Monolithic Power Systems Inc. TBMA102-Q-RD-01A

Overview

TBMA102-Q-RD-01A from Monolithic Power Systems is a long-format evaluation board designed specifically for the MA102 MagAlpha magnetic position sensor. It supports both side-shaft and end-of-shaft mounting configurations, provides SPI interface access (VDD, GND, CS, SCLK, MISO, MOSI), and exposes optional motor commutation outputs (U/V/W) and incremental encoder signals (A/B/Z) via dual 8-pin headers. The board enables rapid functional validation of MA102 in BLDC motor control and servo feedback applications.

For engineers reviewing the TBMA102-Q-RD-01A datasheet, TBMA102-Q-RD-01A pinout, TBMA102-Q-RD-01A application, or TBMA102-Q-RD-01A equivalent, this board delivers verified hardware-level access to MA102's serial interface, PWM output, test pin, and configurable I/Os - critical for validating angle reporting accuracy, timing latency, and magnetic field response under real-world mechanical integration.

Technical Context

The TBMA102-Q-RD-01A implements Board Type 2 architecture per the official TBMA User Guide Rev. 1.2. It routes the MA102's core SPI signals (CS, SCLK, MISO, MOSI), power (VDD, GND), and test pin to CN1, while assigning IO1–IO6, MGL, and MGH to CN2 for flexible signal probing and system interfacing.

This board type omits VFLASH and PWM pins found on Type 1, instead prioritizing general-purpose I/O access and magnetic threshold outputs (MGL/MGH) - aligning with MA102's support for magnetic field level detection and programmable I/O mapping as documented in its product specifications.

Key Specifications

Availability

TBMA102-Q-RD-01A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for servo drives, robotics motion control, and BLDC motor commutation requiring stable component supply and rapid sensor validation capability.

Supply support for TBMA102-Q-RD-01A 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, North America, and Europe.

TBMA102-Q-RD-01A belongs to the TBMA test board family - engineered to accelerate evaluation of MagAlpha magnetic position sensors in motor control, industrial automation, and automotive subsystems where precise angular measurement and robust magnetic immunity are required.

FAQ

What sensor does TBMA102-Q-RD-01A support?

TBMA102-Q-RD-01A is designed exclusively for the MA102 MagAlpha magnetic position sensor. It matches MA102's pinout, power requirements, and I/O functionality - including MGL/MGH magnetic threshold outputs and six configurable GPIOs (IO1–IO6) - as defined in MPS's official TBMA User Guide Rev. 1.2.

Does TBMA102-Q-RD-01A include connectors?

No, TBMA102-Q-RD-01A ships with two unpopulated 2.54mm 8-position receptacle connector footprints (CN1 and CN2). Users must solder compatible 0.1" headers or ribbon cable connectors based on their test setup - per MPS documentation, Wurth 690367280876 or TE Connectivity 7-2178711-8 are recommended part numbers.

How does TBMA102-Q-RD-01A differ from TBMA100-Q-LT?

TBMA102-Q-RD-01A implements Board Type 2 layout, supporting MA102-specific I/O mapping (IO1–IO6, MGL, MGH), whereas TBMA100-Q-LT uses Type 1 layout with U/V/W motor commutation outputs and A/B/Z encoder signals. The schematic, BOM, and pin assignments are distinct and not interchangeable.

Can TBMA102-Q-RD-01A be used with EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff?

Yes - the TBMA User Guide explicitly states TBMA boards (including TBMA102-Q-RD-01A) are compatible with the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff evaluation kit. This enables seamless connection for differential magnetic field testing, calibration, and comparative performance analysis using MPS's reference platform.

What mounting configurations does TBMA102-Q-RD-01A support?

TBMA102-Q-RD-01A supports both side-shaft and end-of-shaft mechanical configurations. Its long (LT) form factor positions the MA102 sensor at the board edge, allowing direct coupling to rotating shafts with either radial or axial magnet placement - validated per MPS mechanical drawings and application notes.

Is firmware or software provided with TBMA102-Q-RD-01A?

No standalone firmware is included. TBMA102-Q-RD-01A is a hardware-only evaluation platform. Users interface via SPI using their own host microcontroller or MPS-supported tools like the MagAlpha GUI, which communicates over USB-to-SPI adapters to configure registers and read angle data.