Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MAQ800GQE-AEC1-P

Overview

MAQ800GQE-AEC1-P from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 automotive magnetic angle encoder delivering 8-bit absolute angular position via SPI/SSI, with integrated push-button detection using dual magnetic field thresholds (MGH/MGL), 3.3V supply, and operation up to 125°C - deployed in rotary knob HMI controls for infotainment and climate systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAQ800GQE-AEC1-P datasheet, MAQ800GQE-AEC1-P pinout, MAQ800GQE-AEC1-P application, or MAQ800GQE-AEC1-P equivalent, key selection criteria include contactless 8-bit resolution, configurable zero-angle and rotation direction, magnetic field threshold hysteresis (6 mT), -40°C to +125°C operation, and QFN-16 package compatibility with end-of-shaft magnet mounting.

Technical Context

The MAQ800 employs SpinAxis™ phase-detection architecture - digitizing magnetic field direction directly without arctangent computation - enabling open-loop 1 MHz front-end sampling and 850–1100 kHz refresh rate. Its time-to-digital converter outputs raw angle data processed through a configurable 90 Hz digital filter (τ = 0.38 / f_CUTOFF) to achieve 0.01° RMS noise and ≤1.1° INL across temperature.

Push-button functionality is implemented via two independent, NVM-configurable magnetic field thresholds (MGHT/MGLT, 3-bit each) that drive dedicated logic outputs (MGH/MGL). Threshold accuracy is ±5 mT with ±600 ppm/°C drift, and both flags are latched asynchronously to support mechanical actuation detection in slow-speed (<200 rpm) manual controls.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAQ800GQE-AEC1-P is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-16 (3 mm × 3 mm, 0.5 mm height) package with exposed thermal pad. The package supports reflow soldering (MSL Level 1) and requires grounding the exposed pad for optimal thermal dissipation and EMI performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AS5600-LT-D-AM and TLE5012BE1000, MAQ800GQE-AEC1-P uniquely integrates push-button detection logic, SPI/SSI dual-interface support, and on-chip NVM - reducing system-level complexity for cost-sensitive automotive HMIs without compromising AEC-Q100 Grade 1 operation.

Availability

MAQ800GQE-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive human-machine interfaces, climate control systems, and seat position memory modules requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle assurance, and AEC-Q100-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for MAQ800GQE-AEC1-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 power management and sensing solutions, with design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan.

The MagAlpha® family targets automotive and industrial position sensing, emphasizing contactless reliability, AEC-Q100 qualification, and integration of angle measurement with auxiliary functions like push-button detection.

FAQ

What magnet configuration is required for optimal MAQ800GQE-AEC1-P performance?

The sensor is optimized for diametrically magnetized cylindrical neodymium (N35) magnets, Ø5 mm × 3 mm, mounted on-axis with ≤1.5 mm air gap. Field strength must remain between 30–60 mT at the sensor's sensitive area (centered within 50 µm of package surface). Non-standard shapes require recalibration of MGHT/MGLT thresholds.

How is zero-angle calibration performed and stored?

Zero-angle offset is configured via SPI write to registers 0x00 (Z[7:0]) and 0x01 (Z[15:8]), representing a 16-bit complementary angle value. Once written, the value is stored in on-chip NVM and automatically loaded at power-on reset - no external memory or firmware initialization required.

Can MAQ800GQE-AEC1-P operate with standard SSI master controllers?

No. The MAQ800 implements a proprietary SSI variant with low-idle SSCK and mandatory dummy rising edge initiation - incompatible with standard SSI masters (IEC 61158). It requires custom firmware or dedicated SSI controller logic matching its timing (t_SSCK = 0.2–16 µs, t_M = 25 µs timeout).

What is the maximum rotational speed supported?

The device is specified for human-interface use with rotational speeds below 200 rpm. At higher speeds, mechanical vibration may exceed the 90 Hz filter cutoff, causing angle jitter; the 4 ms latency and 1100 kHz refresh rate support accurate tracking only within this slow-speed domain.

How does the SpinAxis™ architecture differ from traditional Hall-based angle sensors?

SpinAxis™ uses direct phase detection of the in-plane magnetic field sinusoid - converting zero-crossing timing to digital angle without arctangent computation or closed-loop interpolation. This eliminates lookup-table errors and reduces latency versus architectures relying on analog front-end amplification and digital post-processing.

Is the exposed thermal pad electrically connected internally?

No. The exposed pad (Pin 17) is electrically isolated and serves only thermal and mechanical functions. It must be soldered to a grounded copper pour to reduce junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θ_JA) by ~30% and improve long-term reliability under thermal cycling.