NXP Semiconductors MPXA4115A6T1

Overview

MPXA4115A6T1 from Freescale Semiconductor is a media-resistant, integrated silicon absolute pressure sensor designed for barometric and altimeter applications. It delivers a ratiometric 0.2–4.8 V analog output over a 15–115 kPa range, features on-chip temperature compensation across –40°C to +125°C, and achieves ±1.5% full-scale accuracy from 0°C to 85°C. Its small-outline package (Case 482) supports surface-mount integration in aviation, weather stations, and engine control systems.

For engineers reviewing the MPXA4115A6T1 datasheet, MPXA4115A6T1 pinout, MPXA4115A6T1 application, or MPXA4115A6T1 equivalent, key selection criteria include its absolute pressure sensing capability, fluorosilicone gel media resistance, 1.0 ms response time, and compatibility with microcontroller A/D interfaces using standard decoupling (1.0 μF + 0.01 μF + 470 pF).

Technical Context

The MPXA4115A6T1 integrates a piezoresistive silicon sensing element with bipolar op-amp signal conditioning and thin-film resistor networks for gain and offset trimming. Its transfer function is defined as V_OUT = V_S × (0.009 × P − 0.095), where P is absolute pressure in kPa and V_S is supply voltage (4.85–5.35 V). Temperature compensation is implemented via on-chip circuitry that applies linear error multipliers (×1 at 0–85°C, ×3 at –40°C/+125°C).

It operates with a sealed vacuum reference cavity, requires no external calibration, and uses a single-supply 5.1 V excitation. The device exhibits 46 mV/kPa sensitivity, 7.0 mA typical supply current, and meets maximum ratings of 400 kPa burst pressure and –40°C to +125°C operating/storage temperature.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPXA4115A6T1 uses Case 482-01 small-outline package (10.54 × 10.54 × 5.38 mm), thermoplastic (PPS) body with 6-pin surface-mount configuration. Pins 4, 5, and 6 are no-connects per datasheet Figure 1 for small-outline variants.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPXAZ4115A6T1, MPXA4115A6T1 offers identical electrical performance and packaging but uses standard fluorosilicone gel instead of factory-qualified media-resistant variant; versus MPX4115AP, it trades unibody ruggedness for smaller SMT footprint and ambient-rated gel compatibility.

Availability

MPXA4115A6T1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aviation altimeters, weather reporting devices, and engine control units requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MPXA4115A6T1 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 fabless semiconductor company specializing in embedded processing, analog, and sensor solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The MPX series was developed specifically for high-reliability absolute pressure measurement in safety-critical and environmentally demanding applications, emphasizing factory calibration, on-chip signal conditioning, and robust packaging.

FAQ

What is the pressure media compatibility of MPXA4115A6T1?

The MPXA4115A6T1 uses standard fluorosilicone gel encapsulation and is qualified for dry air as the pressure medium. It is not rated for exposure to liquids, corrosive gases, or high-humidity condensing environments. For such conditions, Freescale specifies the MPXAZ4115A6T1 variant with enhanced media resistance. Always verify compatibility with your specific fluid or gas using Freescale Application Note AN1646 before deployment.

Does MPXA4115A6T1 require external calibration after soldering?

No, MPXA4115A6T1 is fully calibrated at the factory and requires no end-user calibration. Its on-chip temperature compensation and trimmed thin-film resistor networks maintain ±1.5% VFSS accuracy from 0°C to 85°C without external components. However, proper PCB layout - including recommended decoupling (1.0 μF + 0.01 μF + 470 pF) and ground plane integrity - is essential to achieve datasheet performance.

What is the meaning of "ratiometric output" for MPXA4115A6T1?

MPXA4115A6T1's output voltage scales linearly with its supply voltage (V_S), so V_OUT = V_S × (0.009 × P − 0.095). This means when used with an ADC that shares the same V_S as its reference voltage, supply variations cancel out - improving measurement stability without needing precision voltage regulators. The MPXA4115A6T1 remains functional across V_S = 4.85–5.35 V.

Can MPXA4115A6T1 be used for differential pressure measurement?

No, MPXA4115A6T1 is an absolute pressure sensor with a sealed vacuum reference cavity. It measures pressure relative to absolute zero (vacuum), not between two ports. For differential pressure applications, Freescale offers separate devices like the MPX5700 series. Attempting to apply pressure to both sides of MPXA4115A6T1 will damage the sensor or yield invalid readings.

What is the warm-up time specification for MPXA4115A6T1?

The MPXA4115A6T1 has a maximum warm-up time of 20 ms - defined as the time required for the output to stabilize within specification after power-on, assuming pressure is already stabilized. This allows rapid system initialization in battery-powered or event-triggered applications. No additional settling delay is needed beyond this period to achieve full accuracy.