The MPL3115A2 is a MEMS pressure sensor that provides altitude data to within 30cm (with oversampling enabled). The sensor outputs are digitized by a high-resolution 24-bit ADC and transmitted over I2C, so it's easy to use with most controllers. Pressure output can be resolved with output in fractions of a Pascal, and altitude can be resolved in fractions of a meter. The device also provides 12-bit temperature measurements in degrees Celsius.

This breakout board makes it easy to prototype using this tiny device by breaking out the necessary pins to a standard 0.1"-spaced header. The board also has all of the passive components needed to get the device functioning, so you can simply connect it to something that talks I2C and get to work.

Note however that this sensor uses the I2C repeated-start condition, so you should be sure that your microcontroller supports this — e.g. Arduino does, but Raspberry Pi does not.

Another module with the MPL3115A2 sensor is available, in mikroBUS form factor. See the Altitude Click.

MPL3115A2 Sensor Features

• 1.95V to 3.6V Supply Voltage, internally regulated by LDO
• 1.6V to 3.6V Digital Interface Supply Voltage
• Fully compensated internally; provides direct readings without software
• Pressure reading: 20-bit measurement (Pascals), typical accuracy ±0.05kPa
• Altitude reading: 20-bit measurement (meters), typical accuracy ±0.3m
• Temperature reading: 12-bit measurement (°C), typical accuracy ±3°C
• Programmable Events
• Autonomous Data Acquisition
• 32-sample FIFO
• Ability to log data up to 12 days using the FIFO
• Data acquisition rates of 1 second to 9 hours
• I2C digital output interface (operates up to 400 kHz)

MPL3115A2 Pressure/Temperature Sensor Board Resources

• MPL3115A2 Breakout Board Schematic
• MPL3115A2 Breakout Board Design Files for Eagle
• MPL3115A2 Arduino Library with examples
• Guide to using Arduino library with connection diagram
• MPL3115A2 Arduino Example (without using library)
• Freescale MPL3115A2 Page with datasheet and other documentation