New IPX8 rated barometric pressure sensor IC is compact and highly accurate

ROHM’s new compact high accuracy barometric pressure sensor IC, the BM1390GLV (-Z), provides a waterproof rating of IPX8. It is perfect for home appliances, industrial equipment, and compact IoT devices.

Barometric pressure sensors have grown popular in wearables and smartphones for indoor navigation and obtaining altitude data in activity meters. In recent years, as applications have grown, there has been an increased need for waterproof and smaller barometric pressure sensors that are robust and resistant to outside disturbances.

In response, the company developed a compact barometric pressure sensor that is waterproof and strong against temperature fluctuations and mechanical stress. The BM1390GLV consolidates MEMS and control circuitry cultivated in the past with original waterproof technology to provide IPX8 waterproof performance in a compact 2mm x 2mm x 1mm package. Moreover, a proprietary built-in temperature compensation function guarantees superior temperature characteristics, while ceramic package minimises fluctuations of device-specific characteristics produced by mechanical stress through board mounting. These features allow high accuracy barometric pressure measurement in applications needing waterproof performance – which was difficult to realise until now – and in environments exposed to big temperature changes.