MPX2050D - 50 kPa Differential Pressure Sensor | STMicroelectronics
MPN: MPX2050D ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.13 | $9.13 |
| 10 | $8.45 | $84.50 |
| 100 | $7.3 | $730.00 |
| 500 | $6.2 | $3,100.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.4 | $5,400.00 |
MPX2050D Overview
A piezoresistive pressure sensor is a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) device that exploits the piezoresistive effect in silicon—where applied mechanical stress alters the electrical resistance of implanted resistors—to convert pressure into a measurable voltage. The MPX2050D is part of the broader transducer family hierarchy: pressure sensor → pressure transducer → sensor → electronic component. Its on-chip temperature compensation eliminates the need for external correction networks, simplifying analog signal chain design.
Key features include a 0–50 kPa operating range, 0.5% typical linearity, 0.45 mV/kPa typical sensitivity at 10 V excitation, ±0.05% to ±0.2% accuracy across 0–85°C, and a 5 kHz response time. The temperature-compensated output spans −40°C to +125°C, with the laser-trimmed resistors calibrating both span and offset during manufacture. The 4-SIP package provides port access on the inlet side for differential measurement.
The sensor uses a Wheatstone-bridge arrangement of piezoresistors diffused into the silicon diaphragm; deflection under pressure unbalances the bridge, producing a differential output voltage. Laser trimming during wafer-level test sets span and offset, while integrated thin-film resistors implement first-order temperature compensation of both span and offset across the operating range.
Typical applications include HVAC differential pressure monitoring, medical respiratory equipment, industrial process control, altimeters and variometers, and level measurement in sealed tanks. Designers favor the MPX2050D for its calibrated, linear mV output that interfaces directly with instrumentation amplifiers.
When designing with this part, use a low-noise instrumentation amplifier such as the INA125 or INA128 to amplify the 40 mV full-scale output to a usable ADC range. Apply a regulated 10 V excitation to maintain calibration accuracy. Note that the differential port configuration means the sensor measures ΔP between two inlets—do not use it for absolute pressure measurements.
Drop-in alternatives for MPX2050D — 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 MPX2050D (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Mounting Type, Output Type, Linearity, Operating Temperature, Technology.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MPX2050DP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPX2050GS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPX2050GP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPX2050D
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPX2100D
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPX2200D
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPX2050D Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Pressure Type | Differential |
| Operating Pressure Range | 0 kPa to 50 kPa (0 PSI to 7.25 PSI) |
| Output Type | Analog voltage (Wheatstone bridge, differential) |
| Output Voltage Span | 0 mV to 40 mV (at 10 V excitation, 50 kPa) |
| Sensitivity (typical) | 0.45 mV/kPa (at 10 V excitation) |
| Linearity | ±0.5% (typical, full scale) |
| Accuracy | ±0.05% to ±0.2% (0°C to 85°C, Vex = 10 V) |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +125°C |
| Package | 4-SIP Module (Unibody, ported) |
| Port Configuration | Dual inlet (differential) |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole SIP |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per ST product page) |
MPX2050D Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | Vout+ — Positive bridge output (differential output positive terminal) |
| Pin 2 | GND — Ground (common for excitation and output) |
| Pin 3 | Vex — Excitation voltage (+10 V DC typical) |
| Pin 4 | Vout- — Negative bridge output (differential output negative terminal) |
Typical Applications
MPX2050D is suitable for 6 applications: HVAC Differential Air Pressure Monitoring, Medical Respiratory and Ventilation Equipment, Industrial Process Control and Flow Measurement, Altimeter and Variometer Systems, Sealed-Tank Liquid Level Sensing, Pneumatic System and Filter Monitor.
HVAC Differential Air Pressure Monitoring
The MPX2050D is ideal for HVAC duct static pressure and filter-clog detection. With 0-50 kPa differential range and 0.45 mV/kPa sensitivity, it directly measures pressure drop across filter elements and across fan coils—critical for energy-efficient building automation. The differential port configuration connects to high-side and low-side pickup tubes routed to the duct and filter outlet. According to the ST datasheet, the laser-trimmed temperature compensation (0-85°C) eliminates drift in unconditioned mechanical rooms. Paired with an INA128 instrumentation amplifier, the 40 mV full-scale output becomes a 0-5 V signal for the building controller ADC. Unlike absolute-pressure sensors, the differential topology inherently cancels altitude and weather-barometric variation, yielding true ΔP measurements across the filter. For cleanroom pressure cascade verification between rooms of different cleanliness classes, the MPX2050D's 0.5% linearity supports precise positive/negative room pressure relationships in the 10-50 Pa typical range.
