Monolithic Power Systems Inc. TBMA600-Q-LT-00A

Overview

TBMA600-Q-LT-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation test board designed specifically for the MA600 series TMR magnetic position sensors. It supports side-shaft and end-of-shaft mounting configurations, integrates the MA600GQ-Z sensor with decoupling capacitors (1µF, 100nF), a 0Ω resistor, and dual 8-pin 2.54mm pitch connectors, and enables rapid functional validation in motor commutation and servo feedback loops.

For engineers reviewing the TBMA600-Q-LT-00A datasheet, TBMA600-Q-LT-00A pinout, TBMA600-Q-LT-00A application, or TBMA600-Q-LT-00A equivalent, this board provides direct hardware interface to the MagAlpha Evaluation App via the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff communication kit, supporting SPI-based angle readout, I/O configuration, and real-time speed calculation using CK100 clock output.

Technical Context

The TBMA600-Q-LT-00A implements Board Type 1 architecture per MPS documentation, featuring dedicated DVDD (3.3V digital) and AVDD (3.3V analog) supply rails isolated by on-board ceramic decoupling (C1: 1µF, C2/C3: 100nF). It routes all MA600GQ-Z serial interface signals - /CS, SCLK, CIPO, COPI - plus six configurable digital I/O pins (IO1–IO6) and a dedicated CK100 clock output for RPM derivation.

Connector pin mapping follows standardized 2×8 header layout (CN1/CN2), with CN1 handling power, ground, and core SPI signals, while CN2 exposes I/Os and CK100. Mechanical design includes a 25.4mm × 12.7mm PCB with 3mm-diameter sensor mounting slot and precise 2.29mm edge offset for consistent magnet alignment during evaluation.

Key Specifications

Availability

TBMA600-Q-LT-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for servo drive development, robotics joint feedback systems, and BLDC motor commutation prototyping requiring stable component supply and validated sensor interface hardware.

Supply support for TBMA600-Q-LT-00A 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-certified manufacturing partners.

This board belongs to MPS's MagAlpha evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate development of contactless angular position sensing in motion control applications where TMR technology delivers superior accuracy, temperature stability, and field immunity over Hall-effect alternatives.

FAQ

Is TBMA600-Q-LT-00A compatible with the MA600GQ-Z sensor only?

Yes - the board is designed exclusively for the MA600GQ-Z variant of the MA600 series. Its layout, decoupling network, and pinout match the MA600GQ-Z's 16-pin QFN package and electrical interface requirements, including dedicated AVDD/DVDD separation and CK100 routing. Other MA600 variants (e.g., MA600AQ) are not supported due to differing pin assignments and internal configurations.

What software and hardware are required to operate this board?

The board requires the MagAlpha Evaluation App (Windows/macOS) and the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff communication kit. The app communicates over USB-to-SPI bridge via the EVKT hardware, enabling real-time angle readout, register configuration, and I/O state monitoring. No additional drivers or firmware flashing are needed - the board operates as a plug-and-play SPI peripheral.

Does TBMA600-Q-LT-00A include a magnet?

No - the board does not include a magnet. Users must supply a diametrically magnetized magnet (e.g., MPS MAG10 cylinder or ring) aligned to the sensor's sensitive axis. Axially magnetized magnets are incompatible. Magnet selection and mechanical placement directly impact angle linearity and error; refer to MPS AN-127 for optimal air-gap and orientation guidelines.

Can I use TBMA600-Q-LT-00A for production systems?

No - it is an evaluation-only board, not qualified for production use. It lacks conformal coating, extended temperature validation, and long-term reliability testing. MPS explicitly states "NOT RECOMMENDED FOR NEW DESIGNS" and directs users to the updated TBMA600A-Q-LT-00A for new projects. This board is intended solely for lab-based functional verification and algorithm development.

What are the mechanical constraints for mounting the MA600GQ-Z on this board?

The board features a precision-machined 3mm-diameter slot centered 2.29mm from the board edge, sized for standard MA600GQ-Z mounting. Shaft clearance allows ±0.1mm radial tolerance. Slot length (32.36mm) and width (3.05mm) accommodate both side-shaft and end-of-shaft configurations. Mechanical drawings specify 25.4mm × 12.7mm overall dimensions and 1.6mm PCB thickness per IPC-2221 Class B standards.

How are power supplies routed and decoupled on this board?

DVDD and AVDD are supplied separately through CN1 pins 1 and 3, each filtered by discrete ceramic capacitors: C1 (1µF X7R, 0402) on DVDD, and C2/C3 (100nF X7R, 0402) on AVDD. Ground return paths are low-inductance, with GND on CN1 pin 2. No onboard voltage regulation is provided - external 3.3V sources must meet MA600GQ-Z's ripple (<10mV_pp) and current (<15mA) requirements.