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

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,852
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Product details
Overview
MA120GQ-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a 11-bit absolute magnetic angular position sensor designed for brushless DC motor commutation, replacing three discrete Hall switches with integrated UVW block commutation outputs, 500kHz refresh rate, and 3µs latency at 0–120,000 RPM rotor speeds in PSM/BLDC motor control systems.
For engineers reviewing the MA120GQ-Z datasheet, MA120GQ-Z pinout, MA120GQ-Z application, or MA120GQ-Z equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, SPI timing constraints, UVW output alignment behavior, OTP zero-position programming workflow, and thermal design guidance for end-of-shaft magnet mounting under industrial temperature range (−40°C to +125°C).
Technical Context
The MA120 employs spin-axis phase-detection front-end architecture-digitizing magnetic field angle directly via time-to-digital conversion of sinusoidal signal zero-crossings-eliminating arctangent computation or closed-loop interpolation. Its open-loop measurement delivers deterministic 3µs latency independent of rotation speed.
It supports dual-output modes: 8-bit SPI serial data (MSB-first, MODE3 CPOL=1/CPHA=1) and hardware-combinational UVW logic signals with 60° phase shift, 50% duty cycle, and edge-aligned timing referenced to absolute rotor angle. Zero position is programmable in 1.40625° steps (8-bit register) and permanently stored in one-time programmable (OTP) memory.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Angle Resolution | 11-bit absolute (2048 positions/rev); 8-bit SPI output reflects LSB-truncated value for real-time control loop compatibility. |
| Refresh Rate | 488–558 kHz; enables ≤2.05 µs sampling interval for high-speed BLDC commutation up to 120,000 RPM. |
| Latency | 3 µs max; ensures <0.02° electrical angle error at 120,000 RPM (7200 rad/s), critical for torque ripple minimization. |
| Magnetic Field Range | 30–75 mT; accommodates mechanical air-gap variation and magnet strength tolerance without recalibration. |
| Supply & Power | 3.3 V ±10%, 7.7 mA typical; low quiescent current enables direct MCU rail powering without LDO overhead. |
| Operating Temp | −40°C to +125°C; specified INL drift (±2.5° max) and hysteresis (0.27°) validated across full range. |
| UVW Output Logic | Three 3.3 V CMOS outputs with 0.7 V/ns slew rate; edge-aligned to absolute angle for deterministic 120° electrical sector mapping. |
Pinout & Package
MA120GQ-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-16 (3 mm × 3 mm) package with exposed thermal pad, JEDEC MO-220 compliant, coplanarity ≤0.08 mm. The pad must be soldered and connected to GND for optimal thermal dissipation (θJC = 12°C/W) and noise immunity.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 9, 15 | U/V/W | UVW block commutation outputs - open-drain compatible, 3.3 V logic, edge-aligned to absolute rotor angle for direct gate-driver interfacing. |
| 4 | MOSI | SPI data input - accepts 16-bit command frames (register write/read, flash enable) at up to 25 MHz SCLK. |
| 5 | CS | Active-low chip select - initiates SPI transaction; CS low duration defines read window for 8-bit angle data. |
| 7 | MISO | SPI data output - returns 8-bit angle MSBs during read, followed by register content on verification reads. |
| 8 | GND | Analog/digital ground reference - must be low-impedance connection; shared with exposed pad for thermal and EMI control. |
| 12 | SCLK | SPI clock input - MODE3 (CPOL=1, CPHA=1); minimum idle high time 50 ns between transactions. |
| 13 | VDD | 3.3 V supply input - requires local 100 nF ceramic decoupling; tolerant to short-term 4.0 V for OTP flashing. |
| 16 | VFLASH | OTP programming voltage - must be tied to VDD only during flash sequence; left floating otherwise. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Spin-axis phase detection | Eliminates arctangent computation and analog interpolators - delivers deterministic latency and eliminates angle ambiguity at low speed. |
| Programmable zero offset | 8-bit register (register 4) sets zero angle in 1.40625° increments; OTP-storable to eliminate runtime calibration in production. |
| Dual-output architecture | Simultaneous SPI (8-bit angle) and UVW (3-channel logic) outputs - enables both closed-loop control and legacy Hall-switch replacement in same device. |
| Robust magnetic field tolerance | Validated operation from 30–75 mT - relaxes magnet size, air gap, and concentricity requirements in motor assembly. |
| Industrial thermal performance | INL ±2.5° max over −40°C to +125°C; temperature-induced drift ±0.026°/°C - enables single-point calibration across full operating range. |
Applications
| Electric Power Steering (EPS) | Industrial BLDC Pumps |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Rotor position feedback for 3-phase FOC or block commutation in 12–48 V EPS assist motors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Absolute angle sensor providing UVW edges synchronized to rotor electrical angle for gate driver timing. Use Value: 3 µs latency ensures <0.02° phase error at 8000 RPM steering motor speed, minimizing torque ripple and acoustic noise. |
Use Scenario: Closed-loop speed/position control in HVAC condenser pumps and chemical dosing systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI-accessed angle source for microcontroller-based FOC; UVW used for fallback trapezoidal commutation. Use Value: 11-bit resolution and ±2.5° INL over −40°C to +125°C allow single calibration across ambient and fluid temperature ranges. |
| Drone Propulsion Motors | Appliance Fan Controllers |
|
Use Scenario: High-RPM (up to 120,000 RPM) rotor tracking in 4–6S brushless drone motors with compact end-of-shaft magnet. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compact QFN-16 sensor mounted directly on motor PCB, delivering 500 kHz angle updates to flight controller MCU. Use Value: 3 mm × 3 mm footprint and 3.3 V operation enable integration into space-constrained ESC designs without level-shifting. |
