MPX5100A - 0 to 115 kPa Absolute Pressure Sensor | NXP
MPN: MPX5100A ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.75 | $167.50 |
| 100 | $14.2 | $1,420.00 |
| 500 | $11.8 | $5,900.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.95 | $9,950.00 |
MPX5100A Overview
An absolute pressure sensor is a transducer that measures pressure referenced to a perfect vacuum rather than to local atmospheric pressure. Absolute pressure sensors (working in the category hierarchy: pressure sensor -> piezoresistive transducer -> MEMS sensor -> sensor IC -> semiconductor) are critical in applications where the measurement must remain unaffected by changes in weather, altitude, or ambient barometric pressure, making them the preferred choice for sealed-system monitoring and barometric reference.
Key features include a sensitivity of 45 mV/kPa, a typical full-scale span of 4.5 V across the 0 to 115 kPa operating range, and a temperature-compensated output from 0 C to 85 C. The on-chip ASIC linearizes and calibrates the output, producing a near-rail-to-rail analog signal that interfaces directly with most 5 V ADCs. Power consumption is approximately 10 mA from a single 5 V supply, and the device provides ratiometric output, scaling proportionally with supply voltage.
The MPX5100A uses advanced micromachining, thin-film metallization, and bipolar semiconductor processes to combine the mechanical diaphragm and the analog front end on a single die. This patented single-element transducer achieves an accuracy of ±2.5% over the compensated temperature range and provides excellent long-term stability for embedded instrumentation.
Typical applications include barometric pressure measurement for weather stations and altimeters, HVAC airflow and duct pressure monitoring, medical respiratory equipment, industrial process control, and automotive manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensing. The 0.2 V to 4.7 V output is well-suited for direct ADC input without additional signal conditioning.
When designing with this part, ensure a stable 5 V supply and place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor close to the supply lead. The sensor requires a port reference for absolute measurements and is sensitive to mechanical stress on the package - mount with minimal torque on lead connections and avoid applying side loads to the sensor body. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for MPX5100A — 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 MPX5100A (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Pressure Range, Accuracy, Pressure Type, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MPX5100AP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$12.03 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPX5100DP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$12.03 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPX5100GP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$12.03 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPXV5100G
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPX5100AS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
XGZP6872A
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPX5100A Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Pressure Type | Absolute |
| Operating Pressure Range | 15 kPa to 115 kPa (2.18 PSI to 16.68 PSI) |
| Output Voltage Range | 0.2 V to 4.7 V |
| Sensitivity | 45 mV/kPa |
| Full-Scale Span (typical) | 4.5 V |
| Supply Voltage | 5.0 V (typical) |
| Supply Current | 10 mA (typical) |
| Accuracy | ±2.5% (over compensated temperature range) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +85 C (compensated) |
| Package | 6-SIP Module |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Port Configuration | Single port (absolute) |
| Output Type | Analog, ratiometric |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
MPX5100A Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC — 5 V supply input |
| Pin 2 | VOUT — Analog pressure output (0.2 V to 4.7 V) |
| Pin 3 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 4 | GND — Ground (tied to pin 3 internally) |
| Pin 5 | NC — Not connected (no internal bond) |
| Pin 6 | NC — Not connected (no internal bond) |
Typical Applications
MPX5100A is suitable for 6 applications: Barometric Pressure Measurement, HVAC Duct Pressure Monitoring, Medical Respiratory Equipment, Industrial Process Control, Automotive Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensing, Weather Station / Altimeter.
Barometric Pressure Measurement
The MPX5100A's 15 to 115 kPa absolute range covers the full span of barometric pressure variations from severe low-pressure weather systems (~95 kPa) to strong high-pressure systems (~105 kPa). With 45 mV/kPa sensitivity and 0.2 V to 4.7 V output, it connects directly to a 5 V microcontroller ADC without signal conditioning. Unlike gauge sensors, it references a sealed vacuum, eliminating weather drift in weather stations, altimeters, and GPS-aiding pressure references. Place the sensor with the port open to ambient air and apply a small weatherproof cover to prevent wind-driven pressure fluctuations.
Recommended
HVAC Duct Pressure Monitoring
The MPX5100A's absolute pressure range comfortably covers typical HVAC duct pressures (0 to 5 kPa above atmosphere) with substantial headroom up to 115 kPa. The 45 mV/kPa sensitivity resolves small duct pressure differentials for VAV (variable air volume) box control and filter-clog detection. The 6-SIP through-hole package is mechanically robust for inside-air-handler installation. Apply a small inline damping restrictor to the port to prevent turbulence-induced noise from high-velocity supply air on the sensor diaphragm.
Recommended
Medical Respiratory Equipment
The MPX5100A's ±2.5% accuracy and 0 to 85 C compensated range are well-suited to medical CPAP/BiPAP and ventilator pressure monitoring in the 0 to 50 kPa above atmosphere range typical of therapeutic airway pressure. The ratiometric 0.2 V to 4.7 V output simplifies compliance with medical device EMC requirements. The 6-SIP package's through-hole mounting provides a mechanically stable connection that withstands repeated cleaning and patient handling. Validate biocompatibility of the port interface per ISO 10993 if the gas path contacts the patient circuit.
