Freescale Semiconductor has launched Xtrinsic MPL3115A2, a new digital pressure sensor that detects altitudes. The micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology-based sensor enables advanced location-based and navigation applications for smart mobiles, tablets, and industrial and medical devices.
The MPL3115A2 smart pressure sensor provides altimetry and barometric pressure detection with a resolution of 30 cm. This feature enables the device equipped with the sensor, such as a handset, to determine the elevation of the location at a granular level. Within multistorey buildings, the phone has the ability to detect a particular floor where the user is located.
In industrial and business settings, the Xtrinsic MPL3115A2 sensor can be used to track assets. During emergency situations requiring search and rescue operations, the sensor can provide the precise location. The MPL3115A2 can also help monitor residential heating and cooling systems.
The sensor finds use in medical applications to monitor the location of patients, and in health monitoring and detection systems. In desktop weather stations, the sensors can aid in forecast of climate changes.
The Xtrinsic MPL3115A2 sensor includes temperature compensation and has variable sampling rates. It controls the sleep and auto-wake modes to reduce power consumption.
Source: http://www.freescale.com/