For industries requiring highly stable, ultra-low-pressure sensing at an affordable price, Merit Sensor has created the LP2 Series. Offering a broad pressure range, multiple output options, and flexible integration features, this series delivers confidence to operations across industrial, medical, and consumer markets. 

Introducing the LP2 Series: Unpacking the Sensor 

The LP2 Series is a surface-mount, piezoresistive pressure sensor module engineered for ultra-low-pressure differential or gage measurements. Featuring a compact footprint of approximately 8.76cm2, it comprises an integrated Wheatstone bridge that anodically bonds glass to a chemically etched silicon diaphragm. It includes an ASIC that calibrates the MEMS pressure sensor with a built-in DSP (Digital Signal Processor) with a 26-bit math core running a correction algorithm for precise calculation of pressure and temperature correction coefficients. 

The sensor includes dual pressure ports for higher- and lower-pressure inputs and is equipped with castellated vias to simplify PCB assembly and ensure reliable solder connections. 

Performance in the Field: Blending Precision and Versatility 

Designed to measure ultra-low pressures from 150Pa (0.6 inches of H2O) to 7000Pa, the LP2 Series delivers highly accurate readings with a total error band better than 1.5% of full scale—before reflow soldering and without activation of autozero. This performance is critical in applications requiring minimal offset drift and high repeatability. The Post Calibration Offset Correction capability further allows the sensor to compensate for shifts in baseline output, mitigating packaging-induced stresses and reflow effects, which is especially important in high-reliability designs. 

Furthermore, the LP2 Series supports a wide supply voltage input from 2.7V to 5.5V, allowing flexibility across various system voltage levels. It offers selectable digital output configurations including I2C and SPI, as well as an analog voltage output (ratiometric from 10% to 90% of the supply voltage), making it adaptable to different signal processing architectures. Additionally, the LP2 Series features an end-of-conversion (EOC) function, which flags when a new, valid pressure reading is ready. 

Cutting-Edge Technology and Manufacturing  

The LP2 Series leverages Merit Sensor’s proprietary Sentium® technology, a platform known for delivering superior operating temperature ranges and long-term stability. Every LP2 pressure sensor is also designed, engineered, fabricated, diced, assembled, tested, and manufactured at Merit Sensor’s state-of-the-art facility in South Jordan, Utah. This vertical integration allows for exceptional quality control and supply chain security. Moreover, as a subsidiary of Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MMSI), Merit Sensor brings the assurance of a dependable and experienced partner. 

As standard, all products are RoHS compliant, supporting environmentally responsible designs. 

Market Applications 

Industrial 

In industrial environments, accurate airflow and pressure measurements are key to energy management and process optimization. The LP2 Series is particularly well suited to HVAC systems, where it monitors airflow and supports VAV (variable air volume) valve control. Its stable operation across a compensated temperature range (-10°C to 60°C) and a broader operating range (-40°C to 85°C) ensures functionality even in demanding environmental conditions.  

With its configurable overpressure and underpressure alerts, the LP2 Series can serve as a safeguard mechanism for ventilation and air management systems, preventing system failures due to unforeseen pressure deviations. 

Medical  

Medical devices demand not only high accuracy but also stability and reliability over long service intervals. The LP2 Series provides precise low pressure sensing critical for ventilators, which must accurately modulate air delivery to patients. Its fast response time—enabled by a maximum startup time of 2.5ms and digital update rate of 5ms—makes it suitable for dynamic respiratory applications.  

Diagnostic and analytical instruments also benefit from the LP2 Series’ stability and fine resolution (up to 22 bits), supporting accurate flow and pressure measurements in complex assays. The low current draw and optional sleep mode operation optimize the sensor for portable and battery-operated medical equipment. 

Consumer  

Within the consumer sector, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines for sleep apnea therapy operate based on precise pressure regulation to ensure patient safety and comfort. The LP2 Series’ accurate sensing at ultra-low pressures, compact package with castellated vias for robust PCB mounting, and flexible communication options make it an excellent fit for these applications. Its ability to maintain performance over time also minimizes the need for device recalibration, contributing to lower maintenance requirements and improved user satisfaction. 

Dry Non-Corrosive Gas 

The LP2 Series is also engineered for use in laboratory, environmental monitoring, and specialty industrial instruments that measure pressure in dry, non-corrosive gases. With a static proof pressure rated at 2.5 times full scale and burst pressures ranging from 10PSI (low-pressure models) to 50PSI (higher pressure ranges), the sensor is built to survive transient overpressure events without permanent degradation. 

Highlights of the LP2 Series: Key Feature Breakdown 

• Wide Pressure Range: Available from 150Pa up to 7000Pa to meet diverse operational needs. 

• High Accuracy: Better than 1.5% FSO across the compensated range without requiring manual recalibration. 

• Digital and Analog Outputs: Supports I2C, SPI, and analog ratiometric outputs for easy integration. 

• Autozero and Output Signal Averaging: Reduces offset errors post-reflow and improves signal stability. 

• End-of-Conversion (EOC) Flag: Alerts users to new valid data, simplifying sensor data acquisition. 

• Configurable EOC and Alerts: Provides real-time operational status and pressure event warnings. 

• Low Power Consumption: Sleep and cyclic modes available for power-sensitive applications. 

• Easy Assembly: Designed with castellated vias, improving ease and reliability during PCB integration. 

• Robust Environmental Tolerance: Fully functional from -40°C to 85°C. 

Conclusion: A Smart Choice for Ultra-Low-Pressure Sensing 

The LP2 Series represents a highly competitive solution for ultra-low-pressure sensing needs across a broad spectrum of markets. It combines technical excellence—including flexible outputs, high accuracy, and environmental resilience—with affordability, making it an ideal choice for OEMs seeking robust, future-proof designs.  

Whether used in building automation, life-support equipment, or consumer health devices, the LP2 Series empowers engineers to meet stringent performance requirements without compromising on cost or integration complexity. 

Contact a member of the Merit Sensor Systems’ team today to learn more! 

References and Further Reading 

1. Merit Sensor. Data Sheet: LP2 Series.