MPX4100A - 20-105 kPa Absolute MAP Pressure Sensor | NXP
MPN: MPX4100A ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $14.1 | $1,410.00 |
| 500 | $12.4 | $6,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.85 | $10,850.00 |
MPX4100A Overview
An absolute pressure sensor is a transducer that outputs a signal referenced to a sealed vacuum rather than to ambient atmospheric pressure, which makes it ideal for applications where the absolute pressure of a gas must be measured - such as engine intake manifolds, barometric instruments, and sealed enclosures. Within the broader taxonomy, the MPX4100A is a piezoresistive absolute pressure sensor -> pressure sensor -> transducer -> sensor -> semiconductor device. Its monolithic integration of mechanical diaphragm and analog front-end sets it apart from hybrid modules that combine a bare sensor element with an external op-amp trim circuit.
Key differentiating specifications include a 20 kPa to 105 kPa absolute pressure operating range, an accuracy of ±1.8% across the calibrated band, a typical full-scale output of 4.81 V to 4.97 V (4.9 V nominal), and a supply current in the single-digit mA range that makes the device directly compatible with 5 V microcontroller ADC inputs. The output is ratiometric to Vcc, which allows the MCU ADC reference to be tied to the same 5 V rail for intrinsic cancellation of supply-voltage drift.
Technically, the MPX4100A uses a single-chip silicon diaphragm with implanted piezoresistors arranged in a Wheatstone bridge. An integrated op-amp stage buffers, temperature-compensates and calibrates the bridge output to give the calibrated 0.3 V to 4.9 V swing. This single-chip integration reduces BOM count, eliminates the need for external passive linearization networks, and improves long-term stability compared to multi-component sensor designs.
Typical applications include automotive manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensing for engine control units (ECUs), barometric pressure measurement for altimeters and weather instruments, industrial sealed-system pressure monitoring, HVAC duct pressure measurement, and vacuum system supervision. In each of these cases the absolute (rather than gauge) reference allows the system to operate irrespective of changes in ambient barometric pressure.
When designing with the MPX4100A, place 100 nF decoupling as close to Vcc (pin 3) as possible and reference the host ADC reference to the same 5 V rail as the sensor to preserve ratiometric accuracy. The single-port axial SIP package must be mounted with the pressure inlet unobstructed and protected from condensation and direct water exposure.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative MPNs, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for MPX4100A — 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 MPX4100A (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Output Type, Mounting Type, Supply Voltage, Pressure Type, Operating Pressure Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MPX4100AP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPX4100A
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPX4100A-Freescale
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPX4100A Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Pressure Type | Absolute |
| Operating Pressure Range | 20 kPa to 105 kPa (2.9 PSI to 15.23 PSI) |
| Output Type | Analog Voltage |
| Output Voltage Range | 0.3 V to 4.9 V |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.85 V to 5.35 V |
| Sensitivity | 54 mV/kPa (typical) |
| Full-Scale Output (Nominal) | 4.9 V at 105 kPa |
| Accuracy | ±1.8% |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C |
| Port Type | Single axial port (no hose barb on basic element) |
| Package / Case | 6-SIP Module (through-hole) |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Output Ratiometric to Vcc | Yes |
MPX4100A Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | Vout — Analog ratiometric output 0.3 V to 4.9 V |
| Pin 2 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 3 | Vcc — 5 V supply input (4.85 V to 5.35 V) |
| Pin 4 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 5 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 6 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet, pressure port at body end) |
Typical Applications
MPX4100A is suitable for 7 applications: Automotive Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensing, Barometric Pressure & Altimeter Front-End, Industrial Sealed-System Pressure Monitoring, HVAC Duct Static Pressure Measurement, Medical Respiratory & Vacuum Equipment, Consumer Appliance Water-Level / Pump Monitoring, UAV / Drone Altitude Reference.
Automotive Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensing
The MPX4100A is the original NXP/MPX-series manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor for spark-ignition engine ECUs. Its 20-105 kPa absolute range covers naturally aspirated manifold pressures across all altitudes and ambient temperatures, while the ratiometric 0.3 V to 4.9 V swing interfaces directly to the ECU's 5 V ADC without external signal conditioning. The on-chip temperature compensation from -40C to +125C is calibrated for under-hood automotive environments, eliminating the need for look-up table correction in the firmware. Typical placement: directly on the intake manifold with the axial port open to manifold vacuum.
Recommended
Barometric Pressure & Altimeter Front-End
Because the MPX4100A is an absolute pressure sensor with a sealed vacuum reference, it directly measures ambient barometric pressure from ~70 kPa (high altitude) to ~105 kPa (sea level low-pressure systems) without any external reference. The 54 mV/kPa sensitivity and the supply-ratiometric output let the host ADC read altitude changes of better than 1 meter when averaged over multiple samples. Paired with a low-power MCU, it forms a complete altimeter/weather-station front-end that requires only the 6-SIP sensor, two decoupling caps and the supply rail.