Recommended
Medical Respiratory and Ventilation Equipment
The MPX2050D powers medical ventilator, CPAP, and spirometer airway-pressure measurement channels. Its 0-50 kPa range comfortably covers inspiratory pressure (typically 10-40 cmH2O ≈ 1-4 kPa) with headroom for higher-pressure BiPAP modes. The 5 kHz response bandwidth captures breath waveform dynamics without phase distortion, while the 0.45 mV/kPa sensitivity provides adequate resolution for breath-pattern analysis. According to ST datasheets, the integrated temperature compensation (0-85°C) and laser-trimmed span/offset calibration deliver unit-to-unit consistency critical for medical device IEC 60601-1 compliance. The on-chip Wheatstone bridge minimizes external components, supporting compact disposable-circuit designs in anesthesia machines. Designers route the dual differential ports to the patient airway circuit, with the amplified mV-level output fed to the ventilator's safety-monitored ADC. For neonatal CPAP applications, the MPX2050D's low-pressure capability resolves the 4-10 cmH2O typical operating range with good signal-to-noise ratio after amplification.
Recommended
Industrial Process Control and Flow Measurement
The MPX2050D serves in industrial flow-meter and tank-level measurement applications where 0-50 kPa differential pressure correlates with flow rate via Bernoulli's principle (ΔP ∝ flow²). In orifice-plate flow meters, the differential port configuration directly senses pressure drop across the plate, generating the 40 mV full-scale signal when flow is at full scale. According to ST datasheets, the 0.5% typical linearity supports accurate flow calculation with minimal lookup-table correction. For sealed-tank hydrostatic level measurement, the sensor's high-pressure port connects to the tank bottom and the low-pressure port to the headspace, producing ΔP proportional to liquid height. The −40°C to +125°C operating range handles outdoor and unconditioned industrial enclosures. The through-hole 4-SIP package allows direct PCB mounting inside sealed IP65 enclosures, with pneumatic tubing routed via bulkhead fittings to the on-board sensor ports.
Recommended
Altimeter and Variometer Systems
The MPX2050D enables compact barometric altimeters and variometers for drones, weather stations, and aviation applications. Its 0-50 kPa differential range covers altitude-induced pressure changes up to roughly 5,500 m above sea level (50 kPa is approximately 0.5 atm). With 0.45 mV/kPa sensitivity, each meter of altitude change (≈ 0.12 kPa) yields about 54 µV of signal change—requiring a low-noise INA such as the INA128 for adequate resolution. According to ST datasheets, the integrated temperature compensation reduces altitude drift over the 0-85°C operating range, critical for outdoor applications. The differential configuration in this application typically uses one port closed (gauge-like operation) with atmospheric reference on the other port. For variometer applications measuring climb/sink rate, the 5 kHz sensor bandwidth allows faster update rates than typical barometric sample rates (10 Hz), giving the ADC flexibility to implement digital low-pass filtering without aliasing.
Recommended
Sealed-Tank Liquid Level Sensing
The MPX2050D measures hydrostatic pressure in sealed tanks where the headspace is pressurized or under vacuum. With 0-50 kPa range and 0.45 mV/kPa sensitivity, it resolves water levels up to approximately 5 meters (50 kPa ≈ 5 mH2O) and similar depths for higher-density fluids. The differential port configuration connects one port to the tank bottom (hydrostatic head) and the other to the headspace, automatically cancelling any common-mode tank pressure—essential for pressurized or vacuum-rated vessels. According to ST datasheets, the −40°C to +125°C operating range supports chemical processing, refrigeration, and outdoor storage tanks. The 4-SIP through-hole package mounts inside weatherproof enclosures with pneumatic lines brought through sealed bulkhead fittings to the sensor ports. The mV-level output requires a low-noise amplifier; the INA128 with gain of 100 produces a clean 0-4 V signal for direct ADC input across the 0-50 kPa span.