Recommended
Industrial Process Control
In industrial process plants, the MPX5100A monitors absolute pressure in sealed tanks, vessels, and vacuum chambers where the measurement must be independent of atmospheric pressure changes. The 4.5 V full-scale span provides high resolution for closed-loop control valves and pressure transmitters. The 10 mA typical supply current and 5 V single-supply operation simplify integration with 4-20 mA loop converters via XTR105-style transmitters. Mount the sensor away from vibration sources and isolate the port tubing with a snubber for noisy pneumatic lines.
Recommended
Automotive Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensing
The MPX5100A's 0 to 115 kPa absolute range and 0.2 V to 4.7 V output match the classic MAP sensor input range for naturally-aspirated gasoline engine ECUs. The 45 mV/kPa sensitivity gives ECU algorithms sufficient resolution for load calculation at idle, part-throttle, and wide-open-throttle conditions. While newer automotive MPX-series parts are AEC-Q100 qualified, the MPX5100A is widely used in non-safety-critical and hobby ECU applications. Verify AEC-Q100 qualification separately if designing for production automotive safety systems.
Recommended
Weather Station / Altimeter
Hobby and prosumer weather stations benefit from the MPX5100A's barometric range and 45 mV/kPa sensitivity, which together with a temperature sensor (e.g., LM35) yield altitude-corrected pressure readings for altimeter functions in handheld GPS devices. The 6-SIP package is straightforward to integrate on a weather-station mainboard alongside an ESP32 or similar Wi-Fi MCU. Apply conformal coating to the PCB to protect the sensor from humidity ingress, and locate the port outside the enclosure wall to sample true ambient pressure.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MPX5100A — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MPX5100AP | MPX5100DP | MPX5100GP | MPXV5100G | MPX5100AS | XGZP6872A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 6-SIP Module | 6-SIP Module - same | 6-SIP Module - same | 6-SIP Module - same | 6-SIP Module (variant) - same footprint | 6-SIP Module - same | 6-SIP Module - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors (same brand) | NXP Semiconductors (same brand) | NXP Semiconductors (same brand) | NXP Semiconductors (same brand) | NXP Semiconductors (same brand) | CFSensor (cross-brand) |
| Pressure Type | Absolute | Absolute | Differential | Gauge | Gauge | Absolute | Absolute/Gauge selectable |
| Operating Pressure Range | 15 to 115 kPa | 15 to 115 kPa | 0 to 100 kPa differential | 0 to 100 kPa gauge | 0 to 100 kPa gauge | 15 to 115 kPa | 0 to 100 kPa |
| Output Voltage Range | 0.2 V to 4.7 V | 0.2 V to 4.7 V | 0.2 V to 4.7 V | 0.2 V to 4.7 V | 0.2 V to 4.7 V | 0.2 V to 4.7 V | 0.5 V to 4.5 V |
| Supply Voltage | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V |
Key Differentiators
- Absolute pressure reference (vacuum-sealed) (vs MPX5100DP / MPX5100GP)
- Wide 4.5 V full-scale output span (vs XGZP6872A)
- Industry-standard NXP MPX5100 datasheet family (vs MPX4115A)
Design Notes
Power the MPX5100A from a clean, well-regulated 5 V supply. The ratiometric output is referenced to VCC, so any ripple or noise on the 5 V rail (above ~100 Hz) will couple directly into the pressure reading. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to pin 1 (VCC) and a bulk 10 uF electrolytic at the supply entry point. For ADC-driven designs, average 16 to 64 samples to suppress residual 50/60 Hz pickup while preserving pressure-bandwidth response.
Avoid mechanical stress on the MPX5100A package - never force-bend or twist the leads, and do not apply side load to the sensor body. The piezoresistive die is sensitive to package stress, which can introduce offset errors of several kPa. Mount with the port unobstructed, free of conformal coating ingress, and away from heat sources (linear regulators, power resistors) that could skew the temperature-compensated output. For absolute measurements, ensure the port is sealed from ambient airflow changes that would cause apparent pressure drift.
Route the analog output trace away from switching nodes, digital clocks, and motor drivers. Use a ground guard ring around the output pin and keep the trace under 50 mm if possible. Place an RC low-pass filter (e.g., 1 kΩ + 100 nF, fc ≈ 1.6 kHz) close to the ADC input to attenuate high-frequency noise without meaningfully affecting the sensor's DC and low-frequency pressure response. For high-accuracy barometric work, enable the ADC's internal offset and gain calibration per the MCU reference manual.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per NXP product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for safety-critical automotive designs, choose a specifically AEC-Q100 qualified MPX-series variant. Halogen-free and lead-free per NXP packaging materials declaration.