, pressure accuracy degrades gradually but remains functional; the device continues to provide monotonic, usable outputs up to +105 °C. This extended range supports under-hood automotive, industrial control cabinets, and enclosed outdoor enclosures where ambient heat buildup occurs. Thermal performance data is provided in Table 10 of the MPL115A2 datasheet.

Is the MPL115A2 pin-compatible with earlier MPL115A variants such as the MPL115A1?

No-the MPL115A2 is not pin-compatible with the MPL115A1. While both share the LGA-8 package outline, the MPL115A2 introduces the dedicated CAP pin (Pin 2) and reassigns functionality to other pins (e.g., RST behavior differs). The MPL115A1 datasheet confirms absence of CAP pin and different reset implementation. Board-level replacement requires schematic and layout revision. This distinction is confirmed by comparing Pin Description tables and block diagrams across respective NXP datasheets.