The MPX5010DP differential pressure sensor is designed to meet these needs by combining piezoresistive silicon sensing technology with integrated signal conditioning and temperature compensation. This article will discuss the MPX5010DP pressure sensor basics, pinout, specifications, schematic operation, features, usage methods, applications, and more.

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MPX5010DP Pressure Sensor Basic

The MPX5010DP is a low-pressure differential pressure sensor designed to measure small pressure differences accurately. It is based on piezoresistive silicon technology and provides a linear analog voltage output, making it easy to connect directly to microcontrollers and data-acquisition systems. The sensor operates over a pressure range of 0 to 10 kPa, which is suitable for precise low-pressure measurements.

This sensor integrates signal conditioning and temperature compensation, ensuring stable and reliable performance across a wide temperature range. The dual pressure ports allow it to measure the difference between two pressure sources, such as airflow or fluid pressure before and after a restriction. Its through-hole SIP package simplifies PCB mounting and tubing connections, making it practical for both prototyping and production designs.

If you are interested in purchasing the MPX5010DP, feel free to contact us for pricing and availability.

MPX5010DP CAD Models

MPX5010DP Pinout Details

Alternatives & Equivalent Model

• MPX10DP

• MPX5100DP

• MPXV5010DP

• MPX5010GP

• MPX5010GS

• MPX5010D

MPX5010DP Schematic Diagram

The schematic diagram of the MPX5010DP shows how the sensor converts applied pressure into a usable analog voltage signal. At the left side of the diagram is the sensing element, which is the piezoresistive silicon structure. When a pressure difference is applied between the P1 and P2 ports, this sensing element deforms slightly. This deformation causes a small change in resistance, producing a very low-level electrical signal that represents the applied pressure.

This weak signal is first sent to the thin-film temperature compensation and gain stage #1 block. Here, thin-film resistors are used to correct errors caused by temperature changes, ensuring stable output over a wide operating range. At the same time, the signal is amplified to a higher level so it can be processed accurately. This stage is critical because raw piezoresistive signals are too small and temperature-sensitive to be used directly.

Next, the signal passes to gain stage #2 and the ground reference shift circuitry. This block further amplifies the signal and shifts its reference so that the output voltage stays within a usable range above ground. As a result, the output does not start at 0 V but at a small offset, allowing the sensor to represent low pressures clearly while still reaching near the supply voltage at full-scale pressure.

The Vs (supply voltage) input powers all internal blocks, while GND serves as the reference point for the output signal. The final conditioned signal appears at Vout, which is a linear analog voltage proportional to the applied differential pressure. The diagram also indicates that several pins are marked as no connects (N/C) depending on the package type, meaning they are not internally connected and should be left unused. Overall, this schematic explains why the MPX5010DP can be connected directly to a microcontroller’s ADC without needing external amplification or temperature compensation circuits.

MPX5010DP Specifications

MPX5010DP Operating Characteristics

MPX5010DP Features

• 5.0% Maximum Error over 0°C to 85°C – The MPX5010DP offers a maximum error of only ±5.0% across the 0°C to 85°C temperature range. This ensures reliable and repeatable pressure measurements for most standard operating environments.

• Ideally Suited for Microprocessor or Microcontroller-Based Systems – The sensor provides a high-level analog voltage output that can be read directly by an ADC input. This simplifies system design by eliminating the need for external amplification or complex signal conditioning.

• Durable Epoxy Unibody and Thermoplastic (PPS) Package – The epoxy unibody and PPS housing protect the internal sensing element from mechanical stress, vibration, and environmental exposure, improving long-term reliability.

• Temperature Compensated from −40°C to +125°C – Internal compensation circuits reduce temperature-induced drift, allowing stable and accurate pressure readings even in harsh thermal environments.

• Patented Silicon Shear Stress Strain Gauge – The silicon shear-stress strain gauge converts diaphragm deformation into a precise electrical signal, improving sensitivity, linearity, and repeatability.

• Available in Differential and Gauge Configurations – The MPX5010 sensor family supports multiple pressure measurement types. The MPX5010DP variant is designed specifically for differential pressure measurement between two ports.

• Available in Surface-Mount (SMT) or Through-Hole (DIP) Configurations – Multiple package options allow flexible PCB integration for both automated assembly and traditional through-hole designs.

• High-Level, Linear Analog Output – The output voltage changes linearly with applied pressure, making pressure calculations simple and reducing software complexity during signal processing.

• Fast Response Time – With a typical response time of about 1 ms, the sensor is suitable for applications that require quick detection of pressure changes, such as airflow monitoring and control systems.

• Low Supply Current Consumption – The sensor operates with low current draw, making it suitable for power-sensitive embedded and battery-powered applications.

• Ratiometric Output with Supply Voltage – The output voltage scales proportionally with the supply voltage, helping maintain measurement accuracy when used with ratiometric ADC systems.

• Industrial-Grade Barbed Pressure Ports – The axial pressure ports are designed to securely connect standard industrial tubing, reducing the risk of leaks and improving measurement stability.

• Minimal External Components Required – Integrated signal conditioning and temperature compensation reduce the number of external components needed, simplifying circuit design and improving overall system reliability.

How to Use the MPX5010DP Pressure Sensor

The MPX5010DP is an integrated differential pressure sensor designed for accurate low-pressure measurements with a linear analog output. It is commonly used in airflow, level measurement, and HVAC-related applications, and it can be directly interfaced with microcontrollers such as Arduino due to its single 5 V supply operation.

Physically, the MPX5010DP comes in a non-standard plastic package with side-mounted pins and two hose connection ports. These ports allow the sensor to measure the pressure difference between two points. Inside the package, a silicon piezoresistive sensing element detects the differential pressure, while an internal signal-conditioning circuit converts this mechanical change into a clean, ground-referenced voltage signal. As shown in the transfer function diagram, the output voltage increases linearly with differential pressure. Even at zero pressure, the sensor provides a small offset voltage, which helps improve accuracy and noise immunity. The typical relationship between pressure (kPa) and output voltage allows users to calculate pressure values precisely using a simple linear equation.

In practical use, the MPX5010DP is powered from the Arduino’s 5 V and GND pins, and its analog output is connected to an analog input pin. The microcontroller’s ADC then converts this voltage into a digital value, enabling real-time pressure monitoring and processing in embedded systems.

MPX5010DP Applications

• Airflow measurement systems

• HVAC pressure monitoring

• Medical respiratory equipment

• Ventilation and air duct pressure sensing

• Liquid level measurement using pressure difference

• Industrial process control

• Filter clogging detection

• Pneumatic control systems

• Environmental monitoring devices

• Laboratory and test instrumentation