MPXA6115AC7U - 15-115 kPa Absolute Pressure Sensor | NXP
MPN: MPXA6115AC7U ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $16.5 | $16.50 |
| 10 | $14.8 | $148.00 |
| 100 | $11.85 | $1,185.00 |
| 500 | $11.05 | $5,525.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.2 | $10,200.00 |
MPXA6115AC7U Overview
An absolute pressure sensor is a transducer that measures pressure referenced to a perfect vacuum sealed inside the die cavity, rather than to ambient atmospheric pressure. The MPXA6115AC7U belongs to the pressure sensor family within the broader sensor hierarchy: pressure sensor > MEMS sensor > transducer > sensor IC > semiconductor. Its ratiometric analog output simplifies interface to microcontrollers and ADCs that share the same 5 V reference rail.
Key features include a typical full-scale span of 4.5 V (from 0.2 V at 15 kPa to 4.7 V at 115 kPa), a sensitivity of approximately 45.9 mV/kPa, an operating temperature range of -40 C to +125 C, and a response time of 1.0 ms. The on-chip signal conditioning provides calibrated output with a total accuracy within +/-1.5% over the compensated temperature range, eliminating the need for external calibration circuitry.
The device uses a piezoresistive MEMS transducer fabricated on a silicon die, with the bipolar op-amp network providing gain and temperature compensation. The laser-trimmed thin-film resistors set the offset and span calibration, while the hermetically sealed vacuum reference beneath the diaphragm ensures stable absolute pressure measurement independent of ambient conditions.
Typical applications include automotive manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensing, engine control units, barometric pressure measurement for GPS altitude correction, weather stations, HVAC pressure monitoring, medical respiratory equipment, and industrial pneumatic controls. The wide 100 kPa span covers vacuum-to-positive-pressure operation needed in engine intake manifolds.
When designing with this device, route the analog output through a low-pass RC filter to reject high-frequency noise, and provide adequate mechanical isolation of the pressure port from PCB stress. The DIP-8 package requires through-hole mounting, which provides inherent vibration tolerance for automotive engine-bay applications.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in equivalents from the same MPXxx6115A family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for MPXA6115AC7U — 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 MPXA6115AC7U (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Accuracy, Operating Temperature, Output Type, Package, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MPXAZ6115AC7U
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPXA6115AC6U
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPXA6115A6U
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$10.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPXH6115A6U
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPXA6115AC7U Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Pressure Type | Absolute |
| Pressure Range | 15 kPa to 115 kPa (2.18 PSI to 16.68 PSI) |
| Operating Pressure Min | 15 kPa |
| Operating Pressure Max | 115 kPa |
| Output Type | Analog, Ratiometric Voltage |
| Output Voltage Range | 0.2 V to 4.7 V |
| Supply Voltage | 5.0 V typical (4.75 V to 5.25 V) |
| Sensitivity | 45.9 mV/kPa nominal |
| Accuracy | +/-1.5% Vfss (over compensated temp range) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C |
| Response Time | 1.0 ms |
| Port Style | Top port, 0.13 inch (3.17 mm) tube |
| Package | 8-DIP (Case 867-08), through-hole |
| Package Dimensions | 0.550 inch (13.97 mm) length |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
MPXA6115AC7U Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | Vout — Analog ratiometric pressure output (0.2 V to 4.7 V) |
| Pin 2 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 3 | Vcc — 5.0 V power supply |
| Pin 4 | NC — Not connected (mechanical lead) |
| Pin 5 | NC — Not connected (mechanical lead) |
| Pin 6 | NC — Not connected (mechanical lead) |
| Pin 7 | NC — Not connected (mechanical lead) |
| Pin 8 | NC — Not connected (mechanical lead) |
Typical Applications
MPXA6115AC7U is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Engine MAP Sensing, Barometric Pressure for GPS Altitude Correction, Weather Station Barometry, HVAC Pressure Monitoring, Medical Respiratory Monitoring, Industrial Pneumatic Controls.
