NXP Semiconductors MPXA4100A6U

Overview

MPXA4100A6U from Freescale Semiconductor is a monolithic, signal-conditioned silicon absolute pressure sensor designed for manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensing in engine control systems. It delivers a ratiometric analog output (0.3–4.9 V) over 20–105 kPa, with ±1.8% full-scale span accuracy from 0°C to 85°C and on-chip temperature compensation across –40°C to +125°C.

For engineers reviewing the MPXA4100A6U datasheet, MPXA4100A6U pinout, MPXA4100A6U application, or MPXA4100A6U equivalent, this sensor provides calibrated, media-resistant pressure measurement ideal for automotive ECU fuel mapping, microcontroller interfacing, and industrial vacuum/pressure monitoring where stable analog output and thermal robustness are critical.

Technical Context

The MPXA4100A6U integrates a piezoresistive sensing element, thin-film temperature compensation network, and two-stage bipolar gain amplifier in a single die. Its output is ratiometric to supply voltage (VS = 4.85–5.35 V), enabling direct interface with ADCs without external reference scaling.

It uses fluorosilicone gel encapsulation and a thermoplastic (PPS) small-outline package (Case 482-01) with a single port for absolute pressure measurement referenced to sealed vacuum. Pin configuration follows Style 1: VOUT (Pin 1), GND (Pin 2), VS (Pin 3), and three no-connect pins (Pins 4–6).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPXA4100A6U is housed in a surface-mount small-outline package (Case 482-01), measuring 10.79 × 10.79 × 5.84 mm, with fluorosilicone gel isolation and PPS thermoplastic body. The Pressure (P1) side is identified by part marking.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPXAZ4100A6U and MPX4100A, the MPXA4100A6U offers optimal balance of SMT manufacturability, automotive-grade reliability, and fluorosilicone media compatibility - making it the preferred choice for high-volume engine control modules where PCB area and production yield are critical.

Availability

MPXA4100A6U is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive engine management, industrial vacuum control, and medical respiratory device applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q200-aligned qualification.

Supply support for MPXA4100A6U 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, specializing in automotive, industrial, and networking applications.

The MPXA4100A6U belongs to Freescale's MAP sensor product line, engineered specifically for high-accuracy, temperature-stable absolute pressure measurement in engine control units and safety-critical embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the pressure range and output behavior of the MPXA4100A6U?

The MPXA4100A6U operates over an absolute pressure range of 20–105 kPa and produces a ratiometric analog output from 0.3 V to 4.9 V at VS = 5.1 V. Its nominal transfer function is VOUT = VS × (0.01059 × P − 0.1518), with ±1.8% full-scale span accuracy across 0°C to 85°C. The MPXA4100A6U output saturates outside its rated range and requires the decoupling network shown in Figure 3 for specification compliance.

Is the MPXA4100A6U pin-compatible with other members of the MPX4100A family?

Yes - the MPXA4100A6U uses Style 1 pinout (VOUT, GND, VS, NC, NC, NC) in Case 482-01, matching MPXAZ4100A6U and MPXA4100AC6U. It is not pin-compatible with unibody variants like MPX4100A (Case 867-08), which use different footprints and terminal counts. The MPXA4100A6U shares identical pin functions and spacing with other Case 482 devices, enabling shared PCB layout for multiple gel variants.

Does the MPXA4100A6U require external temperature compensation?

No - the MPXA4100A6U integrates on-chip temperature compensation circuitry that corrects both offset (TcOffset) and full-scale span (TcSpan) over –40°C to +125°C. This eliminates the need for external thermistors, lookup tables, or digital compensation algorithms. All calibration data is factory-trimmed and stored in the analog signal path, so the MPXA4100A6U delivers compensated output directly from the VOUT pin.

What is the recommended power supply decoupling for the MPXA4100A6U?

Freescale specifies a decoupling network consisting of a 1.0 μF bulk capacitor, a 0.01 μF ceramic capacitor, and a 470 pF output filter capacitor, all placed close to the MPXA4100A6U pins per Figure 3. This configuration suppresses supply noise and ensures the MPXA4100A6U meets its ±1.8% accuracy and 1 ms response time specifications. Failure to implement this network may result in increased output noise and degraded linearity.

Can the MPXA4100A6U be used with a 3.3 V microcontroller system?

The MPXA4100A6U requires VS = 4.85–5.35 Vdc and is not specified for 3.3 V operation. Its ratiometric output assumes a 5 V supply; using 3.3 V would violate the maximum ratings and cause output saturation below 0.3 V. To interface with 3.3 V systems, use a dedicated 5 V LDO regulator for the MPXA4100A6U and level-shift or scale its 0.3–4.9 V output before ADC sampling. The MPXA4100A6U itself must operate at its specified supply voltage.