Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MA120GQ-P
- Part No.:
- MA120GQ-P
- Manufacturer:
- Monolithic Power Systems Inc.
- Category:
- Angle, Linear Position Measuring
- Package:
- 16-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MA120GQ-P.pdf
- Description:
- SENSOR ANGLE SMD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,700
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Product details
Overview
MA120GQ-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a magnetic angular position sensor IC designed for 3-phase block commutation in brushless DC motors. It delivers 11-bit absolute angle measurement with 500kHz refresh rate, ultra-low 3µs latency, and UVW outputs emulating Hall switches-enabling precise rotor position tracking at speeds up to 120,000 RPM in end-of-shaft motor configurations.
For engineers reviewing the MA120GQ-P datasheet, MA120GQ-P pinout, MA120GQ-P application, or MA120GQ-P equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI interface timing compliance (CPOL=1, CPHA=1), OTP-programmable zero-angle offset, UVW edge resolution (8-bit), thermal stability over –40°C to +125°C, and QFN-16 package compatibility with diametric magnet mounting.
Technical Context
The MA120GQ-P implements a spin-axis phase-detection front-end that directly digitizes magnetic field direction without arctangent computation or feedback loops. Its time-to-digital converter measures zero-crossing intervals of internally generated sinusoidal signals, delivering open-loop 8-bit angle data every 2µs.
It operates as an SPI slave (Mode 3, MSB-first) with dedicated VFLASH pin for one-time programmable register flashing at 4.0V. UVW outputs are generated from internal angle decoding logic with fixed 60° phase shift and 50% duty cycle-matching standard BLDC Hall switch timing requirements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Angle Resolution | 11-bit absolute encoder output; supports fine-grained commutation timing control |
| Refresh Rate | 488–558 kHz; ensures ≤2.05 µs sampling interval for high-speed motor control |
| Latency | 3 µs; enables real-time torque response with minimal phase lag at 120,000 RPM |
| INL Error | ±2.5° max over –40°C to +125°C; guarantees consistent electrical zero alignment across temperature |
| Magnetic Field Range | 30–75 mT; relaxes mechanical air-gap tolerance in rotor-magnet assembly |
| Supply Current | 7.7 mA typical at 3.3 V; enables low-power operation in battery-backed or thermally constrained systems |
| UVW Edge Resolution | 8-bit; defines commutation edge placement accuracy within ±1.41° per LSB |
Pinout & Package
MA120GQ-P is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-16 (3mm × 3mm) package with exposed pad recommended for grounding. The package supports reflow soldering per JEDEC MO-220 and provides θJA = 50°C/W on a 4-layer PCB.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| V | UVW Output (Phase V) | Digital commutation signal with 50% duty cycle, synchronized to rotor angle |
| W | UVW Output (Phase W) | Third Hall-emulation output, phase-shifted 60° from U and V |
| U | UVW Output (Phase U) | Primary commutation signal; used with V and W for 3-phase BLDC drive sequencing |
| MOSI | SPI Data Input | Accepts 16-bit command streams for register write/read and OTP programming |
| MISO | SPI Data Output | Delivers 8-bit angle data (MSB first) and register readback in same transaction |
| SCLK | SPI Clock Input | Supports up to 25 MHz clock; timing-critical for deterministic latency |
| CS | SPI Chip Select | Active-low enable; initiates data transfer and holds output buffer stable during read |
| VDD | 3.3 V Supply | Primary power rail; must be decoupled with ≥100 nF capacitor near pin |
| VFLASH | OTP Programming Supply | Requires 4.0 V only during flash; left unconnected otherwise |
| GND | Ground Reference | Common return path for analog and digital circuits; tied to exposed pad |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Spin-axis phase detection architecture | Eliminates arctangent computation and interpolation loops-reducing latency and power vs. traditional angle ICs |
| Programmable zero-angle offset (8-bit) | Enables mechanical alignment compensation without hardware modification; resolution = 1.41°/LSB |
| One-time programmable (OTP) registers | Permanently stores zero setting and configuration; prevents runtime corruption in harsh EMI environments |
| UVW Hall-switch emulation | Direct drop-in replacement for discrete Hall sensors-no firmware changes needed for existing BLDC drivers |
| Wide magnetic field tolerance (30–75 mT) | Accommodates magnet strength variation and air-gap drift across production units and lifetime |
Applications
| Electric Power Steering (EPS) | Industrial BLDC Pumps |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Rotor position sensing in 12V/24V EPS motor assemblies where compact size and thermal resilience are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides absolute angle input to motor controller for sinusoidal or trapezoidal commutation with <3µs latency. Use Value: Enables precise torque assist response under dynamic load; INL ≤±2.5° ensures repeatable steering feel across –40°C to +125°C. | Use Scenario: Closed-loop speed and position control in HVAC condenser pumps operating continuously at 6,000–15,000 RPM. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Delivers 500kHz UVW signals to gate driver ICs for synchronous 3-phase switching. Use Value: 8-bit UVW edge resolution maintains commutation timing accuracy despite magnet aging or thermal expansion. |
| Drone Propulsion Motors | Automotive Cooling Fans |
Use Scenario: High-RPM (up to 120,000 RPM) rotor sensing in 4–6S brushless outrunner motors with limited board space. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Replaces three discrete Hall sensors with single-chip solution; SPI interface allows diagnostics and calibration. Use Value: QFN-16 (3×3 mm) footprint reduces PCB area by >60% vs. discrete Hall + routing; 3µs latency avoids phase error at top speed. | Use Scenario: Fan speed regulation in engine bay environments subject to thermal cycling and vibration. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Supplies robust UVW signals immune to EMI from ignition systems and alternators. Use Value: Magnetic field range (30–75 mT) accommodates magnet demagnetization over 15-year service life without recalibration. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar angular position sensing applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS5048A-BSOT | 14-bit resolution, I²C interface, no UVW outputs; requires external logic for Hall emulation | Used in servo positioning where high-resolution feedback is prioritized over direct commutation | Select when SPI is unavailable and system can implement angle-to-Hall translation in firmware |
| MA102GQ-P | Successor device with improved INL (±1.5°), lower supply current (6.2 mA), and extended field range (25–85 mT) | Drop-in replacement for new designs; identical pinout and UVW timing but higher accuracy | Prefer for all new designs-MA120GQ-P is Not Recommended for New Designs per MPS documentation |
Compared with AS5048A-BSOT and MA102GQ-P, the MA120GQ-P offers proven UVW timing compatibility with legacy BLDC drivers but lacks the accuracy and efficiency of its successor; it remains viable for cost-sensitive, volume-manufactured motor modules where design freeze is required.
