Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MAQ800GQE-AEC1-Z

Overview

MAQ800GQE-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 automotive magnetic angle encoder delivering 8-bit absolute angular position (0–360°) with ±1.1° INL over −40°C to +125°C, configurable push/pull button detection via dual magnetic field thresholds (MGH/MGL), and dual serial interfaces (SPI/SSI). It replaces potentiometers in human-machine interface rotary knobs for automotive climate controls and seat position adjustment.

For engineers reviewing the MAQ800GQE-AEC1-Z datasheet, MAQ800GQE-AEC1-Z pinout, MAQ800GQE-AEC1-Z application, or MAQ800GQE-AEC1-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its contactless Hall-based SpinAxis™ sensing architecture, 850–1100 kHz refresh rate, 3.3V/11.7mA operation, QFN-16 (3mm×3mm) package, and integrated NVM for zero-angle and threshold configuration.

Technical Context

The MAQ800 employs a proprietary SpinAxis™ phase-detection method-digitizing magnetic field direction directly via time-to-digital conversion without arctangent computation or feedback loops-enabling open-loop, low-latency (4 ms propagation delay) angle measurement at 1 MHz front-end rate. Its analog front-end integrates multiple Hall devices within a <100 µm sensitive volume centered 50 µm below the package top surface.

Digital conditioning applies a second-order low-pass filter (f_CUTOFF = 90 Hz, τ = 0.38/f_CUTOFF) to achieve 8-bit effective resolution with 0.01° rms noise; on-chip NVM stores user-configurable parameters including zero-angle offset (16-bit), rotation direction (CW/CCW), and magnetic thresholds (3-bit MGHT/MGLT), persisting across power cycles.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAQ800GQE-AEC1-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-16 (3 mm × 3 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad. The package supports optimal thermal dissipation (θ_JA = 50°C/W) and mechanical stability when the exposed pad is soldered to ground.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AS5600-DSO and TMAG5170AHQ, MAQ800GQE-AEC1-Z uniquely integrates AEC-Q100 Grade 1 reliability, dual magnetic flag outputs, on-chip NVM for zero/threshold storage, and contactless 8-bit angle reporting-all in a single QFN-16 package without external computation or qualification gaps.

Availability

MAQ800GQE-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive climate control systems, seat position memory modules, and white goods oven dials requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q100 compliance.

Supply support for MAQ800GQE-AEC1-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 solutions, with design centers across Asia and North America.

The MagAlpha product line delivers contactless magnetic position sensors optimized for automotive and industrial human-machine interfaces, emphasizing robustness, ease of integration, and functional safety readiness.

FAQ

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

The sensor is optimized for diametrically magnetized cylindrical neodymium magnets (e.g., N35, Ø5 mm × 3 mm) mounted on-axis with 0.5–1.5 mm air gap. Field strength must be 30–60 mT at the sensor location; performance degrades below 30 mT due to increased INL and noise. Mounting tolerance is ±0.5 mm lateral and ±0.1 mm vertical from the package center.

How does the MAQ800GQE-AEC1-Z implement push-button functionality without mechanical contacts?

It uses two independent magnetic field thresholds (MGHT and MGLT) stored in on-chip NVM. When the applied field exceeds MGHT, MGH outputs logic high; when it falls below MGLT, MGL outputs logic high. These flags are generated by dedicated analog comparators with 6 mT hysteresis and −600 ppm/°C temperature drift-enabling reliable proximity detection for rotary knobs.

Can the MAQ800GQE-AEC1-Z operate with standard SSI master controllers?

No. Its SSI interface uses a non-standard protocol: SSCK idles low (not high), requires a dummy rising edge at frame start, and lacks register access capability. Standard SSI masters will fail synchronization. Only custom or MPS-recommended SSI controllers supporting this variant should be used; SPI is the recommended interface for full configurability.

What is the role of the exposed thermal pad (Pin 17) in the QFN-16 package?

The exposed pad serves as the primary thermal and electrical ground path. It must be soldered to a solid PCB ground plane to achieve θ_JA = 50°C/W and ensure stable operation at 125°C ambient. Leaving it unconnected increases junction temperature by >20°C under full load and may trigger thermal shutdown or parametric shift.

How is zero-angle calibration performed and retained across power cycles?

Zero angle is set by writing a 16-bit complementary value (Z(15:0)) to registers 0 and 1 via SPI. This value is stored in on-chip NVM, which retains settings for >10 years at 25°C and withstands 1,000 write cycles. Upon power-up, the device automatically loads Z(15:0) and applies it to raw angle output using a_OUT = a_RAW − a₀, eliminating boot-time calibration routines.

Does the MAQ800GQE-AEC1-Z support both clockwise and counterclockwise rotation direction?

Yes. Rotation direction is configured via bit[7] (RD) in register 9: RD = 0 sets clockwise (default), RD = 1 sets counterclockwise. This setting is stored in NVM and persists across power cycles. The change affects only the sign of angle increment-no hardware modification or magnet reorientation is required.

What is the maximum rotational speed supported by the MAQ800GQE-AEC1-Z?

The device is specified for human-interface use up to 200 rpm. At this speed, the 850–1100 kHz refresh rate provides >10,000 samples per revolution, ensuring smooth tracking without aliasing. Higher speeds induce mechanical vibration that exceeds the sensor's 90 Hz filter cutoff, causing amplitude attenuation and phase lag-limiting practical use to manual controls.