MPXV12GW6U - 10 kPa Uncompensated Pressure Sensor | NXP
MPN: MPXV12GW6U ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.92 | $8.92 |
| 10 | $7.84 | $78.40 |
| 100 | $6.45 | $645.00 |
| 500 | $5.71 | $2,855.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.1 | $5,100.00 |
MPXV12GW6U Overview
A piezoresistive pressure sensor is a micro-electromechanical (MEMS) transducer that uses strain-sensitive diffused resistors on a silicon diaphragm to convert applied differential or gauge pressure into a small differential voltage. These devices sit in the sensor hierarchy as follows: pressure sensor -> MEMS sensor -> transducer -> sensor IC -> semiconductor. Uncompensated sensors require external calibration, amplification, and temperature compensation at the signal-conditioning stage, but offer the lowest cost and the highest raw sensitivity per dollar for OEM designs.
Key features of the MPXV12GW6U include a 0 mV to 55 mV full-scale output, 10 kPa nominal pressure range (1.45 PSI), a vented gauge configuration for true reference against atmosphere, and a 3 V typical supply that allows low-voltage battery operation. The top-port tube geometry (5.59 mm) accepts standard pneumatic fittings and simplifies plumbing in medical and industrial equipment. Operating temperature spans -40 C to +125 C, enabling use in non-automotive harsh environments.
Internally, the MPX12 series uses a single-piece silicon diaphragm with four piezoresistive strain gauges arranged in a Wheatstone bridge. Excitation across the bridge produces a millivolt-level differential output proportional to pressure. Because no on-chip compensation is provided, designers add a low-offset op-amp such as the NXP INA333 or Texas Instruments INA333 and a temperature-compensation network to achieve system-level accuracy.
Typical applications include medical inhalation / respiration flow monitors, HVAC differential pressure transmitters, air-flow and level sensing in industrial equipment, and low-pressure process instrumentation. The vented gauge reference makes it ideal when barometric correction is required.
When designing with this part, place a high-gain, low-noise instrumentation amplifier directly at the sensor output to avoid injecting PCB-level noise into the millivolt signal. Add a temperature compensation network to flatten the millivolt span across the full -40 C to +125 C range, since piezoresistive sensitivity drifts roughly -1.9 %/C at constant excitation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, giving engineers a single reference for part selection.
Drop-in alternatives for MPXV12GW6U — 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 MPXV12GW6U (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Output Type, Mounting Type, Linearity, Operating Pressure Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MPXV12GW7U
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPXV12DP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPXV7025DP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$8.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPX5010DP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$9.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPXV12GW6U Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Operating Pressure Range | 0 kPa to 10 kPa (1.45 PSI) |
| Output Type | Analog Millivolt (Wheatstone bridge) |
| Output Span | 0 mV to 55 mV at 3 V excitation |
| Excitation Voltage | 3 V typical |
| Pressure Port Type | Top port, 0.22" (5.59 mm) tube |
| Package / Case | 8-SMD, Gull Wing, Top Port |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C |
| Configuration | Vented Gauge (reference to atmosphere) |
| Sensor Technology | Silicon piezoresistive (MEMS strain gauge) |
| Off-Pressure Offset | 0 mV minimum (no offset specified) |
| Compensation | Uncompensated (external calibration required) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
MPXV12GW6U Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VS+ — Bridge excitation positive supply |
| Pin 2 | VOUT+ — Bridge differential output positive |
| Pin 3 | GND — Bridge ground / excitation return |
| Pin 4 | VOUT- — Bridge differential output negative |
| Pin 5 | VS- — Bridge excitation negative supply |
| Pin 6 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 7 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 8 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
MPXV12GW6U is suitable for 6 applications: Medical Respiration Flow Monitor, HVAC Differential Pressure Transmitter, Industrial Air-Flow Sensing, Medical Inhaler Dose Counter, Low-Pressure Process Instrumentation, Variable Air Volume (VAV) Box Control.
Medical Respiration Flow Monitor
The MPXV12GW6U is well suited to medical respiration flow and inhalation pressure monitoring thanks to its 10 kPa full-scale span and millivolt-level bridge output. The vented gauge configuration references atmospheric pressure directly, eliminating the need for an external barometric sensor in CPAP or ventilator inspiratory-line monitoring. When paired with a low-offset instrumentation amplifier such as the Texas Instruments INA333 or NXP INA333, the 0-55 mV span can be amplified to a 0-5 V signal for ADC digitization. The 8-SMD top-port package accepts standard 5.59 mm pneumatic tubing commonly used in ventilator circuits, simplifying the mechanical design.
Recommended
HVAC Differential Pressure Transmitter
Building automation HVAC systems commonly use the MPXV12GW6U to measure low-pressure duct or filter differential pressure in the 0-10 kPa range. Its piezoresistive Wheatstone bridge produces a millivolt output directly proportional to applied pressure, allowing designers to implement 4-20 mA loop transmitters with a precision op-amp front end. The -40 C to +125 C operating range covers rooftop and mechanical-room environments, while the surface-mount package supports compact PCB integration inside small wall-mounted transmitters. External temperature compensation is required to maintain accuracy across the operating range.
