MPXA4100A6U - 20-105kPa Absolute Pressure Sensor
MPN: MPXA4100A6U ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $13.5 | $13.50 |
| 10 | $12.15 | $121.50 |
| 100 | $10.8 | $1,080.00 |
| 500 | $9.72 | $4,860.00 |
| 1,000 | $8.64 | $8,640.00 |
MPXA4100A6U Overview
An absolute pressure sensor is a transducer that measures pressure referenced to a sealed vacuum rather than to ambient atmospheric pressure. As a board-mount sensor with on-chip signal conditioning, temperature compensation, and calibration, the MPXA4100A6U belongs to the broader category of MEMS pressure sensors (micro-electro-mechanical systems) used in automotive engine control, environmental monitoring, and industrial process control hierarchies where reliable absolute pressure measurement is required.
Key features of the MPXA4100A6U include a transfer function of 54 mV/kPa, an accuracy of approximately +/-1.5% over 0 to 85 C, an operating temperature range of -40 C to +125 C, and a single 5 V supply (4.85 V to 5.35 V). The on-chip ASIC normalizes the raw piezoresistive bridge signal and applies factory calibration, eliminating the need for external compensation components. The output is ratiometric to Vcc, which improves noise immunity in noisy electrical environments.
The sensor integrates a silicon MEMS diaphragm with a Wheatstone piezoresistive bridge and a bipolar ASIC for signal conditioning. The bridge converts mechanical deflection into a differential voltage, while the ASIC amplifies, calibrates, and temperature-compensates the signal to produce a near-linear voltage output. The sealed vacuum reference underneath the diaphragm provides absolute pressure measurement independent of ambient conditions.
Typical applications include automotive manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensing in engine control units, barometric pressure measurement for altitude correction, HVAC pressure monitoring, and industrial pneumatic system control. The wide temperature range and calibrated output make it suitable for under-hood automotive applications where PCB space is constrained and external compensation components are undesirable.
When designing with this device, ensure the supply is well-regulated within 4.85 V to 5.35 V for specified accuracy. The output is ratiometric to Vcc, so any supply noise will scale with the output. Decoupling capacitors (typically 100 nF) close to Vcc and GND pins are recommended to suppress high-frequency supply noise.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the MPX4100A series, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for MPXA4100A6U — 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 MPXA4100A6U (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Output Type, Accuracy, Package / Case, Mounting Type, Operating Pressure Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MPXAZ4100A6U
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPX4115A6U
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPXA4100A
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPX4100A
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$10.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPXA4100A7U
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPXA4100A6U Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Pressure Type | Absolute (Manifold Absolute Pressure) |
| Operating Pressure Range | 20 kPa to 105 kPa (2.9 PSI to 15.23 PSI) |
| Maximum Overload Pressure | 16.7 PSI (per distributor listing) |
| Output Voltage Range | 0.3 V to 4.9 V |
| Output Type | Analog voltage, ratiometric to Vcc |
| Transfer Function | 54 mV/kPa |
| Supply Voltage | 4.85 V to 5.35 V (5 V typical) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C |
| Port Style | Vertical (axially aligned to package) |
| Package / Case | 8-SMD Module (SOP with port) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Technology | Piezoresistive (MEMS silicon) |
| On-Chip Signal Conditioning | Yes (calibrated and temperature compensated) |
MPXA4100A6U Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 2 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 3 | Vcc — 5 V supply (4.85 V to 5.35 V) |
| Pin 4 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 5 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 6 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 7 | Vout — Analog output (0.3 V to 4.9 V) |
| Pin 8 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
MPXA4100A6U is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensing, Barometric Pressure Measurement for Altitude Correction, HVAC Pressure Monitoring, Industrial Pneumatic System Control, Weather Stations and Environmental Monitoring, Dataloggers and Telematics.
Automotive Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensing
Why this part fits: The MPXA4100A6U's 20-105 kPa absolute range directly covers the manifold pressure window of naturally aspirated gasoline engines, where manifold vacuum at idle (~30 kPa) and atmospheric pressure (~100 kPa) set the operating envelope. The 54 mV/kPa transfer function and 0.3-4.9 V analog output feed directly into an ECU ADC without external gain stages. How it is used: The sensor mounts on the intake manifold via a vacuum hose to the vertical port; the ECU converts Vout to kPa using the calibration curve and uses it to compute engine air mass. The ratiometric output tracks Vcc variation, so a regulated 5 V supply preserves accuracy under cranking and load-dump transients.
Recommended
Barometric Pressure Measurement for Altitude Correction
Why this part fits: The MPXA4100A6U's 20-105 kPa range spans the full sea-level-to-altitude barometric pressure window (101.3 kPa sea level down to ~70 kPa at 3000 m), and its calibrated output removes the need for software compensation. The -40 C to +125 C range supports outdoor and automotive underhood environments. How it is used: Mounted on the engine control board or weather station PCB, the sensor outputs a voltage proportional to local barometric pressure; a microcontroller reads the ADC and applies altitude correction to GPS, engine timing, or environmental telemetry. The 8-SMD footprint simplifies integration into compact IoT and telematics enclosures.
Recommended
HVAC Pressure Monitoring
Why this part fits: HVAC refrigerant and air-handling systems operate in the 0-100 kPa range, which the MPXA4100A6U's 20-105 kPa span comfortably accommodates. The on-chip temperature compensation eliminates drift across the -40 C to +125 C operating range, critical for rooftop and outdoor HVAC units. How it is used: Installed in the air duct or refrigerant line, the sensor's analog output feeds a microcontroller that drives variable-speed fans or compressor inverters. The 5 V single-supply simplifies power design in 24 VAC-powered HVAC controllers when rectified and regulated locally.
