MPXA6115A6U - 15-115kPa Absolute Pressure Sensor | NXP
MPN: MPXA6115A6U ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.95 | $1,395.00 |
| 500 | $12.4 | $6,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.8 | $10,800.00 |
MPXA6115A6U Overview
An absolute pressure sensor is a transducer that measures pressure relative to a perfect vacuum sealed inside its reference cavity, rather than relative to ambient atmospheric pressure. The MPXA6115A6U belongs to a broader family of piezoresistive silicon pressure sensors in the MEMS sensor category, alongside gauge and differential pressure sensors. Within an electronic system hierarchy, it sits in the signal chain between physical phenomena (pressure) and microcontroller or ADC inputs, providing a calibrated analog voltage that downstream firmware can convert to engineering units using the transfer function.
Key features include a temperature-compensated output from -40C to +125C, +/-1.5% accuracy over the compensated range, durable thermoplastic (PPS) surface-mount package, and on-chip calibration. The integrated signal conditioning eliminates the need for external amplification or temperature compensation circuits, simplifying the host design. The device leverages NXP's proprietary micromachining technology to combine a precision silicon diaphragm with bipolar signal conditioning on a single die.
Typical applications include barometric altimetry in drones and portable navigation, pneumatic controls in industrial automation, HVAC pressure monitoring, engine control manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensing, weather stations, and tire-pressure monitoring systems. The 0-5V analog interface makes it compatible with virtually any ADC or microcontroller.
When designing with this sensor, place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the supply pin to reject high-frequency noise. Use the ratiometric transfer function in software to compensate for supply voltage variation. Avoid mechanical stress on the package port to prevent offset drift.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the MPXxx6115A family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers select and integrate the MPXA6115A6U faster.
Drop-in alternatives for MPXA6115A6U — 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 MPXA6115A6U (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Signal Conditioning, Supply Voltage, Port Style, Output Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MPXA6115A6T1
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$12.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPXA6115AC6U
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPXAZ6115AC6T1
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPXH6115A6U
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPX6115D
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPXA6115A6U Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Pressure Type | Absolute |
| Operating Pressure Range | 2.18 PSI to 16.68 PSI (15 kPa to 115 kPa) |
| Output Type | Analog Voltage |
| Output Voltage Range | 0.2 V to 4.7 V |
| Supply Voltage | 4.75 V to 5.25 V |
| Accuracy | +/-1.5% |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C |
| Package | 8-SMD Module (SOP 8) |
| Port Type | Single axial port (top) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Sensor Technology | Piezoresistive (silicon MEMS) |
| Signal Conditioning | On-chip bipolar op-amp with thin-film resistors |
| Temperature Compensation | Yes, on-chip calibrated |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Part Status | Active |
MPXA6115A6U 8-smd module (sop 8) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MPXA6115A6U (8-smd module (sop 8) 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 MPXA6115A6U.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MPXA6115A6U is suitable for 6 applications: Barometric Altimetry and Drone Altitude Hold, HVAC Pressure Monitoring, Engine Control MAP Sensing, Pneumatic Control and Compressor Monitoring, Portable Weather Stations, Medical Respiratory Equipment.
Barometric Altimetry and Drone Altitude Hold
The MPXA6115A6U's 15-115 kPa absolute pressure range covers the entire envelope of atmospheric pressure from sea level to roughly 15,000 feet altitude, making it ideal for drone and UAV altitude-hold control. Its 0.2-4.7 V ratiometric analog output at a 4.75-5.25 V supply drives directly into a 12-bit or 16-bit SAR ADC on the flight controller, providing resolutions better than 0.01 PSI per LSB. The on-chip temperature compensation from -40C to +125C eliminates the need for software lookup tables during outdoor flight where ambient temperature can swing 60C between takeoff on a cold morning and a midday climb. Unlike GPS, which suffers 1-2 m altitude jitter in the vertical axis, this pressure sensor delivers <0.5 m RMS altitude resolution below 2000 m. Recommended companion products include drone flight controllers using STM32 or PIC microcontrollers with ADC inputs and Kalman filter fusion with IMU data.
Recommended
HVAC Pressure Monitoring
The MPXA6115A6U serves as a low-cost differential-to-absolute pressure reference for HVAC duct and refrigerant-line monitoring. The SOP 8 single-axial-port package mounts cleanly on a PCB attached to a manifold, and the 0.2-4.7 V analog output drives 4-20 mA loop converters or directly into HVAC controller ADCs. Operating over -40C to +125C, it tolerates unconditioned plant floor environments, rooftops, and boiler rooms without thermal cutoff. The +/-1.5% accuracy specification suffices for typical +/-0.5 PSI setpoint detection in variable-air-volume (VAV) systems. The integrated signal conditioning eliminates external op-amps, reducing BOM count and improving long-term drift behavior compared to raw bridge sensors. Recommended companion products include 4-20 mA transmitter ICs and HVAC-grade isolation amplifiers.
Recommended
Engine Control MAP Sensing
The MPXA6115A6U provides manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensing for engine control units in small engines, motorcycles, and automotive aftermarket ECUs. Its 15-115 kPa range maps the full load range of naturally aspirated 4-stroke engines at sea level and into light boost pressures, while its +/-1.5% accuracy is sufficient for fuel-mapping lookup tables below 0.5 PSI error. The 0.2-4.7 V ratiometric output scales with the 5 V analog supply, allowing direct conditioning of supply noise as a common-mode variation that cancels in differential ADC readings. On-chip temperature compensation from -40C to +125C covers the underhood thermal envelope. The 8-SMD package withstands typical automotive soldering profiles. Recommended companion products include automotive MCU ECUs and fuel-injection driver ICs.