Automotive Engine MAP Sensing
The MPXA6115AC7U is the de-facto standard Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor for port-fuel-injected and gasoline direct-injection engines. Its 15-115 kPa absolute range covers idle vacuum (~30 kPa absolute) through wide-open-throttle boost (~100 kPa) for naturally aspirated engines, while its ratiometric 0.2-4.7 V output at 5 V maps cleanly onto the engine ECU's 5 V ADC reference rail. The 1 ms response time is sufficient for closed-loop fuel trim at engine speeds up to 8000 RPM, and the +/-1.5% Vfss calibrated accuracy eliminates the need for end-of-line trim. The DIP-8 through-hole package provides inherent vibration tolerance in engine-bay mounting, and the operating range of -40 C to +125 C covers cold-crank to underhood summer conditions. A typical application places the sensor on the intake manifold with a vacuum hose to the top port, then runs a shielded twisted pair back to the ECU. Companion parts include the MC33812 EFI driver and a S12ZVM automotive MCU.
Recommended
Barometric Pressure for GPS Altitude Correction
The MPXA6115AC7U measures barometric pressure from 15 kPa to 115 kPa absolute, making it ideal for GPS altitude-correction modules in handheld navigation, drones, and asset trackers. By providing an accurate local pressure reading, the host MCU can subtract barometric altitude from GPS geometric altitude to improve vertical accuracy, especially in urban canyons. The 45.9 mV/kPa sensitivity and 0.2 V offset give approximately 1 meter per millivolt resolution after ADC conversion with a 12-bit 5 V ADC. The on-chip temperature compensation removes the need for external correction lookup tables, while the -40 C to +125 C operating range covers both polar and desert field conditions. Power consumption is a few milliamps from the 5 V supply, compatible with battery-powered portable designs. Companion parts include u-blox NEO-M8 GPS modules and low-power ARM Cortex-M0+ MCUs.
Recommended
Weather Station Barometry
The MPXA6115AC7U delivers calibrated absolute pressure for consumer and professional weather stations. Its 15-115 kPa range covers sea-level (~101 kPa) to high-altitude (~30 kPa at 9000 m) deployments, and its ratiometric 0.2-4.7 V output interfaces directly to microcontrollers' ADC inputs. The 1.5% calibrated accuracy is sufficient for forecasting-grade barometric trends where relative changes over time matter more than absolute accuracy. The on-chip signal conditioning eliminates external op-amps and trims, reducing BOM cost for consumer products. The DIP-8 package's through-hole mounting withstands outdoor weather-station housings subject to thermal cycling. Combined with a humidity sensor and ambient temperature IC, the host MCU computes dew point and pressure tendency for forecast algorithms. Companion parts include HIH6130 humidity sensors and ESP32 weather-station platforms.
Recommended
HVAC Pressure Monitoring
The MPXA6115AC7U provides absolute pressure monitoring for HVAC ductwork, refrigerant line diagnostics, and variable-air-volume (VAV) box control. Its 15-115 kPa absolute range suits both duct static pressure sensing (0-2 kPa differential via dual-port comparisons) and refrigerant high-side pressure taps. The ratiometric 5 V analog output interfaces directly to industrial 0-5 V or 0-10 V (after scaling) controller inputs. The on-chip calibration eliminates field-trim procedures, and the -40 C to +125 C operating range covers rooftop unit, mechanical-room, and unconditioned-space installations. The DIP-8 through-hole package offers robust mechanical connections for industrial control cabinets. A typical circuit adds an op-amp current loop (4-20 mA) driver for long-cable industrial deployments. Companion parts include XTR105 4-20 mA loop drivers and STM32 industrial MCUs.
Recommended
Medical Respiratory Monitoring
The MPXA6115AC7U serves medical applications such as respiratory pressure monitoring, CPAP machine feedback, and anesthesia circuit pressure sensing. Its 15-115 kPa absolute range covers the pressure envelope of respiratory circuits, including slight vacuum during patient exhalation and positive-pressure during mechanical ventilation. The 1 ms response time captures pressure transients during ventilator cycles, while the +/-1.5% calibrated accuracy provides clinical-grade pressure trends. The on-chip signal conditioning reduces external components, improving reliability for medical device reliability budgets (MTBF >100k hours). The through-hole DIP-8 package aids mechanical robustness for portable medical devices subject to drops. Companion parts include MSP430 low-power medical MCUs and ADS1292 medical-grade ADCs.
