Introduction

The MPL3115A2 is a highly accurate, low-power digital barometric pressure sensor from NXP Semiconductors. It is designed to measure barometric pressure, altitude, and temperature, making it a versatile sensor for a wide range of applications, including weather stations, drones, altimeters, and indoor navigation systems.

For Full Project:

https://electronicsworkshops.com/2025/01/20/mpl3115a2-barometric-pressure/

Key Features

Pressure Measurement:

Range: 20 kPa to 110 kPa.

Resolution: 0.1 Pa (Pascals).

Accuracy: ±0.4 kPa (typical).

Altitude Measurement:

Range: -698 m to 11,775 m (relative to sea level).

Resolution: 0.3 m (meters).

Temperature Measurement:

Range: -40°C to +85°C.

Resolution: 0.1°C.

Interface:

I2C (up to 400 kHz) or SPI for communication.

I2C address: 0x60 (default).

Power Supply:

Operating voltage: 1.95V to 3.6V.

Low power consumption: Ideal for battery-powered devices.

Package:

Small 8-pin DFN (Dual Flat No-leads) package (3 mm x 5 mm x 1.1 mm).

How It Works

The MPL3115A2 uses a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) piezoresistive sensor to measure atmospheric pressure. The pressure data is then converted into altitude using the International Barometric Formula. The sensor also includes an integrated temperature sensor for compensation and standalone temperature measurements.

Key Components

Pressure Sensor: Measures absolute pressure.

ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter): Converts analog pressure and temperature data into digital values.

Digital Signal Processor (DSP): Processes the data and provides altitude, pressure, and temperature readings.

I2C/SPI Interface: Communicates with microcontrollers or other devices.

Comparison with Other Sensors

FeatureMPL3115A2BMP180BMP280MS5611Pressure Range20–110 kPa30–110 kPa30–110 kPa10–120 kPaAltitude Resolution0.3 m0.17 m0.16 m0.12 mInterfaceI2C, SPII2CI2C, SPII2C, SPIPower ConsumptionLowLowVery LowLowPackage Size3 mm x 5 mm3.6 mm x 3.8 mm2.0 mm x 2.5 mm5.0 mm x 3.0 mm

Manufacturing Files

PCB Files

Applications

The MPL3115A2 is widely used in applications that require precise environmental sensing:

Weather Stations: Measure barometric pressure and temperature.

Drones and UAVs: Altitude tracking and stabilization.

Smartphones and Wearables: Altitude and weather data for fitness tracking.

Indoor Navigation: Floor-level detection in buildings.

Industrial Systems: Pressure monitoring in HVAC systems or industrial equipment.

Advantages

High Accuracy: Provides precise pressure, altitude, and temperature measurements.

Low Power: Suitable for battery-operated devices.

Compact Size: Small form factor for space-constrained designs.

Ease of Integration: Simple I2C or SPI interface for communication.

Arduino and MPL3115A2

The MPL3115A2 sensor, combined with an Arduino, opens up a wide range of possibilities for projects involving barometric pressure, altitude, and temperature measurements. Whether you’re building a weather station, a drone, or an indoor navigation system, the MPL3115A2 is a versatile and accurate sensor that can provide valuable environmental data.

For Full Project:

https://electronicsworkshops.com/2025/01/20/mpl3115a2-barometric-pressure/