Recommended
Pneumatic Control and Compressor Monitoring
The MPXA6115A6U tracks line pressure in pneumatic tools, compressors, and vacuum systems, where the 0-115 kPa range covers most shop-floor compressed-air distribution pressures. Its analog 0.2-4.7 V output drives directly into PLC analog inputs (e.g., 0-10 V with a simple resistor-divider scaling), eliminating the need for a dedicated signal conditioning board. The +/-1.5% accuracy specification over -40C to +125C ensures reliable set-point detection for cut-in/cut-out pressure switches. The integrated bipolar op-amp on the sensor die provides 100 mV/mV of internal gain, removing external amplification stages and reducing noise pickup on long cable runs. Recommended companion products include PLC analog input modules and industrial-grade isolation amplifiers.
Portable Weather Stations
The MPXA6115A6U delivers barometric pressure data for low-cost portable weather stations and home weather instruments. Its 15-115 kPa range maps directly onto meteorological pressure readings of 950-1050 hPa near sea level, with the 0.2-4.7 V analog output easily resolved by a 10-bit ADC in a battery-powered microcontroller. The on-chip signal conditioning keeps standby current below 5 mA, extending battery life in solar-powered weather stations. The wide -40C to +125C compensation range allows deployment in outdoor enclosures from Arctic to desert climates without per-unit calibration. Recommended companion products include low-power MCUs, humidity/temperature sensors like the HDC1080, and LoRa transceivers for remote telemetry.
Recommended
Medical Respiratory Equipment
The MPXA6115A6U monitors pressure in respiratory therapy devices such as CPAP machines, ventilators, and oxygen concentrators, where its +/-1.5% accuracy at -40C to +125C is suitable for differential and absolute pressure reference measurement below 1 PSI error. The 0.2-4.7 V analog output drives into medical-grade ADCs with safety isolation. Its integrated signal conditioning eliminates external op-amps, reducing PCB area and improving long-term stability in life-supporting equipment. The SOP 8 surface-mount package is compatible with automated assembly lines for high-volume production. For medical applications requiring IEC 60601 isolation, add a barrier amplifier or digital isolator between the sensor and the host controller. Recommended companion products include medical-grade isolation amplifiers and low-noise ADCs.
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MPXA6115A6U — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MPXA6115A6T1 | MPXA6115AC6U | MPXAZ6115AC6T1 | MPXH6115A6U |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 8-SMD Module (SOP 8) | 8-SMD Module (SOP 8) - same | 8-SMD Module (SOP 8) - same | 8-SMD Module (SOP 8) - same | 8-SMD Module (SOP 8) - same |
| Pressure Type | Absolute | Absolute | Absolute | Absolute | Absolute |
| Operating Pressure Range | 15 kPa to 115 kPa | 15 kPa to 115 kPa | 15 kPa to 115 kPa | 15 kPa to 115 kPa | 15 kPa to 115 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 |
| Supply Voltage | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V |
| Accuracy | +/-1.5% | +/-1.5% | +/-1.5% | +/-1.5% | +/-1.0% (improved) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C (extended spec) |
| Differentiating Feature | Standard absolute pressure sensor | Tape and reel packaging | Minor calibration tolerance variant | Protective coating for harsh media | Higher accuracy, extended thermal range |
Key Differentiators
- On-chip integrated signal conditioning eliminates external op-amp (vs Raw piezoresistive bridge sensor (e.g., MPX100 series))
- Higher accuracy over temperature vs lower-tier MPX series (vs MPX4100A)
- Single-axial-port SOP 8 surface-mount package (vs Through-hole MPX series (e.g., MPXA6115AP))
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the Vcc pin (typically pin 2) of the MPXA6115A6U. Use a separate low-noise linear regulator for the sensor supply when the host board contains switching converters; switching noise couples directly into the analog output because the sensor's internal amplifier bandwidth extends to DC. A bulk capacitor of 10 uF near the regulator output provides additional supply ripple rejection.
Route the sensor analog output trace away from switching converter traces, clock signals, and high-current paths. Use a ground guard trace or ground pour on both sides of the output trace to reject common-mode noise. If the sensor output must travel more than 50 mm, buffer it with a low-offset op-amp near the receiving ADC input. Shielded cable or twisted-pair routing is recommended if the sensor is mounted on a remote manifold with a harness.
Do not apply mechanical stress to the package port; the piezoresistive sensing element is sensitive to package-induced strain and may exhibit offset drift. Use a soft silicone rubber gasket at the manifold interface. Avoid exposing the port to direct water or dust ingress; the port has no integrated IP-rated sealing. For outdoor installations, add a Gore-Tex vent membrane in front of the port to prevent moisture entry while allowing pressure equalization.
Use the ratiometric transfer function Vout = VS x (0.01058 x P + 0.1518) to compute absolute pressure in software rather than relying on absolute voltage measurements. By using the same supply voltage as the ADC reference, supply variation cancels as a common-mode term, achieving better than 0.1 kPa effective resolution at 12-bit ADC resolution. Average multiple ADC samples in software to filter sensor noise; the internal amplifier bandwidth is approximately 1 kHz.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per NXP product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - use MPXA6115A6T1 if automotive grade is required.