Use Scenario: Low-cost, high-reliability commutation in ceiling fans, range hoods, and refrigerator evaporator fans. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Drop-in Hall switch replacement using UVW outputs; SPI used only for factory zero-offset programming. Use Value: Eliminates three discrete Hall sensors and associated pull-up resistors, reducing BOM count and improving MTBF. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar absolute magnetic angular sensing applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA102GQ-Z | Successor device; identical QFN-16 package, 12-bit resolution, 1.2 µs latency, extended field range (20–100 mT), integrated diagnostics. | Supports functional safety (ASIL-B ready), higher-speed commutation, and diagnostic reporting via SPI status register. | Select MA102GQ-Z for new designs requiring improved resolution, lower latency, or ISO 26262 alignment. |
| AS5048A-BSOT | 14-bit SPI-only encoder; no UVW outputs; uses traditional Hall+interpolator architecture; 2.5 µs latency; I²C/SPI interface. | Requires external logic or MCU firmware to generate UVW signals; lacks OTP zero storage; higher power (12 mA). | Choose AS5048A when SPI-only interface suffices and UVW hardware output is unnecessary. |
Compared with MA120GQ-Z, MA102GQ-Z offers higher resolution and lower latency for next-gen motor control, while AS5048A provides greater SPI resolution but demands additional firmware effort to replicate UVW functionality and lacks OTP zero storage.
Availability
MA120GQ-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for electric power steering, industrial BLDC pumps, drone propulsion motors, and appliance fan controllers requiring stable component supply amid ongoing industry transition to MA102.
Supply support for MA120GQ-Z 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 core expertise in DC/DC converters, LED drivers, motor drivers, and precision analog sensors.
The MagAlpha product line delivers integrated magnetic position sensors optimized for brushless motor commutation, combining Hall sensing, signal processing, and digital interfaces in single-chip solutions for automotive and industrial motion control.
FAQ
What is the functional difference between MA120GQ-Z and MA102GQ-Z?
The MA102GQ-Z is the designated successor with 12-bit resolution (vs. 11-bit), 1.2 µs latency (vs. 3 µs), extended magnetic field range (20–100 mT), integrated diagnostics, and ASIL-B readiness. It retains pin compatibility and QFN-16 packaging but adds SPI status registers and enhanced OTP features.
Can MA120GQ-Z operate without connecting VFLASH?
Yes. VFLASH is required only during OTP programming sequences. In normal operation-including continuous UVW output and SPI communication-it must remain unconnected (floating). Connecting VFLASH to VDD outside flashing will prevent proper operation and may damage the OTP circuitry.
How is zero-angle offset programmed and retained after power cycle?
Zero angle is set via 8-bit register 4 (Z[7:0]), then permanently stored in OTP memory by setting bit F4 in register 9 while raising VDD and VFLASH to 4.0 V. Once flashed, the zero value persists across all power cycles and replaces default 0° alignment.
Does MA120GQ-Z support both SPI and UVW outputs simultaneously?
Yes. The sensor continuously generates both outputs: UVW logic signals are always active and edge-aligned to absolute angle, while SPI provides 8-bit angle data on demand. No mode selection or configuration is needed-the outputs operate concurrently.
What is the recommended PCB layout for thermal and noise performance?
Mount the QFN-16's exposed thermal pad directly to a solid GND plane using ≥9 solder vias (0.3 mm diameter). Place a 100 nF X7R ceramic capacitor within 2 mm of pins 13 (VDD) and 8 (GND). Route UVW traces away from noisy switching nodes and avoid crossing under the sensor die area.
Is MA120GQ-Z RoHS and REACH compliant?
Yes. MA120GQ-Z is lead-free, halogen-free, and fully compliant with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006. MPS confirms green status per its Quality Assurance documentation published on monolithicpower.com.
What magnet configuration is required for optimal performance?
A diametrically magnetized cylindrical magnet mounted coaxially on the motor shaft, centered over the sensor's sensitive volume (within 50 µm of package center). Air gap should be minimized; field strength at sensor location must be 30–75 mT, measured parallel to the package top surface.
MA120GQ-Z Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Monolithic Power Systems Inc.
- Package/Case:
- 16-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- 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-Z FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MA120GQ-Z through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MA120GQ-Z 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-Z reliable?
The price and inventory of MA120GQ-Z are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MA120GQ-Z is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MA120GQ-Z?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MA120GQ-Z transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MA120GQ-Z?
MA120GQ-Z orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MA120GQ-Z 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-Z?
For technical support, including MA120GQ-Z datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MA120GQ-Z requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MA120GQ-Z is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MA120GQ-Z 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-Z meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MA120GQ-Z?
All MA120GQ-Z units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MA120GQ-Z, 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-Z part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MA120GQ-Z:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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