MMA1220D - ±8g Z-Axis Micromachined Accelerometer | NXP
MPN: MMA1220D ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.42 | $9.42 |
| 10 | $8.55 | $85.50 |
| 100 | $7.12 | $712.00 |
| 500 | $6.2 | $3,100.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.48 | $5,480.00 |
MMA1220D Overview
An accelerometer is a sensor that measures proper acceleration (the rate of change of velocity) along one or more axes, converting mechanical motion into an electrical signal. The MMA1220D belongs to the capacitive micromachined accelerometer family, where a suspended proof mass deflects under acceleration and changes the gap of a differential capacitor pair. The on-chip ASIC conditions this capacitance change into a voltage proportional to acceleration. This category sits within the broader sensor hierarchy: accelerometer -> motion sensor -> inertial sensor -> MEMS sensor -> semiconductor device.
Key features of the MMA1220D include a sensitivity of 237.5mV/g to 262.5mV/g, 4-pole low-pass filter with factory-set cutoff, integrated temperature compensation, and self-test capability. The device is qualified for automotive temperature grade operation, making it suitable for harsh-environment deployments. The 16-pin SOIC package is a standard surface-mount form factor compatible with automated assembly lines.
The architecture combines a surface-micromachined sense element with a bipolar CMOS signal-conditioning ASIC. The 4-pole active low-pass filter limits bandwidth and reduces aliasing before the analog output drives an external ADC. Temperature compensation is applied on-chip to maintain sensitivity and zero-g offset accuracy across the automotive -40C to +125C range, eliminating the need for external calibration routines.
Typical applications include automotive airbag deployment detection, vehicle stability control (ESC), tilt and inclination sensing, industrial vibration monitoring, and appliance motion detection. The Z-axis orientation and ±8g range make it particularly well-suited for crash detection in supplementary restraint systems where it supplements higher-g satellite sensors.
When designing with the MMA1220D, the analog output is ratiometric to the supply voltage, so the ADC reference must share the same 5V rail. A 0.1uF decoupling capacitor placed within 5mm of the supply pin is recommended, and the analog output bandwidth should be matched to the application sample rate to avoid aliasing high-frequency shock content.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in compatible alternative parts, and practical PCB design notes that are not consolidated in the original NXP datasheet, helping engineers evaluate the MMA1220D for new designs and existing platform migrations.
Drop-in alternatives for MMA1220D — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with MMA1220D (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Acceleration Range, RoHS Status, Self-Test, Sensor Type, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesMMA1220D Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Sensor Type | Accelerometer, Z-Axis |
| Acceleration Range | ±8 g |
| Sensitivity | 237.5 mV/g to 262.5 mV/g (nominal 250 mV/g) |
| Output Type | Analog, Ratiometric Voltage |
| Supply Voltage | 4.75 V to 5.25 V |
| Bandwidth | 250 Hz (4-pole low-pass filter) |
| Zero-g Offset (Factory Set) | 2.5 V nominal (ratiometric to VDD) |
| Self-Test | Yes (logic-level input) |
| Temperature Compensation | On-chip |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (automotive grade) |
| Package | 16-pin SOIC (SOP-16), surface mount |
| Sensing Technology | Capacitive, surface micromachined (MEMS) |
| Filter Type | 4-pole low-pass (factory-calibrated cutoff) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Non-Compliant (legacy product, contains lead) |
| Lead Free Status | Contains Lead |
MMA1220D Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 2 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (5 V) |
| Pin 3 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 4 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (5 V, second bond pad) |
| Pin 5 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 6 | ST — Self-test input (logic high forces known deflection) |
| Pin 7 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 8 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 9 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 10 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 11 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 12 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 13 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 14 | VOUT — Analog acceleration output (ratiometric to VDD) |
| Pin 15 | VSS — Ground reference (second bond pad) |
| Pin 16 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
MMA1220D is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Airbag Pre-Crash Detection, Vehicle Stability Control (ESC) Inertial Measurement, Industrial Tilt and Inclination Sensing, Appliance Motion and Vibration Detection, HDD Drop and Shock Detection, Security and Asset Tracking Tilt Alarms.
Automotive Airbag Pre-Crash Detection
The MMA1220D's ±8g Z-axis range and 250Hz analog bandwidth make it well-suited to early-stage crash detection in airbag ECUs. When mounted to the vehicle floorpan with Z-axis aligned to vertical, the sensor captures the deceleration profile of the initial chassis impact (typically 3 to 6g peaks) before higher-g satellite sensors (±50g range) fire the deployment squib. The on-chip 4-pole low-pass filter at 250Hz rejects suspension and road-noise artifacts above the crash signature band, while the ratiometric 2.5V zero-g output interfaces directly to the airbag controller's 5V ADC. NXP's legacy application notes pair the MMA1220D with the MMA3202D for two-stage discrimination.
Recommended
Vehicle Stability Control (ESC) Inertial Measurement
The MMA1220D contributes the vertical (Z-axis) acceleration channel to vehicle dynamics controllers implementing electronic stability control. Its ±8g range captures body roll-induced vertical loads during aggressive cornering and emergency maneuvers, while the 5V ratiometric output simplifies interface to the ESC ECU's 5V ADC reference plane. Combined with X/Y-axis accelerometers such as the MMA2202D and gyroscopes like the FXAS21002, the MMA1220D completes the vertical-axis inertial reference. The automotive -40C to +125C operating range and factory-calibrated temperature compensation maintain accuracy across all climate conditions.