Recommended
Pneumatic System and Filter Monitor
The MPX2050D monitors pneumatic systems including compressor line pressure, vacuum pump suction, and filter differential pressure in compressed-air networks. The 0-50 kPa range covers typical factory-air working pressures (4-8 bar = 400-800 kPa) only via upstream pressure divider, making the sensor ideal for low-pressure sections like vacuum lines, receiver tanks, and downstream post-regulator pressure. According to the ST datasheet, the differential topology inherently rejects common-mode pressure swings when measuring filter ΔP for clog indication. The 0.5% linearity supports accurate clog detection at the 0.5-2 kPa typical dirty-filter threshold. The on-chip temperature compensation handles the warm air near compressor enclosures, while the through-hole 4-SIP package mounts directly on the pneumatic manifold interface PCB or inside IP65 junction boxes with bulkhead pneumatic fittings.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MPX2050D — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MPX2050DP | MPX2050GP | MPX2100D | MPX2200D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 4-SIP Module | 4-SIP Module (same) | 4-SIP Module (same) | 4-SIP Module (same) | 4-SIP Module (same) |
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics |
| Pressure Type | Differential | Differential (enhanced port) | Gauge (vacuum reference) | Differential | Differential |
| Operating Pressure Range | 0-50 kPa (0-7.25 PSI) | 0-50 kPa (same) | 0-50 kPa (same) | 0-100 kPa (2x higher) | 0-200 kPa (4x higher) |
| Output Span (at 10 V excitation) | 40 mV | 40 mV (same) | 40 mV (same) | 40 mV (same) | 40 mV (same) |
| Sensitivity (typical) | 0.45 mV/kPa | 0.45 mV/kPa (same) | 0.45 mV/kPa (same) | 0.2 mV/kPa (lower, wider range) | 0.1 mV/kPa (lower, wider range) |
| Excitation Voltage | 10 V DC | 10 V DC (same) | 10 V DC (same) | 10 V DC (same) | 10 V DC (same) |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +125°C | -40°C to +125°C (same) | -40°C to +125°C (same) | -40°C to +125°C (same) | -40°C to +125°C (same) |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty 1k) | $5.40 | $5.40 (same) | $5.40 (same) | $5.80 (slightly higher) | $6.20 (slightly higher) |
Key Differentiators
- True differential measurement with on-chip temperature compensation (vs MPX2050GP)
- Wider pressure range with same 4-SIP pin-out drop-in compatibility (vs MPX2100D)
- Industry-standard 4-SIP through-hole package for robust pneumatic interfaces (vs MPX2050DP)
Design Notes
The MPX2050D outputs a 40 mV full-scale differential signal across two high-impedance bridge outputs. Estimated: with 1.0-4.5 kΩ bridge impedance, the source impedance is roughly 2 kΩ, so use an instrumentation amplifier with input bias current under 1 nA (e.g., INA128, AD620) to avoid loading errors. Keep amplifier-to-sensor traces under 100 mm and use shielded twisted-pair cabling if remote mounting is required. Place a 100 nF bypass capacitor close to the Vex pin to filter bridge-excitation noise.
Provide a stable, low-noise 10 V DC excitation to maintain calibration accuracy. According to the ST datasheet, the output is ratiometric to Vex—any 1% drift in excitation translates directly to 1% output error. Use a precision reference such as REF01, LT1019, or MAX6250 with < 5 ppm/°C drift. Estimated: total worst-case measurement error from Vex drift + sensor accuracy is approximately 1.5% of full scale; for sub-1% accuracy, regulate excitation tightly and use a high-CMRR INA.
Do not apply vacuum or pressure exceeding the specified overload rating on the differential ports—the silicon diaphragm can rupture, permanently damaging the sensor. Do not use the MPX2050D for absolute pressure measurements; it requires a reference pressure on the second inlet port. Avoid contamination of the port inlet by particulate or moisture—use inline filters and dry-air purge if needed. Do not exceed 16 V on Vex (typical max per datasheet family); applying overvoltage to the bridge causes irreversible damage.
Mount the MPX2050D vertically with the port-side facing the pressure source to avoid mechanical stress on the silicone gel that protects the diaphragm. Use a retaining clamp or fixture if vibration is expected; the through-hole leads alone are not rated for high-vibration environments. Estimated: place the sensor at least 5 mm away from PCB edges and high-current traces to minimize thermal gradients that could affect the temperature-compensated calibration. Apply RTV silicone or epoxy strain relief at the port-tubing interface to prevent mechanical fatigue.
The MPX2050D's on-chip temperature compensation covers 0°C to 85°C, with reduced accuracy outside this range. For applications requiring −40°C to +125°C operation, perform additional two-point temperature calibration in firmware. Estimated: typical zero-temperature coefficient is 0.5 mV/°C and span TC is 0.5%/°C; without firmware correction, full-temperature-range accuracy degrades to approximately ±2-3% of full scale. For high-precision outdoor or industrial deployments, implement a look-up-table correction using a co-located temperature sensor.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per ST product page. MSL rating and full compliance details should be confirmed against the official ST datasheet. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; the MPX2050D is intended for industrial, medical, and consumer applications.
