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

Overview

TBMA710-Q-RD-01A from Monolithic Power Systems is a long-format (LT) evaluation board designed specifically for the MA710 MagAlpha magnetic position sensor. It provides side-shaft and end-of-shaft mounting configurations, features dual 8-pin 2.54mm connectors (CN1/CN2), onboard decoupling capacitors (1µF ×2, 100nF ×1), and supports SPI interface plus optional incremental encoder outputs (A/B/Z) and PWM. It enables rapid functional validation in BLDC motor commutation setups.

For engineers reviewing the TBMA710-Q-RD-01A datasheet, TBMA710-Q-RD-01A pinout, TBMA710-Q-RD-01A application, or TBMA710-Q-RD-01A equivalent, this board serves as a hardware reference for MagAlpha sensor integration-particularly for verifying SPI register access, angle output stability under rotating magnetic fields, and incremental signal timing alignment in servo feedback loops.

Technical Context

The TBMA710-Q-RD-01A implements Board Type 2 architecture per the TBMA User Guide Rev. 1.2, matching the MA710's pinout and functional I/O set. It routes VDD (3.3V), GND, SPI signals (CS/SCLK/MISO/MOSI), TEST, and eight configurable I/O pins (IO1–IO6, MGL, MGH) to CN2, with no onboard voltage regulation or level-shifting circuitry.

It supports both active-mode operation and low-power test scenarios via the TEST pin, and relies on external host MCU or evaluation kit (e.g., EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff) for SPI command sequencing and data capture. No firmware or calibration is preloaded-the board functions as a passive interposer between sensor and host system.

Key Specifications

Availability

TBMA710-Q-RD-01A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for servo drives, robotics motion control, and BLDC motor commutation requiring stable component supply during prototyping and design validation phases.

Supply support for TBMA710-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 global design centers and ISO 9001-certified operations.

TBMA710-Q-RD-01A belongs to the TBMA family of MagAlpha sensor evaluation boards, engineered to accelerate development of contactless angular position sensing in automotive, industrial, and motor control applications.

FAQ

Does TBMA710-Q-RD-01A include the MA710 sensor pre-soldered?

Yes. The board ships fully assembled with the MA710 magnetic position sensor mounted, along with required decoupling capacitors and connector footprints. No soldering is needed to begin evaluation.

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

TBMA710-Q-RD-01A is explicitly compatible with the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff and EVKT-MACOM evaluation platforms, enabling plug-and-play connection via standard 2.54mm headers without adapter cables or pin remapping.

Are connectors included with the TBMA710-Q-RD-01A board?

No. CN1 and CN2 are unpopulated 8-pin 2.54mm receptacle footprints. Users must supply compatible 2.54mm male headers or ribbon cable connectors (e.g., Wurth 690367280876 or TE Connectivity 7-2178711-8) for interfacing.

What is the role of the TEST pin on CN1.8?

CN1.8 is the TEST pin, used to initiate diagnostic modes or force specific internal states in the MA710 sensor during characterization. Its behavior is defined in the MA710 datasheet and requires controlled assertion by the host system.

Can TBMA710-Q-RD-01A be used for both side-shaft and end-of-shaft magnet coupling?

Yes. The long (LT) mechanical form factor and edge-mounted sensor placement allow direct mechanical adaptation to either side-shaft (magnet adjacent to board edge) or end-of-shaft (magnet aligned with board length axis) configurations without modification.

Does the board support automatic magnetic calibration?

No. TBMA710-Q-RD-01A provides no on-board calibration logic or non-volatile memory programming capability. Calibration must be performed externally using host software that communicates with the MA710 via SPI, per its register map.