LPS33HWTR Complete Guide: STMicroelectronics MEMS Pressure Sensor Specs, Pinout, and Alternatives

What Is the LPS33HWTR and Why Do Engineers Choose It?

The LPS33HWTR is a high-resolution MEMS absolute pressure sensor from STMicroelectronics that measures 260 to 1260 hPa with a typical accuracy of ±0.1 hPa and 24-bit resolution. It integrates a capacitive sensing element with a signal-conditioning ASIC, communicates over I2C (up to 400 kHz) or SPI (up to 10 MHz), and comes in a compact 3 mm x 3 mm x 1.7 mm LGA-10 surface-mount package. The device operates from a 1.7 V to 3.6 V supply and draws only 4 µA at a 1 Hz output data rate, making it well suited to battery-powered IoT, wearable, drone, and industrial designs.

Current availability is strong: as of 2026-09-12, the LPS33HWTR product page on XAIPART lists 99,999 units in stock with an MOQ of 1 and pricing of $3.45 at quantity 1, dropping to $2.21 at quantity 1,000. The lifecycle status is active and the part is RoHS compliant.

Key features verified in the product database include an output data rate from 1 Hz to 75 Hz, a 32-sample FIFO buffer, two interrupt pins (data-ready and pressure threshold), an embedded temperature sensor with ±0.5°C accuracy, typical pressure noise of 0.008 hPa RMS, and an operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. These specifications make the LPS33HWTR one of the most complete digital barometric sensors available for precision altimetry and environmental monitoring.

How Do You Design In and Use the LPS33HWTR? (Technical Guide)

Understanding the Sensing Architecture

The LPS33HWTR uses a MEMS capacitive pressure cell whose capacitance changes with applied pressure. An internal ASIC converts this capacitance change into a digital pressure value using a 24-bit ADC, applying built-in temperature and supply-voltage compensation. Because compensation happens on-chip, the host microcontroller receives calibrated pressure and temperature data directly over the digital interface, with no external compensation math required.

Power Supply and Electrical Design

Connect VDD (pin 1) to a supply between 1.7 V and 3.6 V. This wide range allows direct connection to 1.8 V, 2.5 V, or 3.3 V logic systems and supports battery-powered operation. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor close to the VDD pin. At a 1 Hz output data rate the sensor consumes only 4 µA, which translates to exceptional battery life in always-on monitoring applications: for example, 4 µA of average sensor draw from a 220 mAh coin cell [VERIFY_NEEDED: specific battery capacity not part of verified sensor data] would still leave the sensor contribution well below a few percent of total system budget.

Interface Configuration

The sensor supports both I2C (up to 400 kHz) and SPI (up to 10 MHz). The CS pin (pin 5, active low) selects the interface mode. Keep the I2C/SPI lines short on the PCB to minimize noise. When using SPI, the SDA/SDI pin (pin 4) carries data input; when using I2C, it serves as the data line with SCL/SPC (pin 3) as the clock.

Using the FIFO and Interrupts

The 32-sample FIFO buffer stores pressure and temperature data, reducing host processor wake-ups and enabling burst reads for low-power operation. Two interrupt pins support event-driven designs: INT1 (pin 6) can signal data-ready or a threshold event, while INT2 (pin 7) supports threshold detection. Both can trigger on programmable thresholds, so the microcontroller can sleep until a pressure event-such as an altitude change or door opening-actually occurs.

PCB Layout Best Practices

Provide a small vent hole for pressure access on the PCB, and avoid covering the sensing port with solder mask. The LGA-10 package is designed for standard reflow soldering surface-mount assembly. For best accuracy, calibrate the sensor at a known pressure and temperature, and account for the effect of altitude on pressure readings.

Key Pins Reference

The most functionally important pins of the LGA-10 package are: pin 1 VDD (power supply, 1.7 V to 3.6 V), pin 2 GND, pin 3 SCL/SPC (I2C clock or SPI clock), pin 4 SDA/SDI (I2C data or SPI data input), pin 5 CS (chip select, active low), pin 6 INT1 (data-ready or threshold), pin 7 INT2 (threshold), and pin 10 GND (exposed pad). Pins 8 and 9 are not connected. The complete pin table with all assignments lives on the LPS33HWTR product page.

