Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MA704GQ-Z

Overview

MA704GQ-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a 10-bit contactless absolute angle sensor using Spinaxis™ phase-detection Hall technology to measure in-plane magnetic field direction. It delivers serial (SPI/SSI), ABZ quadrature (programmable 1–64 pulses per turn), and 10-bit PWM outputs with 850–1100 kHz refresh rate, ±0.7° INL at 25°C, and operation up to 60,000 rpm - deployed in motor commutation feedback and steering angle sensing.

For engineers reviewing the MA704GQ-Z datasheet, MA704GQ-Z pinout, MA704GQ-Z application, or MA704GQ-Z equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, real-world application mappings, and confirmed alternative parts for high-dynamic-angle measurement systems requiring ABZ, PWM, and SPI interfaces under -40°C to +125°C conditions.

Technical Context

The MA704 employs a time-to-digital converter (TDC) to digitize magnetic field angle directly from sinusoidal phase detection-eliminating arctangent computation or closed-loop interpolation. Its front-end operates open-loop at 1 MHz, feeding digital conditioning blocks that apply a configurable low-pass filter (fc = 2970 Hz, τ = 0.38/fc) without adding steady-state latency.

It integrates on-chip non-volatile memory storing zero-angle offset, ABZ pulse count (PPT), magnetic thresholds (MGLT/MGHT), and rotation direction (RD). Magnetic field strength detection uses dual comparators (MGL/MGH) with ±5 mT accuracy and -600 ppm/°C drift, enabling axial position diagnostics and magnet health monitoring in end-of-shaft or side-shaft configurations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MA704GQ-Z is housed in a QFN-16 (3 mm × 3 mm) package with exposed thermal pad recommended to be connected to GND for optimal electrical, thermal, and mechanical performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar absolute magnetic angle sensor applications.

Compared with AS5055A and TMAG5170, MA704GQ-Z uniquely integrates 10-bit absolute angle computation, ABZ quadrature, and PWM in one chip - reducing system BOM, eliminating host-side interpolation, and enabling deterministic timing-critical feedback without software overhead.

Availability

MA704GQ-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor commutation, steering angle sensing, industrial rotary encoders, and robotic joint positioning requiring stable component supply across automotive, industrial, and robotics production programs.

Supply support for MA704GQ-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 power management and sensing ICs, with design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan.

The MagAlpha product line delivers contactless magnetic angle sensors optimized for high-speed, high-accuracy position feedback in motor control, automotive, and industrial automation - emphasizing integrated diagnostics, multi-interface output, and robust operation across extreme temperatures.

FAQ

What is the maximum rotational speed supported by MA704GQ-Z?

The MA704GQ-Z supports rotational speeds up to 60,000 rpm while maintaining full 10-bit resolution and ABZ output integrity. This capability is enabled by its 1 MHz internal sampling rate and 16 MHz ABZ update rate, with jitter specified at 0.5° even at 100 kRPM - making it suitable for high-speed BLDC motors and turbine monitoring.

Does MA704GQ-Z require external magnets, and what are the specifications?

Yes - MA704GQ-Z requires an external diametrically magnetized permanent magnet. The recommended magnet is an N35 neodymium cylinder (Ø5 × 3 mm) with ≥30 mT field strength at the sensor location. Performance degrades below 30 mT, and optimal linearity is achieved at 45–100 mT. Mounting tolerances are ±0.5 mm for end-of-shaft and calibrated compensation for side-shaft configurations.

How is zero-angle calibration performed on MA704GQ-Z?

Zero-angle calibration is performed by writing a 16-bit value to registers Z(15:0) (addresses 0x00 and 0x01) via SPI. The sensor subtracts this stored offset from the raw angle (a_out = a_raw − a₀). Factory default is 0x0000. Calibration can be done once during system assembly or dynamically in-field using the SPI interface - no external tools or reference fixtures required.

Can MA704GQ-Z operate in side-shaft (off-axis) configuration?

Yes - MA704GQ-Z explicitly supports side-shaft mounting. Its Spinaxis™ architecture and on-chip bias current trimming (BCT, ETX, ETY registers) allow linearization of the non-ideal field geometry. Users configure ILIP (index position) and PPT to match mechanical gear ratios, enabling accurate multi-turn tracking without mechanical gearing or additional sensors.

What is the role of MGL and MGH pins, and how are they used?

MGL and MGH are open-drain diagnostic flags indicating whether the sensed magnetic field is below MGLT or above MGHT thresholds. They provide real-time magnet health status - e.g., MGL assertion signals magnet detachment or demagnetization, while MGH indicates saturation or misalignment. Thresholds are programmable in 3-bit steps (0–7 mT range) and drift at -600 ppm/°C.

Is the exposed thermal pad on the QFN-16 package required to be connected?

While the MA704GQ-Z will function with the exposed pad floating, MPS recommends connecting it to GND. Doing so improves thermal dissipation (reducing θJA from 50°C/W to lower effective value), enhances electrical noise immunity, and provides mechanical stability - especially critical in automotive and industrial environments with vibration and thermal cycling.