Recommended
Industrial Sealed-System Pressure Monitoring
Oil-filled industrial enclosures, hydraulic reservoirs and pressurized control cabinets all benefit from an absolute pressure sensor that monitors for seal integrity without needing external reference tubing. The MPX4100A's 20-105 kPa range covers typical industrial head-pressure conditions, and its 6-SIP through-hole package with a single axial port is straightforward to integrate into a manifold block or welded boss. The ratiometric output can be read directly by a 4-20 mA loop transmitter IC or by an industrial PLC analog input module.
Recommended
HVAC Duct Static Pressure Measurement
Building automation systems use absolute pressure sensors to monitor duct static pressure for filter-loading detection and fan-speed control. The MPX4100A's 20-105 kPa absolute range and ±1.8% accuracy are well matched to the sub-15 kPa differential pressure ranges encountered in residential and light-commercial ductwork when read through a simple Pitot or orifice tap. The 0.3-4.9 V ratiometric output couples directly to a 5 V building-automation ADC without amplification, and the -40C to +125C operating envelope handles unconditioned rooftop equipment.
Recommended
Medical Respiratory & Vacuum Equipment
Medical aspirators, CPAP blowers and laboratory vacuum systems require monitoring of absolute system pressure to ensure patient safety and equipment calibration. The MPX4100A is not medical-grade qualified but is widely used in non-invasive laboratory and consumer medical equipment where its 20-105 kPa range covers the atmospheric-to-deep-vacuum regions of interest. The single axial port accepts standard silicone tubing, and the on-chip temperature compensation eliminates the long warm-up drift common to discrete bridge-based designs.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Water-Level / Pump Monitoring
In washing machines, dishwashers and coffee machines, the MPX4100A can sense the air pressure trapped above the water column, deriving fill level or pump-state information through a simple air-trap tube. The 20-105 kPa absolute range covers atmospheric to full-tank-head pressures for typical consumer appliances, and the ratiometric 5 V analog output interfaces directly to the appliance MCU's ADC. The 6-SIP through-hole package is rugged enough for the vibration and humidity present in appliance environments.
Recommended
UAV / Drone Altitude Reference
Small UAVs and high-altitude balloons use the MPX4100A as a low-cost absolute pressure reference for altitude-aiding of GPS position fixes and for barometric altitude hold. The sensor's small footprint and 5 V single-supply operation match typical flight-controller architectures, and the calibrated 0.3-4.9 V output swings well above the noise floor of any modern ARM Cortex-M flight controller's ADC. Although the MPX4100A is not qualified to aerospace standards, hobby and experimental UAV platforms commonly accept commercial-grade pressure sensors for non-safety-critical altitude estimation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MPX4100A — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MPX4100AP | MPX4100A-Freescale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 6-SIP Module (through-hole, basic element) | 6-SIP Module (through-hole) - same | 6-SIP Module (through-hole) - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | Freescale / NXP (legacy branding) |
| Pressure Type | Absolute | Absolute | Absolute |
| Pressure Range | 20 kPa to 105 kPa (2.9-15.23 PSI) | 20 kPa to 105 kPa | 20 kPa to 105 kPa |
| Output Voltage Swing | 0.3 V to 4.9 V | 0.3 V to 4.9 V | 0.3 V to 4.9 V |
| Supply Voltage | 4.85 V to 5.35 V | 4.85 V to 5.35 V | 4.85 V to 5.35 V |
| Sensitivity | 54 mV/kPa typical | 54 mV/kPa | 54 mV/kPa |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C |
Key Differentiators
- Same die, same range, same output, different packing code - drop-in for direct reorder (vs MPX4100AP)
- Single axial port, calibrated at the factory - no external linearization required (vs Bare piezoresistive bridge sensor (e.g. 1SMPP series))
- Through-hole 6-SIP - mechanically rugged for under-hood or appliance environments (vs MPXA4100A6T1 (8-PIN SMT, Gull Wing, Top Port))
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor as physically close as possible to the Vcc pin (pin 3) of the MPX4100A, with the ground return to pin 2 via a short, wide trace. The sensor output is ratiometric to Vcc, so any supply noise or drift on Vcc directly translates to the same noise or drift on Vout. For best accuracy tie the host ADC voltage reference to the same 5 V rail that powers the sensor so the conversion ratio cancels supply variations automatically.
The 6-SIP through-hole package requires a through-board cutout beneath the pressure inlet so the axial port has an unobstructed path to the manifold or tubing. Do not run signal traces or power planes through the cutout area; keep that region clear of solder mask contamination. If the sensor is wave-soldered, fit a protective cap over the port during the solder process and remove it only after the wash and rinse cycles are complete.
Do not compare the MPX4100A to absolute-pressure parts whose output is NOT ratiometric to Vcc: unlike a simple amplified bridge, this device expects you to read its 0.3-4.9 V swing relative to the same 5 V supply. If you buffer the output with a low-side op-amp rail-to-rail stage make sure the buffer input range covers 0.3 V (close to GND) and that the buffer does not load the sensor's output resistance. Also avoid exposing the port to direct water spray or condensation, which can bias the reading and corrode the internal diaphragm.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per NXP product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the MPX4100A family was originally designed for engine MAP applications but is supplied today as a non-automotive-grade part. For automotive-qualified MAP sensors in new designs NXP recommends the MPXHZ6115A or MPXH6400 series.