Recommended
Industrial Air-Flow Sensing
Industrial air-flow and pneumatic-control systems use the MPXV12GW6U as a low-cost pressure transducer in flow-element sensing applications. When paired with an orifice plate or laminar flow element, the millivolt output is proportional to volumetric flow, enabling compressor monitoring, leak detection, and process-control feedback loops. The 8-SMD gull-wing top-port package simplifies PCB mounting, while the 5.59 mm tube port accepts standard pneumatic fittings used in factory automation. Designers typically add a low-pass RC filter at the amplifier input to reject pneumatic noise and switching-converter ripple.
Recommended
Medical Inhaler Dose Counter
Portable metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and dry-powder inhaler (DPI) designs use the MPXV12GW6U to detect inhalation pressure drop as a trigger for dose-counting electronics. The 10 kPa range is well matched to the pressure differential generated during typical patient inhalation cycles (1-5 kPa). Battery operation is supported by the 3 V excitation requirement, and the small 8-SMD package fits inside a handheld enclosure. The uncompensated output requires an on-board amplifier and temperature compensation for reliable triggering across ambient temperatures encountered in real-world patient use.
Recommended
Low-Pressure Process Instrumentation
Process-control instrumentation such as low-pressure tank-level and bubbler systems use the MPXV12GW6U as a low-cost pressure transducer at the front end. The vented gauge reference simplifies bubbler-level measurements since the sensor output is already referenced to atmospheric pressure. The 0-55 mV span is amplified by an external instrumentation amplifier, then digitized by an ADC and linearized in software. The 8-SMD surface-mount package supports high-density PCB designs, while the -40 C to +125 C operating range covers outdoor and process-plant environments with appropriate protection.
Recommended
Variable Air Volume (VAV) Box Control
Variable air volume (VAV) terminal units in commercial HVAC systems use the MPXV12GW6U to measure duct static pressure and feedback to the building automation controller. The 10 kPa range covers typical duct static setpoints of 0.25 to 1.5 inch water column (0.06-0.37 kPa), so a low-cost transducer with sufficient headroom is ideal. The surface-mount package and 3 V operation suit battery-backed or 24 VAC-powered VAV controller designs. External compensation is required to maintain accuracy across the wide temperature range encountered in ceiling plenum environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MPXV12GW6U — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MPXV12GW7U | MPXV12DP | MPXV7025DP | MPX5010DP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-SMD Gull Wing Top Port | 8-SMD Gull Wing Top Port - same | 8-SMD Gull Wing - same | 8-SMD Gull Wing - same | 8-SMD Gull Wing - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Pressure Type | Vented Gauge | Vented Gauge | Differential | Differential | Differential |
| Pressure Range | 0-10 kPa | 0-10 kPa | 0-10 kPa | ±25 kPa | 0-10 kPa |
| Output Type | Uncompensated mV bridge | Uncompensated mV bridge | Uncompensated mV bridge | Uncompensated mV bridge | Integrated conditioned analog |
| Excitation Voltage | 3 V typical | 3 V typical | 3 V typical | 3 V typical | 5 V typical |
| 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 |
Key Differentiators
- Vented gauge reference vs differential port (vs MPXV12DP)
- Lower pressure range suited to medical respiration (vs MPXV7025DP)
- Uncompensated raw output vs integrated signal conditioning (vs MPX5010DP)
Design Notes
The MPXV12GW6U produces a millivolt-level output (0-55 mV at 3 V excitation) that is highly susceptible to PCB-level noise. Estimated: with a 0.55 mV/kPa sensitivity and a typical op-amp input noise of 50 nV/sqrt(Hz), system noise of ~0.1%FS is achievable, but only with a low-offset instrumentation amplifier (e.g., INA333) placed within 25 mm of the sensor output. Use a Kelvin connection to the bridge and place a 100 nF bypass capacitor directly across the excitation pins to minimize switching-converter noise injection.
The uncompensated piezoresistive bridge exhibits roughly -1.9 %/C sensitivity drift and significant offset drift over temperature. Estimated: at 25 C reference, output at 0 C is ~+47% and at +85 C is ~-114% without compensation. Add a temperature-compensation network using an NTC thermistor or an on-board temperature sensor with software lookup table to maintain total accuracy within 1-2 %FS across the -40 C to +125 C range.
Although the MPXV12GW6U does not dissipate significant power (the bridge draws only ~6 mA at 3 V, dissipating roughly 18 mW), self-heating effects on the silicon die can introduce measurement drift. Estimated: with 18 mW dissipation and a typical theta_JA of 200 C/W for the 8-SMD package, die self-heating is ~3.6 C above ambient, which translates to a -0.07 %FS sensitivity error. Mount the sensor away from heat sources and provide thermal copper relief to minimize this effect.
Route the four bridge traces (VS+, VOUT+, GND, VOUT-) as a parallel quad with matched lengths, using a ground guard trace between VOUT+ and VOUT- to maximize common-mode rejection. The 8-SMD top-port package requires that the PCB keepout area under the package port remain clear of copper and components to avoid blocking the airflow path. Place the sensor near the board edge to minimize pneumatic tubing length.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per NXP product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this part is positioned for medical and industrial, not automotive. Halogen-free status unknown - not specified in verified web data.
