Monolithic Power Systems Inc. TBMA734-Q-LT-00A

Overview

TBMA734-Q-LT from Monolithic Power Systems is a long-format (LT) evaluation board designed specifically for the MA734 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 includes onboard decoupling capacitors (1 µF and optional 100 nF) and 200 Ω series resistors on critical signal lines for noise suppression. It enables rapid functional validation of angle sensing, error flagging, and non-volatile memory operations in motor control prototyping.

For engineers reviewing the TBMA734-Q-LT datasheet, TBMA734-Q-LT pinout, TBMA734-Q-LT application, or TBMA734-Q-LT equivalent, this board serves as a hardware reference for integrating MA734-based position feedback into servo drives, BLDC commutation systems, and robotic joint encoders - with direct access to IRQ, ERR, NVM, MGL, and MGH signals for real-time diagnostics and magnetic field level monitoring.

Technical Context

The TBMA734-Q-LT is Type 5 in the TBMA family and is purpose-built for the MA734 sensor, featuring dedicated 200 Ω series termination resistors on MISO, MOSI, and SCLK lines to dampen signal reflections during high-speed SPI communication. Its layout isolates analog magnetic sensing paths from digital I/O routing to preserve angular accuracy under dynamic field conditions.

It implements a fixed 3.3 V supply path (VDD) with GND-referenced test points and exposes all MA734-specific outputs: IRQ (angle-change interrupt), ERR (error flag), NVM (non-volatile memory status), and dual magnetic threshold outputs (MGL/MGH) - confirming full functional alignment with the MA734's diagnostic architecture and fault reporting capabilities.

Key Specifications

Availability

TBMA734-Q-LT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for servo drive development, robotics joint calibration, and BLDC motor commutation requiring stable component supply and repeatable sensor evaluation across design iterations.

Supply support for TBMA734-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 core expertise in integrated magnetic position sensing and DC/DC conversion.

TBMA734-Q-LT belongs to the TBMA test board product line, engineered to accelerate validation of MagAlpha magnetic angle sensors in motion control applications - emphasizing mechanical flexibility, signal fidelity, and out-of-box compatibility with MPS's EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff ecosystem.

FAQ

Is the TBMA734-Q-LT board pre-assembled with the MA734 sensor?

Yes. The TBMA734-Q-LT ships fully assembled with the MA734 MagAlpha magnetic position sensor soldered onto the board, along with required decoupling capacitors (C1, optional C2), 200 Ω series resistors (R1–R3), and 10 pF filtering capacitors (C3–C5). No additional sensor mounting or soldering is needed.

What are the key differences between TBMA734-Q-LT and other TBMA board types?

TBMA734-Q-LT (Type 5) uniquely supports the MA734's interrupt-driven architecture with dedicated IRQ output and dual magnetic threshold outputs (MGL/MGH). Unlike Type 1 (general-purpose SPI) or Type 6 (SSI/PWM-focused), it omits incremental encoder outputs (A/B/Z) and instead prioritizes diagnostic signals - ERR, NVM, and TEST - aligned with MA734's fault-reporting and configuration retention features.

Does the board include connectors, or must they be purchased separately?

The board ships with two unpopulated 2.54 mm pitch, 8-position receptacle connector footprints (CN1 and CN2). Connectors are not included but are specified as Wurth 690367280876 or TE Connectivity 7-2178711-8 - standard off-the-shelf parts compatible with 0.100" header pins and surface-mount assembly.

Can TBMA734-Q-LT be used with the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff evaluation kit?

Yes. TBMA734-Q-LT is explicitly listed as compatible with the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff kit. Its pinout and voltage levels (3.3 V logic, SPI signaling) match the kit's interface requirements, enabling plug-and-play connection for synchronized sensor characterization and magnet calibration workflows.

What mechanical mounting options does the LT format support?

The LT (long) format positions the MA734 at the board edge with a cutout slot (1270 mil × 120 mil) and 3 mm diameter hole - enabling direct side-shaft mounting (magnet adjacent to board edge) or end-of-shaft mounting (magnet aligned coaxially with sensor center). Mechanical drawings confirm compatibility with both configurations without adapter hardware.

Are the 200 Ω resistors and 10 pF capacitors mandatory for operation?

The 200 Ω series resistors on MISO/MOSI/SCLK are populated by default and essential for signal integrity at SPI clock rates up to 10 MHz. The 10 pF C0G capacitors (C3–C5) are also populated and provide ESD protection on serial lines - removing them degrades robustness against fast transients but does not prevent basic functionality.