High-resolution Miniature Altimeter from Measurement Specialties Provides Conversions Down to 0.5 ms

HAMPTON, Va., June 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Measurement Specialties (NASDAQ: MEAS), a leading global manufacturer in sensor-based measuring of pressure/force, position, vibration, temperature, humidity and fluid properties, has released a miniature altimeter with a fast conversion time down to 0.5 ms via an I²C interface.  The new MS5805 interfaces to virtually any microcontroller for exceptional design flexibility.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130614/PH32268)

The low-power digital barometric pressure sensor features a current consumption of only 0.6 microA, with a standby current of less than 0.1 microA at 25 degrees C, and a supply voltage range of 1.8 V to 3.6 V.  The fast ms conversion time includes an oversampling selection of up to 8192 providing the sensor's exceptionally low noise performance.

At its highest resolution of 0.02 mbar, equivalent to 20 cm of elevation, the 24-bit Delta Sigma ADC integrated digital pressure sensor has a pressure accuracy of +/- 4 mbar for pressures ranging from 300 mbar to 1200 mbar and temperatures spanning from -20 degrees C to +85 degrees C.

The high precision of the new sensor makes it ideal for portable and battery-operated devices such as fitness gadgets, mobile altimeter/barometer systems, bike computers, adventure or multi-mode watches, variometers and dataloggers.

Designed to accommodate a 2.5 mm x 1 mm O-ring, the MS5805 is splash-proof down to 40 m. This enables the module to be used in water-resistant devices, cell phones and GPS units that previously could not incorporate altimeter measurement functionality. 

The sensor requires only four large pads for operation for easy rooting to the PCB, improving reliability by ensuring proper mounting.  It includes temperature measurement capabilities with an accuracy of +/- 2 degrees C and a temperature resolution less than 0.01 degrees C.  

Different operation modes allow the user to optimize the conversion speed and current consumption.  Long-term stability is +/-1 mbar per year.

Peak supply current during conversion is 1.25 mA.

Pricing for an MS5805 Miniature Altimeter Sensor is $5.25 per unit in quantities of 10,000.  Delivery time is dependent upon quantity ordered.

For more information, email [email protected] or visit http://www.meas-spec.com/product/pressure/MS5805-02BA01.aspx.

For high res download and full text:
http://www.simongroup.com/PressRoom/press-release.php?Job=MEA-A-3333

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READER SERVICE INQUIRIES:  Please direct all product inquiries to Bob Arkell, NA Marketing Manager; [email protected]; 760-466-7614.

EDITOR'S NOTE:  Measurement Specialties, Inc. (NASDAQ: MEAS) designs and manufactures sensors and sensor-based systems to precisely and cost-effectively measure a number of physical characteristics in several markets from military and defense to medical, consumer and industrial.

By accurately measuring areas such as pressure, temperature, position, force, vibration, torque, humidity, fluid properties, mass airflow and photo optics, our sensors enhance product functionality, efficiency and safety.

Our devices are embedded by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or used as stand-alone sensors for test and measurement to provide critical monitoring, feedback and control input.  MEAS also offers extensive sensor customization services ranging from special calibrations and connectors to custom label designs.

Editorial Contact:
The Simon Group, Inc.
Beth Smith or Joanna Puglisi-Barley
Phone: (215) 453-8700
E-mail: [email protected]
Reference # MEA-A-3333

SOURCE Measurement Specialties, Inc.