MPXA4250AC6U - 20-250kPa Absolute Pressure Sensor | NXP
MPN: MPXA4250AC6U ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14.5 | $14.50 |
| 10 | $13.2 | $132.00 |
| 100 | $11.8 | $1,180.00 |
| 500 | $10.55 | $5,275.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.4 | $9,400.00 |
MPXA4250AC6U Overview
A MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) sensor is a type of absolute pressure transducer that measures the actual air pressure inside an engine intake manifold relative to a sealed internal vacuum reference. It is a key member of the pressure sensor family, itself a subset of the broader sensor IC category within signal conditioning and data acquisition. The output of the MAP sensor is converted by the engine control unit into the desired air mass and therefore the required fuel injector pulse width. MAP sensing sits within the larger power-train sensor hierarchy alongside mass airflow (MAF) and barometric pressure sensors.
Key features include on-chip signal conditioning, laser-trimmed calibration, temperature compensation from -40C to +125C, and a typical sensitivity of approximately 20 mV/kPa. The piezoresistive transducer and ASIC share a single monolithic die so that offset, span, and nonlinearity are corrected at the factory, eliminating external trimming components. The integrated tube inlet accepts a 0.13 inch (3.17 mm) hose, simplifying plumbing into the manifold.
Typical applications include automotive engine control units, manifold absolute pressure measurement, barometric pressure correction, industrial pneumatic monitoring, and altitude-along instruments. The wide supply tolerance (4.85-5.35 V) and ratiometric analog output are designed specifically for ECU environments where the ADC reference is shared with the sensor supply.
When designing with this part, keep the supply decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VCC pin, route the analog trace away from switching power inductors, and protect the inlet from condensation and particulate contamination to maintain long-term calibration. Provide a strain-relief boot on the tube so that vibration does not fatigue the port.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, including verified stock tiers, parametric differences versus alternative MAP sensors, and application-specific design guidance for ECU, industrial, and barometric pressure use cases.
Drop-in alternatives for MPXA4250AC6U — 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 MPXA4250AC6U (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Supply Voltage, Package, Output Type, Pressure Type, Output Voltage Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MPXH6250AC6U
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPXHZ6250A6U
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPXA4250AC6T1
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.88 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPXA6115A6U
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPXA4115A6U
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPXA4250AC6U Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Pressure Type | Absolute (Manifold Absolute Pressure - MAP) |
| Operating Pressure Range | 20 kPa to 250 kPa (2.9 PSI to 36.26 PSI) |
| Sensitivity | 20 mV/kPa (typical) |
| Analog Output Voltage | 0.2 V to 4.9 V (approximately, proportional to pressure) |
| Supply Voltage (Vcc) | 4.85 V to 5.35 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C |
| Port Configuration | Top port, male tube - 0.13 inch (3.17 mm) |
| Package Type | 8-SMD, Gull Wing, Top Port |
| Mounting Style | Surface Mount (PCB) |
| Output Type | Analog, ratiometric to Vcc |
| On-chip Calibration | Yes (laser-trimmed, temperature compensated) |
| Signal Conditioning | Integrated on-chip |
| Automotive Grade | Engine control / MAP application qualified (per datasheet family) |
MPXA4250AC6U 8-smd, gull wing, top port Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MPXA4250AC6U (8-smd, gull wing, top port package). Pin numbering, functions, and connection diagrams are defined in the manufacturer datasheet. Refer to it for the exact footprint and soldering guidelines.
No detailed pinout data available for MPXA4250AC6U.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MPXA4250AC6U is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Engine Control (MAP Sensing), Barometric and Altitude Correction, Industrial Pneumatic Pressure Monitoring, HVAC and Air-Handling Pressure Sensing, Medical Respiratory and Vacuum Equipment, Robotics and Drone Altitude Hold.
Automotive Engine Control (MAP Sensing)
The MPXA4250AC6U is purpose-built for Manifold Absolute Pressure sensing in gasoline-engine ECUs. Its 20-250 kPa absolute range covers full intake-manifold vacuum at idle through atmospheric and mild boost, and its ratiometric 0.2-4.9 V analog output feeds the ADC's 5 V reference rail for supply-noise cancellation. Sensitivity of approximately 20 mV/kPa and on-chip temperature compensation from -40C to +125C let the ECU convert the voltage reading directly into air mass and target fuel injector pulse width. The top-port male tube accepts the standard 3.17 mm manifold hose with a simple clamp. Use a small 0.1 uF bypass capacitor near Vcc and a 1 kohm + 100 nF RC low-pass filter on Vout to suppress ECU switching noise.
Recommended
Barometric and Altitude Correction
The MPXA4250AC6U's 20-250 kPa span encompasses the full sea-level-to-bonus-dead atmospheric pressure range, making it well suited to barometric correction sensors that compensate for altitude in fuel-mapping strategies. The ratiometric analog output drives a 12-bit ADC with adequate resolution (about 0.06 kPa per LSB at 5 V reference) for altitude-aware ignition timing. Place the sensor's top port in a still, dry air pocket on the vehicle firewall or ECU enclosure to avoid manifold pressure pulsation artifacts. The on-chip temperature compensation eliminates the need for a separate ambient temperature lookup, simplifying the BOM.