Which Alternatives Can Replace the LPS33HWTR?

The cleanest replacement is the LPS33HW (non-TR variant) from STMicroelectronics, which is electrically identical-the TR suffix indicates tape-and-reel packaging only, so the two are interchangeable. The LPS22HH shares the same 260-1260 hPa pressure range but comes in a smaller 2 mm x 2 mm x 0.7 mm LGA package with different pinout, so it requires a PCB redesign. Cross-brand alternatives include the Bosch BMP388 (300-1250 hPa range, ±0.5 hPa accuracy, 2.0 x 2.0 x 0.75 mm LGA) and the Sensirion SDP810; both have different packages and pinouts and are not drop-in replacements.

Selection guidance: Choose the LPS33HWTR when you want a larger, easier-to-handle package with proven ±0.1 hPa accuracy. Choose the LPS22HH for ultra-compact layouts where its 2 x 2 x 0.7 mm footprint matters, accepting a PCB redesign. Choose the BMP388 only if Bosch ecosystem support is required; note its accuracy spec (±0.5 hPa) is five times looser than the LPS33HWTR's ±0.1 hPa. For all cross-brand options, verify pin compatibility before layout.

What Is the Market Position and Supply Situation for the LPS33HWTR?

The LPS33HWTR's lifecycle status is active, meaning STMicroelectronics is in full production and the part is recommended for new designs. On XAIPART, stock stands at 99,999 units as of 2026-09-12, with MOQ of 1 and tiered pricing from $3.45 (qty 1) down to $2.21 (qty 1,000). Lead time is typically 2 to 4 weeks from major distributors such as DigiKey and Mouser, depending on stock levels; for large orders, contact the distributor directly for accurate lead time and availability. The part is RoHS compliant, suitable for global markets.

[DATA_NEEDED: long-term lifecycle forecast, automotive grade qualification status, and competitor volume share data are not present in the verified database and cannot be stated.]

What Should Buyers and Designers Watch Going Forward?

Buyers should anchor decisions to the verified spec set: the ±0.1 hPa accuracy, 0.008 hPa RMS noise, and 4 µA current at 1 Hz ODR are the figures that differentiate this part from looser-accuracy alternatives like the BMP388 (±0.5 hPa). If your next platform needs a smaller footprint, plan early for the LPS22HH migration because it requires a PCB redesign rather than a pin-for-pin swap. For continuous monitoring products, exploit the 32-sample FIFO and dual interrupt pins to keep average system current near the sensor's 4 µA baseline. With stock above 99,000 units as of 2026-09-12 and active lifecycle status, supply risk is currently low, but volume buyers should lock pricing tiers ($2.21 at 1,000 units) with distributors to hedge lead-time variability of 2-4 weeks. Also verify the ODR choice (1 Hz to 75 Hz) against your application: lower rates save power, while the 75 Hz maximum supports fast-moving platforms such as drones.

Where Does the LPS33HWTR Deliver the Most Value? (Application Scenarios)

Across six verified application areas, the sensor's combination of ±0.1 hPa accuracy, 0.008 hPa RMS noise, and 4 µA consumption at 1 Hz drives the value:

• Weather station barometers: continuous outdoor monitoring at 4 µA average draw, with the embedded temperature sensor (±0.5°C) aiding compensation. Calibrate at a known altitude and use a weatherproof housing with a pressure vent.
• Drone altimeters: the 24-bit ADC and 0.008 hPa RMS noise resolve altitude finely enough for precise altitude hold; use INT pins for altitude threshold triggers and calibrate baseline pressure at takeoff.
• Wearables: floor counting and stair-climbing detection in the compact 3 x 3 mm package; the FIFO and interrupts wake the host only on threshold crossings.
• Industrial monitoring: filter blockage and pneumatic leak detection across the full -40°C to +85°C operating range; protect the port with a filter and use interrupts for alarms.
• Medical devices: respiratory airflow pressure sensing where high resolution and low noise detect subtle variations; calibrate and validate for the target range.
• Smart home sensors: detect door/window openings and HVAC operation through pressure changes; the FIFO reduces network traffic.