Monolithic Power Systems Inc. TBMA710-Q-LT-01A

Overview

TBMA710-Q-LT-01A from Monolithic Power Systems is a long-format (LT) evaluation board designed specifically for the MA710 MagAlpha magnetic position sensor. It supports both side-shaft and end-of-shaft mounting configurations, provides SPI interface access via dual 8-pin headers (CN1/CN2), and integrates decoupling capacitors and a pre-mounted MA710 sensor for rapid functional validation in motor control and encoder applications.

For engineers reviewing the TBMA710-Q-LT-01A datasheet, TBMA710-Q-LT-01A pinout, TBMA710-Q-LT-01A application, or TBMA710-Q-LT-01A equivalent, this board enables immediate evaluation of MA710 angle sensing performance-including incremental A/B/Z outputs, PWM, and test/debug signals-without custom PCB design or sensor-level bring-up.

Technical Context

The TBMA710-Q-LT-01A implements Board Type 2 architecture per the TBMA User Guide Rev. 1.2, matching the MA710's pinout and signal routing requirements. It exposes all essential serial interface pins (VDD, GND, CS, SCLK, MISO, MOSI, TEST) on CN1 and configurable I/Os (IO1–IO6, MGL, MGH) on CN2, with optional 0Ω resistors and unpopulated 100nF/1µF ceramic decoupling capacitors per MPS BOM recommendations.

This board type does not include VDDIO or advanced control pins (e.g., EN, ND, DV, ASC), distinguishing it from Type 3–4 boards. Its layout places the MA710 at the board edge to facilitate mechanical integration with rotating shafts, and it is mechanically compatible with EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff and EVKT-MACOM evaluation kits.

Key Specifications

Availability

TBMA710-Q-LT-01A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for servo drives, robotics, and BLDC motor commutation requiring stable component supply, quick-turn evaluation, and seamless compatibility with existing MagAlpha development ecosystems.

Supply support for TBMA710-Q-LT-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 a focus on efficiency, integration, and reliability across industrial and automotive markets.

TBMA710-Q-LT-01A belongs to the TBMA test board product line, engineered to accelerate validation of MagAlpha magnetic position sensors in real-world motion control systems by eliminating sensor-level hardware design overhead.

FAQ

What sensor is pre-mounted on the TBMA710-Q-LT-01A?

The board comes with the MA710 MagAlpha magnetic position sensor pre-soldered and calibrated. This sensor delivers 14-bit absolute angle output over SPI, supports incremental A/B/Z and PWM outputs, and is rated for operation from –40°C to +125°C with ±0.1° typical angle error.

Does the TBMA710-Q-LT-01A include connectors?

No - CN1 and CN2 are unpopulated 8-pin 2.54mm receptacle footprints. Users must solder compatible connectors (e.g., Wurth 690367280876 or TE Connectivity 7-2178711-8) based on their host interface requirements or evaluation kit compatibility.

Which evaluation kits is the TBMA710-Q-LT-01A compatible with?

It is explicitly compatible with the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff and EVKT-MACOM evaluation kits per the TBMA User Guide Rev. 1.2. Mechanical and electrical interfaces align to enable plug-and-play connection without adapter boards or signal translation.

Can the TBMA710-Q-LT-01A be used for both side-shaft and end-of-shaft configurations?

Yes - its LT (long) mechanical format positions the MA710 at the board edge, allowing direct mounting adjacent to either side-mounted or end-mounted rotating shafts. The board's slot and mounting holes support standard mechanical integration in both configurations.

Are decoupling capacitors populated on the board?

C1 (1µF) is populated; C2 (100nF) is optional and unpopulated by default. Both match Murata GRM155 series specifications per the Type 2 BOM and are placed per MPS layout guidelines to ensure stable sensor power delivery during dynamic angle acquisition.

What is the function of the TEST pin on CN1?

CN1.8 is the TEST pin - a dedicated debug/test signal routed directly from the MA710 die. Its behavior depends on internal register configuration and is used for factory calibration, diagnostics, and timing verification during sensor initialization and fault analysis.