Availability
MA120GQ-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for electric power steering systems, industrial BLDC pumps, drone propulsion motors, and automotive cooling fans requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for MA120GQ-P includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Monolithic Power Systems (MPS) is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog and power ICs, with a focus on energy-efficient solutions for computing, automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The MagAlpha product line delivers integrated magnetic angle sensors optimized for brushless motor commutation-combining Hall-based sensing, on-chip processing, and industry-standard output formats in miniature packages.
FAQ
What is the functional difference between MA120GQ-P and MA102GQ-P?
The MA102GQ-P is the designated successor with tighter integral non-linearity (±1.5° vs. ±2.5°), lower typical supply current (6.2 mA vs. 7.7 mA), broader magnetic field range (25–85 mT vs. 30–75 mT), and improved temperature drift performance. Both share identical QFN-16 packaging and UVW timing, making MA102GQ-P a pin- and function-compatible upgrade.
Can MA120GQ-P operate without connecting VFLASH?
Yes. VFLASH is required only during OTP programming. In normal operation, VFLASH may remain unconnected. The device functions fully with VDD = 3.3 V, delivering SPI angle data and UVW outputs without any VFLASH connection.
How is zero-angle offset programmed and verified?
Zero-angle is set via 8-bit register 4 (Z[7:0]), where each LSB equals 1.40625°. Programming requires sending a 16-bit SPI command (0010 + reg_addr + value), followed by readback using command 0001. Successful programming is confirmed by reading register 4's content in the second byte of the SPI response.
What is the maximum rotational speed supported for accurate commutation?
The MA120GQ-P supports accurate angle measurement up to 120,000 RPM. This limit derives from its 500kHz refresh rate and 3µs latency-ensuring ≤0.22° electrical phase error at top speed, well within BLDC commutation timing margins for 2–8 pole motors.
Does MA120GQ-P require external signal conditioning for UVW outputs?
No. UVW outputs are CMOS-compatible digital signals (VOH ≥ 1.75 V, VOL ≤ 1.05 V) with 0.7 V/ns slew rate-directly interfacing with standard gate drivers and microcontroller inputs. No pull-ups, level shifters, or filtering are needed for typical BLDC applications.
How does the spin-axis method differ from traditional Hall-based angle sensing?
Unlike interpolated Hall arrays or arctangent-based algorithms, the spin-axis method uses phase detection of internally generated sine waves. It avoids computation-intensive math and feedback loops-delivering deterministic 3µs latency and immunity to harmonic distortion in the magnetic field, critical for high-speed motor control.
MA120GQ-P Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Monolithic Power Systems Inc.
- Package/Case:
- 16-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Not For New Designs
- Programmable:
- -
- For Measuring:
- Angle
- Technology:
- Hall Effect
- Rotation Angle - Electrical, Mechanical:
- -
- Linear Range:
- -
- Output:
- SPI
- Output Signal:
- -
- Actuator Type:
- External Magnet, Not Included
- Linearity:
- -
- Resistance:
- -
- Resistance Tolerance:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3V ~ 3.6V
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Termination Style:
- SMD (SMT) Tab
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-QFN (3x3)
MA120GQ-P FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MA120GQ-P through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MA120GQ-P on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MA120GQ-P reliable?
The price and inventory of MA120GQ-P are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MA120GQ-P is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MA120GQ-P?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MA120GQ-P transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MA120GQ-P?
MA120GQ-P orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MA120GQ-P order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MA120GQ-P?
For technical support, including MA120GQ-P datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MA120GQ-P requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MA120GQ-P is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MA120GQ-P products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MA120GQ-P meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MA120GQ-P?
All MA120GQ-P units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MA120GQ-P, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MA120GQ-P part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MA120GQ-P:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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