Monolithic Power Systems Inc. TBMA735-Q-LT-00A

Overview

TBMA735-Q-LT-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a long-format (LT) evaluation board designed specifically for the MA735 MagAlpha magnetic position sensor. It supports both side-shaft and end-of-shaft mounting configurations, provides SSI (Synchronous Serial Interface), PWM, and incremental A/B/Z outputs, and integrates decoupling capacitors and unpopulated 2.54 mm dual-row connectors for flexible system integration in motor control validation.

For engineers reviewing the TBMA735-Q-LT-00A datasheet, TBMA735-Q-LT-00A pinout, TBMA735-Q-LT-00A application, or TBMA735-Q-LT-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid functional verification of MA735 angle sensing performance-including 14-bit resolution, ±0.1° typical accuracy, and real-time magnetic field level monitoring via MGH output-without custom PCB design.

Technical Context

The TBMA735-Q-LT-00A implements Type 6 board architecture per the official TBMA User Guide Rev. 1.2, featuring dedicated SSI interface (SSCK/SSD), three incremental encoder outputs (A/B/Z), one PWM output, and MGH magnetic level detection on CN2. It uses no external resistors or pull-ups beyond onboard 1 µF and optional 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitors.

All signal routing follows the MA735's native pin mapping: VDD (3.3 V), GND, serial interface pins (CS/SCLK/MISO/MOSI), TEST, and CN2 signals directly reflect the sensor's functional I/O-no level-shifting, buffering, or configuration logic is integrated on-board.

Key Specifications

Availability

TBMA735-Q-LT-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for servo drives, robotics, BLDC motor commutation, and encoder development requiring stable component supply and fast-turn evaluation of MagAlpha position sensing.

Supply support for TBMA735-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 9001-certified quality systems.

TBMA735-Q-LT-00A belongs to the TBMA test board product line, engineered to accelerate validation of MagAlpha magnetic position sensors in motion control applications-emphasizing mechanical flexibility (side/end-shaft), interface fidelity, and out-of-box usability with EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff.

FAQ

What sensor is pre-mounted on the TBMA735-Q-LT-00A board?

The TBMA735-Q-LT-00A board has the MA735 MagAlpha magnetic position sensor permanently mounted. This is confirmed in Table 1 (Board Type 6) and Table 12 (BOM) of the TBMA User Guide Rev. 1.2, which explicitly lists "U1 MA735" and "MPS MA735" as the populated sensor part number.

Does the TBMA735-Q-LT-00A include populated connectors?

No - CN1 and CN2 are unpopulated 2.54 mm, 8-position receptacle footprints per Table 12 and Figure 29 of the TBMA User Guide Rev. 1.2. Users must solder their own connectors (e.g., Wurth 690367280876 or TE Connectivity 7-2178711-8) or use wire-wrap/pin headers for interfacing.

Which communication interfaces does the TBMA735-Q-LT-00A support?

The board supports SSI (via SSCK and SSD pins on CN2.1/CN2.2), SPI-compatible serial (CS/SCLK/MISO/MOSI on CN1), PWM (CN2.3), and incremental encoder outputs A/B/Z (CN2.5/CN2.4/CN2.6) - all directly mapped from the MA735's native I/O as defined in Table 13.

Is VDDIO supported on this board?

No - the TBMA735-Q-LT-00A (Type 6) lacks VDDIO routing or provision. Unlike Type 3/4 boards, it supplies only 3.3 V to VDD (CN1.1) and grounds GND (CN1.2), matching the MA735's single-supply operation without separate I/O voltage domain.

Can the TBMA735-Q-LT-00A be used with diametric magnets?

Yes - the MA735 sensor on this board is specified for diametrically magnetized magnets per MPS documentation, and the board's mechanical layout (including slot dimensions in Figure 30) accommodates standard diametric cylinder or ring magnets aligned for side-shaft or end-of-shaft coupling.

What is the purpose of the MGH pin on CN2.8?

CN2.8 is MGH (Magnetic High Level), an analog output indicating when the sensed magnetic field exceeds a predefined threshold - used for diagnostics, field strength monitoring, or fail-safe detection. Its behavior is defined in the MA735 datasheet and exposed directly on the board with no conditioning.