Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MAQ820GQE-AEC1-Z

Overview

MAQ820GQE-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 automotive magnetic angle encoder delivering 8-bit absolute angular position with configurable ABZ quadrature output (1–64 pulses/channel) and dual magnetic field threshold detection for push-button functionality. It operates at 3.3V, consumes 11.7mA typical, and supports human-machine interface (HMI) rotary controls up to 200rpm in automotive climate knobs and seat position sensors.

For engineers reviewing the MAQ820GQE-AEC1-Z datasheet, MAQ820GQE-AEC1-Z pinout, MAQ820GQE-AEC1-Z application, or MAQ820GQE-AEC1-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include ABZ pulse configurability via SPI, on-chip NVM storage of zero-angle and thresholds, ±0.7° INL accuracy at 25°C, QFN-16 (3mm×3mm) package compatibility, and -40°C to +125°C operation with 30–60mT magnetic field range.

Technical Context

The MAQ820 employs SpinAxis™ phase-detection architecture-digitizing magnetic field direction directly without arctangent computation or feedback loops-and outputs angle data at 850–1100kHz refresh rate. Its front-end delivers a 1MHz time-to-digital signal processed by a digital filter with 90Hz cutoff (τ = 0.38/f_CUTOFF) that adds no latency under steady-state conditions.

ABZ output operates at 16MHz update rate with configurable edges per turn (4–256), hysteresis of 2.1°, and jitter composed of 6.0% systematic + 0.6% random (3σ) components. Push-button logic uses two independent thresholds (MGHT/MGLT) stored in NVM, each with ±5mT accuracy and -600ppm/°C temperature drift.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAQ820GQE-AEC1-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-16 (3mm × 3mm, 0.5mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad recommended to be connected to GND. Pin 10 (TEST) is internally grounded; Pin 14 (N/C) must remain unconnected.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AS5055A-BQFT and TLE5012BE1000, MAQ820GQE-AEC1-Z uniquely combines ABZ quadrature compatibility, on-chip push-button logic, and AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification in a QFN-16 footprint-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained automotive HMIs requiring drop-in replacement of mechanical encoders.

Availability

MAQ820GQE-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive climate control, seat position memory, and industrial oven temperature dials requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MAQ820GQE-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 global design centers and ISO/TS 16949-certified quality systems.

The MagAlpha product line delivers contactless magnetic position sensors optimized for automotive human-machine interfaces, replacing potentiometers and optical encoders with robust, wear-free alternatives meeting AEC-Q100 reliability standards.

FAQ

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

The MAQ820GQE-AEC1-Z is designed for slow-speed human-machine interfaces with a maximum recommended rotational speed of 200rpm. Its ABZ output updates at 16MHz, and the internal filter cutoff is 90Hz-ensuring accurate edge timing and minimal jitter up to this speed. Operation beyond 200rpm may degrade ABZ edge placement accuracy due to increased mechanical vibration and magnetic field slew rate effects.

How is the zero-angle position configured and stored?

The zero-angle position is configured using a 16-bit complementary value written to registers 0 and 1 (Z[15:0]) via SPI. This value defines the electrical offset between raw magnetic angle and user-defined mechanical zero. Configuration is stored in on-chip NVM and automatically loaded at power-up, eliminating need for host MCU initialization code. Factory default is 0x0000, corresponding to 360.000° mechanical zero.

Can the MAQ820GQE-AEC1-Z operate without connecting the exposed thermal pad?

Yes, the MAQ820GQE-AEC1-Z will function without connecting the exposed thermal pad, but MPS strongly recommends grounding it. The pad significantly improves thermal resistance (θ_JA = 50°C/W vs. >70°C/W unconnected), reduces junction temperature rise under continuous operation, and enhances mechanical stability and EMI shielding-especially critical in automotive under-dash environments where ambient temperatures exceed 85°C.

What magnetic field strength is required for reliable ABZ output?

A minimum applied magnetic field of 30mT is required for guaranteed ABZ output performance per specification. At fields below 30mT, ABZ jitter increases and INL degrades beyond ±1.1°. The sensor remains operational down to ~15mT, but system-level validation is required. Recommended field is 45–100mT, achieved using a Ø5mm × 3mm N35 neodymium magnet with ≤1.5mm air gap.

Does the MAQ820GQE-AEC1-Z support both SPI Mode 0 and Mode 3 simultaneously?

Yes-the MAQ820GQE-AEC1-Z automatically detects SPI mode (0 or 3) on power-up based on the initial SCLK idle state and requires no configuration. Mode 0 uses low-idle SCLK with sampling on rising edge; Mode 3 uses high-idle SCLK with sampling on falling edge. Both modes support MSB-first 16-bit transfers for angle reads and register access, enabling seamless integration with diverse MCU SPI peripherals.

How is push-button functionality implemented using MGH and MGL outputs?

MGH and MGL are independent digital outputs driven high when the sensed magnetic field exceeds MGHT or falls below MGLT, respectively. For push-button use, a diametrically magnetized cylinder is mounted on a spring-loaded shaft: pressing compresses the spring, increasing field strength above MGHT (MGH = 1); releasing drops field below MGLT (MGL = 1). Thresholds are set via registers 6 (MGHT[2:0]/MGLT[2:0]) with 6mT hysteresis to prevent chatter.

What is the purpose of the TEST pin (Pin 10)?

Pin 10 (TEST) is an internal ground connection and must be tied to system GND. It is not a functional test port-no external signal should be applied. Leaving it floating may cause unpredictable behavior due to internal node coupling. Connecting it to GND ensures stable reference for internal bias circuits and improves ESD robustness per the ±2000V HBM rating.