Monolithic Power Systems Inc. TBMA732-Q-LT-00A

Overview

TBMA732-Q-LT from Monolithic Power Systems is a long-format (LT) evaluation board designed specifically for the MA732 MagAlpha magnetic position sensor. It supports both side-shaft and end-of-shaft mounting configurations, provides SPI interface access via two 8-pin headers (CN1/CN2), and integrates decoupling capacitors and test points for rapid functional validation in motor control and encoder applications.

For engineers reviewing the TBMA732-Q-LT datasheet, TBMA732-Q-LT pinout, TBMA732-Q-LT application, or TBMA732-Q-LT equivalent, this board enables immediate characterization of MA732 angle output resolution, SPI register read/write timing, incremental A/B/Z signal integrity, and PWM output behavior - all without custom PCB design.

Technical Context

The TBMA732-Q-LT is a Type 2 board per the TBMA User Guide Rev. 1.2, configured for the MA732 sensor and featuring dual 8-pin 2.54 mm pitch receptacle connectors (CN1/CN2). It implements SPI communication (CS/SCLK/MISO/MOSI), test pin access, and I/O routing for optional features including MGH/MGL magnetic level outputs and configurable I/O pins (IO1–IO6).

It includes two 1 µF X6S 0402 ceramic decoupling capacitors (C1, C2) and supports external connection to the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff evaluation kit. No on-board voltage regulation is provided - users must supply regulated 3.3 V to CN1.1 (VDD) and ground to CN1.2 (GND).

Key Specifications

Availability

TBMA732-Q-LT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for servo drives, robotics, BLDC motor commutation, and encoder development requiring stable component supply and rapid MagAlpha sensor prototyping.

Supply support for TBMA732-Q-LT 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 for industrial and automotive applications.

TBMA732-Q-LT belongs to MPS's MagAlpha evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate development of magnetic angular position sensing systems - particularly for motor control feedback, rotary encoders, and safety-critical motion detection.

FAQ

Does TBMA732-Q-LT include the MA732 sensor pre-soldered?

Yes. The TBMA732-Q-LT board ships fully assembled with the MA732 MagAlpha magnetic position sensor mounted, along with decoupling capacitors C1 and C2 (C2 is listed as optional and may be unpopulated). No soldering or sensor installation is required before use.

What are the exact pin functions on CN2 for TBMA732-Q-LT?

Per Table 5 (Type 2 Board Pin Registers): CN2.1 = IO6, CN2.2 = IO1, CN2.3 = IO5, CN2.4 = IO4, CN2.5 = IO2, CN2.6 = IO3, CN2.7 = MGL, CN2.8 = MGH. All I/O pins map directly to corresponding MA732 package pins and support configurable digital input/output or analog monitoring per the MA732 datasheet.

Is a 3.3 V regulator included on the TBMA732-Q-LT board?

No. The board requires an external regulated 3.3 V supply connected to CN1.1 (VDD). There is no onboard voltage regulator or LDO - users must provide clean, low-noise 3.3 V power with appropriate local decoupling if not sourced from a lab supply or host system rail.

Can TBMA732-Q-LT be used with the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff kit?

Yes. The TBMA732-Q-LT is explicitly listed as compatible with the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff evaluation kit. Its connector layout and signal mapping align with the kit's interface requirements, enabling plug-and-play operation for MagAlpha sensor evaluation and MagDiff-based differential field measurement.

Are connectors included with the TBMA732-Q-LT board?

No. CN1 and CN2 are unpopulated 8-position receptacle footprints (2.54 mm pitch). Users must supply and solder compatible 2.54 mm header receptacles (e.g., Wurth 690367280876 or TE Connectivity 7-2178711-8) or use mating cables with pre-attached connectors for interfacing.

What magnet geometry is recommended for use with TBMA732-Q-LT and MA732?

A diametrically magnetized ring or cylinder magnet is required. Axially magnetized magnets - common in general-purpose suppliers - are unsuitable. MPS recommends its MAG10 family (e.g., MAG10-RING-DIA) or verified partners like Maurer Magnetics AG, which stock diametrically magnetized variants optimized for MagAlpha angular sensing accuracy.