Recommended
Industrial Tilt and Inclination Sensing
The MMA1220D serves as a low-cost tilt sensor in industrial platforms, machine leveling, and platform attitude monitoring. Mounted with its Z-axis aligned to the gravity vector, the static 1g output shifts ±35mV per degree of tilt within the ±8g range, providing ~0.1 degree resolution when digitized by a 12-bit ADC. The on-chip 4-pole low-pass filter averages out vibration, and the factory temperature compensation holds accuracy across outdoor deployments. NXP's tilt-sensing application note recommends a 10Hz sample rate for static measurements, well within the MMA1220D's 250Hz bandwidth.
Recommended
Appliance Motion and Vibration Detection
White goods, washing machines, and HVAC systems use the MMA1220D to detect imbalance, vibration, and operating state. Its ±8g range covers spin-cycle vibration peaks in washing machines, while the 250Hz bandwidth captures the fundamental drum-imbalance frequency. The single 5V supply rail simplifies integration with appliance main-board power, and the SOIC-16 footprint enables automated SMT assembly. The self-test pin allows in-production verification during final test, a key requirement for high-volume appliance manufacturing lines.
Recommended
HDD Drop and Shock Detection
The MMA1220D can serve as a free-fall and shock sensor in removable hard disk drive enclosures, complementing the 3-axis digital accelerometers inside the HDD itself. Its ±8g Z-axis range detects the impact profile when a portable enclosure strikes the floor, triggering an emergency head-park command before the internal sensor can react. The 250Hz analog bandwidth is sufficient for shock envelope detection, and the SOIC-16 package is straightforward to integrate into a 2.5-inch enclosure controller PCB. Modern designs use the MMA1220D's Z-axis to detect vertical drops and complements it with an in-drive 3-axis digital sensor for full spatial coverage.
Recommended
Security and Asset Tracking Tilt Alarms
Anti-theft systems for motorcycles, shipping containers, and high-value assets use the MMA1220D to detect unauthorized tilt or movement. A 2.5V zero-g reference allows a simple window comparator to detect any tilt-induced deviation above ~0.3g, triggering a wireless alarm. The automotive -40C to +125C temperature range and SOIC-16 surface-mount package are ideal for outdoor deployments. NXP's security product line pairs the MMA1220D with the MMA2202D to detect both tilt and horizontal acceleration events with a single shared 5V supply.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MMA1220D — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MMA1220KEGR2 | MMA2202D | MMA3202D | MMA6262Q | MMA1250D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | SOIC-16 | SOIC-16 - same | SOIC-16 - same | SOIC-16 - same | SOIC-16 - same | SOIC-16 - same |
| Acceleration Range | ±8 g | ±8 g | ±2 g | ±50 g X / ±20 g Z | ±1.5 g / ±2 g dual-axis | ±5 g |
| Axis | Z | Z | X | X / Z | X / Y | Z |
| Sensitivity (nominal) | 250 mV/g | 250 mV/g | 1000 mV/g | 40 mV/g (X) / 100 mV/g (Z) | 800 mV/g | 400 mV/g |
| Supply Voltage | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 2.7 V to 3.6 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V |
| Bandwidth | 250 Hz (4-pole LPF) | 250 Hz | 250 Hz | 400 Hz | 50 Hz | 250 Hz |
| Output Type | Analog ratiometric | Analog ratiometric | Analog ratiometric | Analog ratiometric | Analog ratiometric | Analog ratiometric |
| RoHS / Lead Free | Non-Compliant (contains lead) | Pb-free RoHS compliant | Non-Compliant (contains lead) | Non-Compliant (contains lead) | Pb-free variant available | Non-Compliant (contains lead) |
| Automotive Grade | Yes (-40C to +125C) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Same-package, Pb-free, RoHS-compliant drop-in replacement (vs MMA1220KEGR2)
- Calibrated for Z-axis automotive applications (vs MMA2202D)
- Lower sensitivity (250 mV/g) maximizes dynamic range for ±8g (vs MMA1250D)
Design Notes
Decouple the VDD pins (Pin 2 and Pin 4) with a 0.1uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the package, and add a bulk 1uF to 10uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the same 5V rail. Because the analog output is ratiometric to VDD, the ADC reference voltage MUST share the same 5V supply; otherwise absolute output accuracy is lost across supply variation. Estimated: supply noise above 50 mVpp on VDD can couple into the output via the ratiometric architecture.
Use a solid ground plane on the layer directly beneath the SOIC-16 footprint to provide a stable reference and thermal dissipation. The Z-axis sensing element is mechanical and is sensitive to PCB stress - avoid placing the part near mounting screw holes, transformer cores, or large heat sources that could induce package warpage. Keep the trace from Pin 14 (VOUT) short and guarded by ground to reduce coupled noise into the ADC input.
Do not assume the MMA1220D is RoHS compliant - this legacy part contains lead and is restricted to non-RoHS designs or legacy spare-parts use. For new designs, select the MMA1220KEGR2 variant which is Pb-free. Additionally, do not confuse this Z-axis ±8g part with the higher-g MMA3202D (±50g X / ±20g Z) used in airbag deployment, or the lower-g MMA2202D (±2g X) used in vehicle dynamics - same SOIC-16 footprint but different electrical behavior.
The on-chip 4-pole low-pass filter limits output bandwidth to 250Hz, which sets the minimum Nyquist sample rate at 500Hz for an external ADC. To capture transient crash events without aliasing, sample at 1kHz or higher with an anti-aliasing filter matched to the sample rate. The self-test pin (Pin 6) toggles the sense element to a known deflection state; in production test routines, assert ST high and verify the output moves by the datasheet-specified delta within 1ms.
Compliance Information
Per NXP/DigiKey product listings, the MMA1220D is labeled RoHS Non-Compliant and Lead Free Status: Contains Lead. Qualified for automotive temperature grade per the Freescale/NXP datasheet automotive application notes. For RoHS-compliant new designs, use the MMA1220KEGR2 variant.
