How to Use Adafruit MPRLS Sensor Breakout: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Adafruit MPRLS Sensor Breakout is a compact and versatile board designed for measuring pressure with precision. It utilizes the MPRLS ported pressure sensor, capable of measuring both absolute and differential pressure within a specified range. This sensor is ideal for a variety of applications, including weather stations, medical devices, and any system requiring accurate pressure measurements.

• Weather monitoring systems
• Altitude and barometric pressure sensing for drones and UAVs
• Medical applications such as blood pressure monitoring
• Industrial controls for fluid and gas pressure systems

• Pressure Range: 0 to 25 PSI (0 to 1724 millibar)
• Supply Voltage: 3.3V to 5V DC
• Output: 24-bit digital pressure reading
• Interface: I2C
• Accuracy: ±1.5% full-scale over the temperature range of -20°C to 85°C

1. Power Supply: Connect the VIN pin to a 3.3V or 5V power supply, and the GND pin to the ground.
2. I2C Communication: Connect the SCL and SDA pins to the corresponding I2C clock and data lines on your microcontroller.
3. Shutdown Control (Optional): The SHDN pin can be connected to a digital output on your microcontroller if you wish to put the sensor into a low-power state when not in use.

• Ensure that the power supply is within the specified voltage range to prevent damage to the sensor.
• Use pull-up resistors on the I2C lines if they are not already present on your microcontroller board.
• Keep the sensor away from direct contact with liquids or high-humidity environments to prevent damage.
• When mounting the sensor, ensure that the pressure port is accessible and unobstructed.

#include <Wire.h>
#include <Adafruit_MPRLS.h>

// Create MPRLS object
Adafruit_MPRLS mpr = Adafruit_MPRLS(-1, -1);

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  while (!Serial) { delay(10); } // Wait for serial console to open
  
  if (!mpr.begin()) { // Initialize MPRLS sensor
    Serial.println("Failed to initialize MPRLS sensor!");
    while (1);
  }
}

void loop() {
  float pressure_hPa = mpr.readPressure(); // Read pressure
  
  // Check if reading was successful
  if (pressure_hPa != NAN) {
    Serial.print("Pressure: ");
    Serial.print(pressure_hPa);
    Serial.println(" hPa");
  } else {
    Serial.println("Failed to read pressure!");
  }
  
  delay(500); // Wait half a second between readings
}

• Inaccurate Readings: Ensure that the sensor is calibrated correctly and that there are no obstructions to the pressure port.
• No Pressure Readings: Check the wiring and connections to the I2C lines, and ensure that the correct I2C address is being used in the code.
• Sensor Not Responding: Verify that the power supply is within the specified range and that the sensor is not in shutdown mode.

• Calibration: Perform a calibration procedure as specified in the sensor datasheet.
• Wiring Check: Double-check all connections, especially the I2C lines and power supply.
• I2C Address: Use an I2C scanner sketch to confirm the sensor's address if unsure.

Q: Can the sensor measure liquid pressure? A: The sensor is designed for gas pressure measurement and should not be used with liquids directly.

Q: What is the maximum pressure the sensor can measure? A: The sensor can measure pressures up to 25 PSI (1724 millibar).

Q: How do I put the sensor into low-power mode? A: Pull the SHDN pin low to put the sensor into shutdown mode, reducing its power consumption.