NXP Semiconductors MPX2102A

Overview

MPX2102A from Freescale Semiconductor is an absolute pressure sensor IC with monolithic silicon piezoresistive sensing element, on-chip temperature compensation, 0–100 kPa full-scale range, 40 mV typical full-scale output at 10 V supply, and ±1.0%VFSS linearity over 0°C to +85°C. It serves as a primary analog pressure transducer in barometric and vacuum-sensing systems requiring stable ratiometric output.

For engineers reviewing the MPX2102A datasheet, MPX2102A pinout, MPX2102A application, or MPX2102A equivalent, key selection criteria include absolute pressure reference integrity, unibody stainless-steel package compatibility with dry-air media, offset stability under thermal cycling, and direct interface capability with 10 V excitation and instrumentation amplifiers.

Technical Context

The MPX2102A integrates a laser-trimmed thin-film resistor network on a single silicon diaphragm to deliver ratiometric voltage output proportional to absolute pressure. Its internal temperature compensation circuitry actively corrects span and offset drift across 0°C to +85°C using on-die thermal sensors and trimming data stored during calibration.

This device operates as a passive 4-terminal transducer: two terminals for 10 VDC excitation (VS and GND), and two for differential output (VOUT+ and VOUT−). Output polarity is defined relative to P1 (pressure side) vacuum reference; voltage decreases as vacuum increases on P1, enabling precise ambient-referenced barometric measurement.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPX2102A uses Case 344 unibody stainless-steel package (16.00 × 18.42 × 5.59 mm) with silicone-gel-isolated die and integrated port for P1 (pressure side) connection. The package includes a built-in vacuum reference cavity for absolute pressure operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPXM2102A, the MPX2102A offers superior mechanical ruggedness and media compatibility in unsealed environments, while MPX5100 reduces BOM count by integrating regulation and amplification-but at the expense of excitation flexibility and extended temperature drift performance.

Availability

MPX2102A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for barometric monitoring, industrial vacuum control, and medical respiratory devices requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MPX2102A 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) is a global leader in embedded processing and sensor solutions, with core expertise in automotive, industrial, and medical analog signal conditioning.

The MPX2102 series was designed specifically for high-stability, low-drift absolute and differential pressure measurement in safety-critical and long-lifecycle applications where media compatibility and thermal robustness are essential.

FAQ

What is the pressure reference standard for MPX2102A?

The MPX2102A uses an internal sealed vacuum reference cavity, making it an absolute pressure sensor. This means its output corresponds to pressure relative to perfect vacuum-not ambient atmospheric pressure-enabling accurate barometric and altitude measurements. The MPX2102A's P1 port connects to the measured environment, while the vacuum reference is fixed inside the Case 344 stainless-steel package.

Can MPX2102A operate with supply voltages other than 10 VDC?

Yes, the MPX2102A supports supply voltages from 6 VDC to 16 VDC per its maximum ratings table. However, its output remains ratiometric: full-scale span scales linearly with VS. At 5 V, output drops to ~20 mV FS; at 15 V, it rises to ~60 mV FS. For consistent scaling, 10 VDC is recommended as the nominal excitation to match datasheet specifications and ensure optimal linearity and temperature performance.

Is MPX2102A compatible with wet or corrosive media?

No-MPX2102A is qualified only for use with dry air as the pressure medium. Exposure to moisture, oils, solvents, or corrosive gases may degrade the silicone gel isolation layer and compromise long-term accuracy or cause permanent failure. For aggressive media, NXP recommends evaluating chemically resistant alternatives like the MPX5700 series with stainless-steel diaphragms and specialized coatings-never substitute MPX2102A in non-dry-air applications without factory validation.

How does temperature compensation work inside MPX2102A?

The MPX2102A implements analog on-chip temperature compensation via laser-trimmed thin-film resistors that adjust bridge bias and output gain in real time. During calibration, coefficients for full-scale span drift (TCVFSS) and offset drift (TCVOFF) are permanently stored in the resistor network. No external components or digital correction are required-the MPX2102A delivers ±1.0%VFSS linearity and ±2.0 mV offset stability from 0°C to +85°C inherently.

What is the maximum overpressure rating for MPX2102A?

The MPX2102A has a maximum pressure rating of 400 kPa (58 psi) as specified in its Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Exceeding this value-even momentarily-may cause irreversible mechanical deformation of the silicon diaphragm or bond wire damage. For applications with potential pressure spikes, designers must implement external mechanical snubbers or restrict flow paths to limit transient overpressure to ≤400 kPa. Operation beyond this limit voids all performance guarantees.