Recommended
Industrial Pneumatic System Control
Why this part fits: Factory pneumatic systems typically operate at 0-100 kPa, well within the MPXA4100A6U's 20-105 kPa window. The calibrated 0.3-4.9 V output interfaces directly with industrial PLC analog inputs without signal conditioning. How it is used: Mounted at manifold points along a pneumatic line, the sensor provides feedback to a PLC or industrial controller that regulates solenoid valves and actuators. The 8-SMD package supports high-density manifold PCB designs where multiple pressure points are monitored.
Recommended
Weather Stations and Environmental Monitoring
Why this part fits: The MPXA4100A6U's absolute pressure reference and calibrated output make it a low-cost alternative to dedicated barometric modules for hobbyist and prosumer weather stations. The 54 mV/kPa sensitivity produces a large signal swing that simplifies low-resolution ADC readings. How it is used: Combined with temperature and humidity sensors, the MPXA4100A6U provides a third environmental axis; firmware converts voltage to hPa using the calibrated transfer function. The vertical port orientation accepts a flexible tube for enclosure-mounted designs.
Recommended
Dataloggers and Telematics
Why this part fits: Telematics devices that log vehicle or environmental data benefit from the MPXA4100A6U's small 8-SMD footprint, calibrated output, and wide operating temperature. The absolute pressure reference is unaffected by enclosure altitude or weather, ideal for cross-fleet comparisons. How it is used: Mounted inside a telematics box, the sensor records manifold or ambient pressure at intervals and transmits aggregated data over cellular or satellite links. The 5 V supply is easily derived from a 12 V battery rail via a small LDO.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MPXA4100A6U — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MPXAZ4100A6U | MPX4115A6U | MPXA4100A | MPX4100A | MPXA4100A7U |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-SMD Module (vertical port) | 8-SMD Module (vertical port) - same | 8-SMD Module (vertical port) - same | 8-SMD Module (different case) - same | 8-SMD Module (basic case) - same | 8-SMD Module (horizontal port) - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Pressure Range | 20-105 kPa (2.9-15.23 PSI) | 20-105 kPa (2.9-15.23 PSI) | 0-115 kPa (0-16.7 PSI) | 20-105 kPa (2.9-15.23 PSI) | 20-105 kPa (2.9-15.23 PSI) | 20-105 kPa (2.9-15.23 PSI) |
| Output Voltage | 0.3 V to 4.9 V | 0.3 V to 4.9 V | 0.2 V to 4.8 V | 0.3 V to 4.9 V | 0.3 V to 4.9 V | 0.3 V to 4.9 V |
| Transfer Function | 54 mV/kPa | 54 mV/kPa | 46 mV/kPa | 54 mV/kPa | 54 mV/kPa | 54 mV/kPa |
| Supply Voltage | 4.85 V to 5.35 V | 4.85 V to 5.35 V | 4.85 V to 5.35 V | 4.85 V to 5.35 V | 4.85 V to 5.35 V | 4.85 V to 5.35 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C |
| Pressure Reference | Absolute (vacuum reference) | Absolute | Absolute | Absolute | Absolute | Absolute |
| Port Style | Vertical | Vertical | Vertical | Vertical/case dependent | Vertical/case dependent | Horizontal |
| Screening Variant | Standard grade | Higher-grade/lot-screened | Standard grade | Standard grade | Standard grade | Standard grade |
Key Differentiators
- Pin-compatible with higher-pressure MPX4115A6U (vs MPX4115A6U)
- Available in higher-screened MPXAZ variant (vs MPXAZ4100A6U)
- Calibrated output eliminates external compensation (vs Discrete piezoresistive bridge)
Design Notes
The MPXA4100A6U requires a regulated 5 V supply within 4.85 V to 5.35 V. Use a low-noise LDO such as LP2985 or a switching regulator followed by an LC filter, and place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close to the Vcc pin as possible. Because the output is ratiometric to Vcc, any supply noise above ~50 kHz couples directly into the pressure reading - add a bulk 10 uF cap if the supply is shared with switching circuitry.
The 8-SMD module uses a vertical port that requires clearance above the PCB for a vacuum hose or barbed fitting. Reserve at least 8 mm of vertical headroom and avoid placing tall components within 5 mm of the port opening. The package has a sealed vacuum reference on the back side; do not expose this side to conformal coating or mechanical stress, which can shift the absolute pressure calibration.
Do not assume the transfer function is exact across all units without calibration - lot-to-lot variation is typically +/-2% before factory calibration. Avoid exposing the sensor to pressures above 16.7 PSI without confirming the maximum overload rating, as diaphragm damage can permanently shift the output. The output is ratiometric; do not compare two sensors powered from different Vcc rails without accounting for the scaling factor Vcc / 5.0 V.
Route the analog output trace away from switching converter nodes and high-current traces to minimize coupled noise. Add an RC low-pass filter (10 kohm + 100 nF, fc ~160 Hz) at the ADC input if the host samples below 1 kHz to reject HVAC and motor-induced noise. Keep the ground return path short and use a ground plane under the sensor body to stabilize the ratiometric output.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not provided in the verified web data; verify with NXP's product environmental compliance page or a lot-specific material declaration before automotive production use.
