NXP Semiconductors MPX4200A

Overview

MPX4200A from Freescale Semiconductor is a silicon-based manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor with on-chip signal conditioning, temperature compensation, and factory calibration. It delivers a ratiometric 0.3–4.9 V analog output across a 20–200 kPa absolute pressure range, operates from 4.85–5.35 V supply, draws ≤10 mA, and is rated for –40°C to +125°C ambient operation. It is used in turbo boost engine control systems to determine intake air mass for precise fuel injection timing.

For engineers reviewing the MPX4200A datasheet, MPX4200A pinout, MPX4200A application, or MPX4200A equivalent, key selection considerations include its unibody epoxy package (Case 867-08), absolute pressure sensing capability, ±1.5% VFSS accuracy over 0–85°C, 1 ms response time, and compatibility with microcontroller A/D interfaces via recommended decoupling circuitry.

Technical Context

The MPX4200A integrates a patented silicon shear-stress strain gauge with thin-film resistor networks and bipolar op-amp circuitry to deliver a high-level analog output. Its on-chip temperature compensation ensures stable offset and full-scale span across –40°C to +125°C, while its ratiometric transfer function (V_OUT = V_S × (0.005 × P − 0.04)) ties output directly to supply voltage.

Designed specifically for automotive intake manifold sensing, the device uses a sealed vacuum reference cavity and fluorosilicone gel isolation to protect die and wire bonds. It requires no external amplification or compensation circuitry and meets mechanical reliability requirements for under-hood environments including thermal cycling and pulsed pressure endurance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPX4200A is housed in a 6-pin unibody epoxy package (Case 867-08) with stainless steel cover and sealed vacuum reference. Pins 4, 5, and 6 are No Connects per datasheet Figure 1 and Table 3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPX5700 and SPX3000, the MPX4200A delivers superior signal-to-noise ratio and faster warm-up (20 ms) in its specified 20–200 kPa band, avoids digital overhead, and maintains legacy compatibility with existing 5 V analog ECU architectures without layout or firmware changes.

Availability

MPX4200A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive engine control, industrial vacuum monitoring, medical respiratory equipment, and HVAC system optimization requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for MPX4200A 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 automotive and industrial microcontrollers, sensors, and analog ICs, with deep expertise in embedded system solutions.

The MPX4200A belongs to Freescale's silicon pressure sensor product line, engineered specifically for high-reliability, cost-sensitive manifold absolute pressure sensing in engine management systems where analog simplicity, temperature robustness, and long-term stability are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum pressure rating for the MPX4200A?

The MPX4200A has a maximum pressure rating of 800 kPa, well above its 20–200 kPa operating range. This overpressure margin protects against transient spikes in turbocharged intake manifolds. The device is designed for absolute pressure measurement with a sealed vacuum reference, and exposure beyond 800 kPa may cause permanent damage per Freescale's Maximum Ratings table.

Does the MPX4200A require external calibration or trimming?

No, the MPX4200A is fully calibrated and temperature-compensated at the factory. Its offset and full-scale span are trimmed using on-chip thin-film resistors, and it achieves ±1.5% VFSS accuracy over 0–85°C without user intervention. The MPX4200A datasheet confirms no external calibration components are needed for standard operation.

Can the MPX4200A be used with a 3.3 V microcontroller ADC?

The MPX4200A is specified for 4.85–5.35 V supply and produces a 0.3–4.9 V ratiometric output. Using it with a 3.3 V ADC requires either a level-shifting buffer or supply regulation to 5.1 V. Direct connection risks saturation and violates the MPX4200A's minimum supply voltage spec; the device will not operate correctly below 4.85 V.

What media compatibility considerations apply to the MPX4200A?

The MPX4200A is qualified for dry air as the pressure medium. Other media-including oil, fuel vapor, or corrosive gases-may degrade the fluorosilicone gel encapsulant or corrode internal metallization. Freescale explicitly states that non-dry-air media "may have adverse effects on sensor performance and long-term reliability," and recommends contacting factory support before substituting media in the MPX4200A application.

Is the MPX4200A pin-compatible with other sensors in the MPX4xxx series?

The MPX4200A shares the Case 867-08 unibody package and 6-pin layout with MPX4115A and MPX4250A, but pin functions differ across variants. For example, MPX4115A uses Style 3 pinout (open/gnd/+Vout/+Vsupply/−Vout/open), whereas MPX4200A uses Style 1 (Vout/gnd/Vcc/no-connect/no-connect/no-connect). Therefore, MPX4200A is not pin-compatible with other MPX4xxx devices without PCB redesign.