Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MAQ820GQE-AEC1-P

Overview

MAQ820GQE-AEC1-P from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 automotive magnetic angle encoder delivering 8-bit absolute angular position and configurable ABZ quadrature output. It replaces potentiometers in human-machine interfaces, supports up to 64 pulses per channel, features push-button detection via dual magnetic field thresholds (MGH/MGL), and operates from -40°C to +125°C with 3.3V supply.

For engineers reviewing the MAQ820GQE-AEC1-P datasheet, MAQ820GQE-AEC1-P pinout, MAQ820GQE-AEC1-P application, or MAQ820GQE-AEC1-P equivalent, key selection criteria include ABZ pulse configurability (1–64), on-chip NVM for zero-angle and threshold storage, QFN-16 package compatibility, and validated push-button functionality using field-strength hysteresis.

Technical Context

The MAQ820GQE-AEC1-P uses SpinAxis™ phase-detection architecture-digitizing magnetic field direction without arctangent computation or feedback loops-and outputs absolute angle at 850–1100 kHz refresh rate. Its front-end delivers raw angle data at 1 MHz in open-loop mode before digital filtering applies a 90 Hz cutoff (τ = 0.38 / f_CUTOFF) to achieve 8-bit effective resolution with ≤0.02° RMS noise.

ABZ generation is fully configurable: PPT[5:0] sets pulses per channel (1–64), ILIP[3:0] adjusts index pulse shape, and RD bit configures rotation direction (clockwise/counterclockwise). Push-button logic is implemented via independent MGH (field > MGHT) and MGL (field < MGLT) flags, each with ±5 mT accuracy and -600 ppm/°C temperature drift.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAQ820GQE-AEC1-P is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-16 (3mm × 3mm) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin 17 (exposed pad) must be connected to GND for optimal thermal dissipation, EMI suppression, and mechanical stability.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AS5048B-HTSP and TLE5012BE1000, the MAQ820GQE-AEC1-P uniquely combines ABZ quadrature, push-button logic, and SPI configurability in a single AEC-Q100 Grade 1 package-enabling drop-in replacement of electromechanical encoders without firmware or layout changes.

Availability

MAQ820GQE-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive climate control systems, white goods user interfaces, and industrial HMI panels requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and AEC-Q100 qualification.

Supply support for MAQ820GQE-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 for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The MagAlpha product line delivers contactless magnetic angle sensors optimized for human-machine interface applications-designed to replace potentiometers and mechanical encoders with robust, wear-free alternatives meeting AEC-Q100 requirements.

FAQ

What is the maximum rotational speed supported by the MAQ820GQE-AEC1-P?

The MAQ820GQE-AEC1-P is designed for slow-speed human-interface applications up to 200 rpm. Its ABZ output updates at 16 MHz, but mechanical slew rate is limited by magnetic field dynamics and filter bandwidth (90 Hz cutoff). At speeds above 200 rpm, edge jitter increases due to reduced sampling density per mechanical degree.

How is the zero-angle position configured and stored?

The zero-angle offset is set via 16-bit Z(15:0) register (addresses 0x00–0x01), representing the complementary angle in decimal (e.g., 20° → Z = 61895). Configuration is written via SPI write-register command and permanently stored in on-chip NVM, surviving power cycles and retaining factory defaults if unmodified.

Can the MAQ820GQE-AEC1-P operate with magnets weaker than 30 mT?

Yes, but performance degrades: linearity (INL) exceeds 1.1°, resolution drops below 8-bit effective, and ABZ jitter increases beyond 0.4°. The 30 mT minimum is specified for full compliance with electrical characteristics; operation down to ~15 mT is possible with calibration but not guaranteed.

What is the purpose of the /A, /B, and /Z pins?

These are inverted complements of the A, B, and Z outputs, enabling differential reception to suppress common-mode noise in electrically noisy automotive environments. They are not required for basic quadrature decoding but improve signal integrity when routed alongside their non-inverted counterparts.

Does the MAQ820GQE-AEC1-P require external decoupling capacitors?

Yes-a 1 µF ceramic capacitor must be placed within 2 mm of the VDD pin and connected to GND with a low-impedance path. This is mandatory for stable operation; omission causes supply ripple that increases ABZ jitter and can trigger false MGH/MGL transitions.

How many times can the on-chip NVM be rewritten?

The NVM supports 1,000 write cycles at 25°C. Each write operation (e.g., updating PPT or MGHT) requires a 20 ms delay between SPI frames to complete programming. Endurance decreases at elevated temperatures; for field updates, limit writes to essential calibration events only.

Is the exposed thermal pad electrically connected internally?

No-the exposed pad is a thermal and mechanical feature only, with no internal electrical connection. It must be soldered to a GND copper pour for thermal conduction and EMI shielding, but no voltage or signal routing is permitted to this pad.