NXP Semiconductors MPX4115A

Overview

MPX4115A from Freescale Semiconductor is an integrated absolute pressure sensor with on-chip signal conditioning, temperature compensation, and factory calibration for barometric and altimeter applications. It delivers a ratiometric 0.2–4.8 V analog output over a 15–115 kPa range, operates from 4.85–5.35 V supply, consumes ≤10 mA, and maintains ±1.5% full-scale accuracy across 0°C to 85°C.

For engineers reviewing the MPX4115A datasheet, MPX4115A pinout, MPX4115A application, or MPX4115A equivalent, this sensor is selected for precision atmospheric pressure measurement in aviation altimeters, weather stations, and engine control systems where stable offset, low thermal drift, and media-resistant packaging are critical.

Technical Context

The MPX4115A integrates a silicon piezoresistive sensing element with bipolar op-amp circuitry and thin-film resistor networks to provide high-level analog output and on-chip temperature compensation. Its transfer function is V_OUT = V_S(0.009 × P − 0.095), with ratiometric behavior ensuring output stability relative to supply voltage variation.

It features a sealed vacuum reference cavity, fluorosilicone gel isolation of die and wire bonds, and unibody epoxy packaging (Case 867-08) rated for -40°C to +125°C operation. The device requires external decoupling (1.0 μF + 0.01 μF + 470 pF) to meet electrical specifications and exhibits 1.0 ms response time (10%–90%).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPX4115A uses the Unibody Package (Case 867-08), a durable epoxy housing with stainless steel cap and ported design for absolute pressure sensing. Pins 4, 5, and 6 are no-connects; functional terminals are limited to V_OUT, GND, and V_S.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPX4115A, MPX5114A offers improved accuracy in a smaller SMT package but sacrifices mechanical ruggedness, while MPXA4115A matches electrical performance with enhanced chemical resistance at the cost of reduced shock tolerance-selection depends on mounting method, environmental stress, and layout constraints.

Availability

MPX4115A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aviation altimeters, weather reporting devices, and engine control units requiring stable component supply, long-term calibration retention, and media-resistant packaging.

Supply support for MPX4115A 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) was a leading designer of embedded processors and analog/mixed-signal ICs, specializing in automotive, industrial, and consumer applications before its 2015 acquisition.

The MPX4115A belongs to Freescale's MPX series of integrated pressure sensors, engineered specifically for high-accuracy absolute pressure measurement in barometric, altimetric, and engine manifold applications where on-chip signal conditioning and temperature compensation are essential.

FAQ

What is the operating pressure range of the MPX4115A?

The MPX4115A operates over an absolute pressure range of 15 to 115 kPa (2.2 to 16.7 psi), corresponding to altitudes from sea level to approximately 11 km. This range is optimized for barometer and altimeter applications, and the device saturates outside these limits-output remains at minimum or maximum voltage beyond the specified bounds.

Does the MPX4115A require external calibration?

No, the MPX4115A is factory-calibrated and temperature-compensated, delivering a linear 0.2–4.8 V output with ±1.5% full-scale accuracy over 0°C to 85°C. While system-level calibration may improve absolute accuracy in specific installations, the MPX4115A requires no user-performed calibration to meet its published specifications.

What is the supply current consumption of the MPX4115A?

The MPX4115A draws 7.0 mA typical and up to 10 mA maximum supply current at 5.1 Vdc. This low quiescent current supports energy-efficient designs in battery-powered altimeters and portable weather instruments, and the device includes warm-up time specification (≤20 ms) for rapid system initialization.

Can the MPX4115A be used with a 3.3 V microcontroller ADC?

Yes-the MPX4115A's 0.2–4.8 V output exceeds typical 3.3 V ADC input ranges, so a simple resistive divider or rail-to-rail op-amp buffer is required to scale the signal. Its ratiometric nature means that if the microcontroller's V_REF is derived from the same 5.1 V supply, measurement accuracy remains preserved despite scaling.

What package type does the MPX4115A use, and how is pressure ported?

The MPX4115A uses the Unibody Package (Case 867-08), an epoxy housing with stainless steel cap. Pressure is applied to the P1 side (identified by the stainless steel cap), while P2 is a sealed vacuum reference. The device is designed for absolute pressure measurement only-differential or gauge configurations require other variants like MPX4115AP or MPXAZ4115A.