Recommended
Industrial Pneumatic Controls
The MPXA6115AC7U measures compressed-air pressure in factory pneumatic systems, robotic end-effectors, and vacuum-pick-and-place machines. Its 15-115 kPa absolute range covers standard shop-air pressures (~700 kPa requires a different sensor, but vacuum-side sensing fits within 15-115 kPa). The ratiometric 0.2-4.7 V output interfaces directly to PLC analog-input modules with 5 V or +/-10 V ranges. The on-chip calibration eliminates end-of-line trim, lowering manufacturing cost for high-volume industrial automation. The DIP-8 through-hole package handles vibration in factory-floor mounting better than SMT equivalents. A typical circuit adds surge protection and a low-pass RC filter to reject solenoid and motor noise. Companion parts include TM4C123 industrial ARM Cortex-M4 MCUs and ISO1212 digital isolators.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MPXA6115AC7U — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MPXAZ6115AC7U | MPXA6115AC6U | MPXA6115A6U | MPXH6115A6U |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-DIP (Case 867-08), through-hole, top port | 8-DIP (Case 867-08) - same | 8-DIP (Case 867-08) - same | 8-DIP (Case 867-08) - same | 8-DIP (Case 867H-08) - same DIP-8 footprint |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors - same | NXP Semiconductors - same | NXP Semiconductors - same | NXP Semiconductors - same |
| Pressure Range | 15 kPa to 115 kPa absolute | 15 kPa to 115 kPa absolute - same | 15 kPa to 115 kPa absolute - same | 15 kPa to 115 kPa absolute - same | 15 kPa to 115 kPa absolute - same |
| Output Voltage | 0.2 V to 4.7 V | 0.2 V to 4.7 V - same | 0.2 V to 4.7 V - same | 0.2 V to 4.7 V - same | 0.2 V to 4.7 V - same |
| Port Style | Top port (axial) | Top port - same | Top port - same | Top port - same | Side port (different orientation) |
| Supply Voltage | 5.0 V typical | 5.0 V typical - same | 5.0 V typical - same | 5.0 V typical - same | 5.0 V typical - same |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C - same | -40 C to +125 C - same | -40 C to +125 C - same | -40 C to +125 C - same |
| Sensitivity | 45.9 mV/kPa nominal | 45.9 mV/kPa - same | 45.9 mV/kPa - same | 45.9 mV/kPa - same | 45.9 mV/kPa - same |
Key Differentiators
- Industry-standard MAP sensor with wide 100 kPa absolute range (vs MPXV6115VC6U)
- Top-port orientation optimized for vertical-mount manifolds (vs MPXH6115A6U)
- Enhanced EMI/EMC version available in same footprint (vs MPXAZ6115AC7U)
Design Notes
Route the analog Vout trace as a shielded twisted pair back to the MCU ADC input, with the shield grounded only at the MCU end to avoid ground loops hum. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor close to pin 3 (Vcc) and a 1 nF to 10 nF filter capacitor on pin 1 (Vout) to suppress high-frequency switching noise from adjacent digital circuits. Keep digital traces at least 5 mm away from the analog pressure port area to avoid cross-coupling.
Do not apply pressure exceeding 400 kPa (over-range burst) or expose the top port to direct water jets; the silicone gel and MEMS die are damaged by over-pressure spikes. Use a snubber orifice or pressure damper in pneumatic applications. Also avoid bending the through-hole leads more than twice, as internal stress can shift the calibrated offset by several kPa. For automotive MAP sensing, use a vacuum hose with at least 3 mm inner diameter to prevent dynamic pressure lag at high engine RPM.
Mount the sensor vertically with the top port facing up to prevent condensate pooling in the pressure cavity. In engine-bay installations, route the vacuum hose away from exhaust manifolds and use a heat-reflective sleeve around the sensor body. The DIP-8 package's plastic body should not see sustained temperatures above +125 C; provide airflow or thermal isolation if mounted near hot surfaces. For PCB layout, place the sensor at least 10 mm from tall components that could shadow the port during conformal coating.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per NXP product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified but used extensively in non-safety-critical automotive MAP applications; the AEC-Q100 qualified MPXAZ6115AC7U variant is recommended for safety-critical engine management.