Recommended
Industrial Pneumatic Pressure Monitoring
In industrial pneumatic systems, the MPXA4250AC6U monitors compressed air lines and vacuum manifolds in the 20-250 kPa working range, providing a calibrated analog signal to PLCs and industrial controllers. The 4.85-5.35 V supply tolerance accommodates 24 V-to-5 V industrial DC-DC rails, and the ratiometric output tracks supply variations for noise-immune ADC conversion. The 8-SMD gull-wing package withstands industrial vibration when paired with a tube strain-relief boot on the top port. Use a moisture trap upstream of the sensor port to prevent condensation from contaminating the on-chip reference cavity, which would shift the factory calibration.
Recommended
HVAC and Air-Handling Pressure Sensing
The MPXA4250AC6U's calibrated 20-250 kPa range suits HVAC duct static pressure probes, building-automation airflow sensors, and cleanroom differential-pressure references when paired with a dual-port manifold. The analog ratiometric output simplifies integration into 4-20 mA loop converters for building management systems, while the surface-mount package enables compact PCB-mounted sensor pods. The -40C to +125C operating envelope covers rooftop and mechanical-room HVAC environments. Decouple Vcc with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed close to the supply pin to suppress motor-driver switching noise from the host controller.
Recommended
Medical Respiratory and Vacuum Equipment
The MPXA4250AC6U's absolute-pressure measurement from 20-250 kPa covers the vacuum range used in respiratory therapy devices, wound-drainage systems, and benchtop laboratory vacuum instrumentation. Its on-chip calibration eliminates per-unit trim and the surface-mount form factor enables disposable or single-use medical device designs. The ratiometric analog output interfaces directly to medical-grade 5 V ADC front ends. Note that medical safety isolation requires the sensor to be referenced to a patient-isolated supply domain. The top-port inlet accepts standard medical tubing for easy integration into existing flow paths.
Recommended
Robotics and Drone Altitude Hold
In drone and robotics applications, the MPXA4250AC6U provides absolute barometric altitude feedback for altitude-hold controllers, terrain-following algorithms, and pressure-aware flight controllers. The 20-250 kPa range covers full sea-level-to-mountaintop operating envelopes, and the ratiometric output feeds a 5 V ADC for ground-floor GPS feedback. The 8-SMD package weighs under one gram, suitable for weight-constrained drone designs. Provide a foam-lined still-air pocket at the sensor inlet to avoid propeller wash and turbulence, which would otherwise inject noise into the altitude-hold control loop.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MPXA4250AC6U — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MPXH6250AC6U | MPXHZ6250A6U | MPXA4250AC6T1 | MPXA6115A6U | MPXA4115A6U |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 8-SMD, Gull Wing, Top Port | 8-SMD, Gull Wing, Top Port | 8-SOIC (0.295 inch) | 8-SMD, Gull Wing, Top Port | 8-SOP | 8-SOP |
| Pressure Range (Absolute) | 20 to 250 kPa (2.9-36.26 PSI) | 15 to 250 kPa | 20 to 250 kPa | 20 to 250 kPa | 15 to 150 kPa | 20 to 115 kPa |
| Output Voltage | 0.2 V to 4.9 V | 0.3 V to 4.9 V | 0.3 V to 4.9 V | 0.2 V to 4.9 V | 0.2 V to 4.7 V (typical) | 0.2 V to 4.8 V (typical) |
| Supply Voltage | 4.85 V to 5.35 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.85 V to 5.35 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V |
| Sensitivity | 20 mV/kPa (typical) | 20 mV/kPa (typical) | 20 mV/kPa (typical) | 20 mV/kPa (typical) | 32 mV/kPa (typical) | 46 mV/kPa (typical) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C |
| Port Configuration | Top port, male tube 0.13 in (3.17 mm) | Top port, male tube | Top port, male tube | Top port, male tube 0.13 in (3.17 mm) | Top port, male tube | Top port, male tube |
Key Differentiators
- Highest upper-pressure bound in the NXP MPX4250A MAP family (vs MPXH6250AC6U)
- Calibrated 0.2-4.9 V output for full 20-250 kPa span (vs MPXA6115A6U)
- Top-port gull-wing package for surface-mount ECU boards (vs MPXA4115A6U)
Design Notes
Estimated: at Vcc=5.0 V typical and assuming datasheet average Iq of 7-10 mA for the MPXA4250A family, the sensor dissipates approximately 35-50 mW of quiescent power. Decouple Vcc with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the supply pin to suppress ECU switching noise. The output pin benefits from a small RC low-pass filter (for example 1 kohm in series with 100 nF to ground) to remove high-frequency noise from injectors and ignition coils that would otherwise alias into the ADC conversion.
Place the sensor as close to the ECU ADC input as practical to minimize analog trace length and noise pickup. Route the Vout trace away from switching power, ignition, and injector drivers; if it must cross digital traces, cross at 90 degrees to minimize coupling. The exposed backside of the package (if present) should be soldered to a small copper pour to provide thermal mass and mechanical stability under hood vibration.
Do not apply pressure beyond 250 kPa without confirming the overload rating in the datasheet - overpressure can permanently shift the on-chip calibration. Moisture, oil, or particulate entering the top port will contaminate the reference cavity and bias the output; always use a moisture trap and inline filter upstream of the sensor. The output is ratiometric to Vcc, so the ECU ADC MUST use the same 5 V reference or the calibration will appear shifted. Do not bend the top-port tube - this stresses the package-to-port seal and can crack the housing.
Compliance Information
Compliance flags were not retrieved in the verified web data and are marked 'unknown'. The MPXA4250AC6U is designed for under-hood automotive engine environments per the datasheet family; AEC-Q100 grade information should be confirmed via the manufacturer datasheet or PCN.
