AP4 and AG4 with sleep mode: Tailored, high-precision and low power digital MEMS pressure sensors from Fujikura

PEWATRON launched the new digital A4 series of gauge pressure sensors from Fujikura. The A series is compatible in footprint and pin configuration with the highly successful F and X series, but with higher total accuracy (+/-1.5%) and a wider compensated temperature range (0-85°C).

The digital A4 series is a two-chip system consisting of a MEMS sensor chip and an ASIC signal-conditioning chip, which allows digital signal conditioning and communication via the I2C protocol. The two-chip also allow for a power saving mode to be implemented, because the ASIC can be turned off during a non-operation mode of the pressure monitoring device and can be waked up (turned on) only when the device need to measure the pressure.

The power saving mode, or sleep mode as it is referred to in the product specification, can potentially save a lot of power for the pressure monitoring device, and is ideal suited for battery operated devices or devices where power is otherwise limited. As an example the ASIC (in a 3.0 VDC supply voltage configuration) has a sleep mode current consumption of only 0.8 mA, which is almost a 70% reduction in comparison to the data updating condition, where the current consumption is 2.4 mA.

At the heart of the ASIC is a 14-bit ADC, which has the equivalent sensitivity of 7 Pa/LSB for a 100 kPa full-scale sensor under optimal conditions. Six slave address codes can be assigned to the pressure sensor for individual communication with the microcontroller master. The pressure sensors are delivered in the usual high quality Fujikura packages comprising tray, tape and reel and stick, according to customer specification.

The standard measurement ranges between 0 and 250 mbar and 0 and 12 bar; non-standard ranges are possible on request. The pressure range is configurable as positive, negative or bidirectional gauge, and the supply voltage is configurable at 3.0, 3.3 or 5.0 VDC.

About PEWATRON
PEWATRON specialises in physical and geometrical sensors, power supplies and e-components. PEWATRON delivers a wide assortment of electronic components ranging from standard products, modified standard products or customised solutions. PEWATRON works closely with developers and can be involved right from the start of a product development process to ensure that together with the customer, the best fitting component for the application is found.

PEWATRON, an independent company that belongs to the Angst+Pfister Group, has been serving customers in Europe with prompt and individual service for over 30 years. Through the Angst+Pfister Group, PEWATRON belongs to a world-wide network of over 1000 employees and 60 000 satisfied customers.