Monolithic Power Systems Inc. TBMA736-Q-LT-00A

Overview

TBMA736-Q-LT from Monolithic Power Systems is a long-format (LT) evaluation board designed specifically for the MA736 MagAlpha magnetic position sensor. It enables rapid functional validation and performance characterization in both side-shaft and end-of-shaft configurations, featuring pre-mounted MA736 IC, decoupling capacitors, and dual 8-pin 2.54 mm headers (CN1/CN2) for SPI interface and diagnostic I/Os.

For engineers reviewing the TBMA736-Q-LT datasheet, TBMA736-Q-LT pinout, TBMA736-Q-LT application, or TBMA736-Q-LT equivalent, this board supports SPI communication (CS/SCLK/MISO/MOSI), interrupt-driven angle change detection (IRQ), error flag reporting (ERR), non-volatile memory access (NVM), and dual magnetic threshold outputs (MGL/MGH) - critical for motor commutation and encoder emulation validation.

Technical Context

The TBMA736-Q-LT implements Type 7 board architecture per MPS documentation, optimized for the MA736 sensor's digital output features. It provides direct access to IRQ (angle-change interrupt), ERR (error status), NVM (non-volatile memory read), and differential magnetic level outputs MGL/MGH - all routed to CN2 pins with 200 Ω series resistors and 10 pF filtering on signal lines.

Power delivery includes dedicated 3.3 V supply (CN1.1), ground (CN1.2), and test pin (CN1.8); no onboard voltage regulation or connector population is included - users must supply external 3.3 V and attach mating connectors (e.g., Wurth 690367280876). The board layout supports mechanical integration via edge-mount slot (1270 mil × 120 mil) and 3 mm mounting hole.

Key Specifications

Availability

TBMA736-Q-LT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for servo drive development, BLDC motor commutation validation, incremental encoder emulation, and magnetic angular position testing requiring stable component supply and repeatable lab-to-bench evaluation.

Supply support for TBMA736-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 design centers across Asia and North America.

TBMA736-Q-LT belongs to the TBMA family of MagAlpha evaluation boards - engineered to accelerate prototyping and system-level validation of magnetic position sensors in motion control applications.

FAQ

Does TBMA736-Q-LT include populated connectors?

No. TBMA736-Q-LT ships with two unpopulated 8-position 2.54 mm pitch receptacle footprints (CN1 and CN2). Users must solder compatible connectors such as Wurth 690367280876 or TE Connectivity 7-2178711-8 to enable interface connectivity.

What is the role of the 200 Ω resistors and 10 pF capacitors on IRQ, ERR, and NVM lines?

These components form RC low-pass filters (200 Ω + 10 pF ≈ 80 MHz cutoff) that suppress high-frequency noise and reduce signal edge overshoot on critical digital outputs - ensuring reliable interrupt assertion, error flag sampling, and NVM read timing during SPI-based sensor interrogation.

Can TBMA736-Q-LT be used with other MagAlpha sensors besides MA736?

No. TBMA736-Q-LT is a Type 7 board specifically laid out for the MA736's pinout and feature set (e.g., IRQ, ERR, NVM, MGL, MGH). Using it with other MagAlpha variants may result in incorrect signal routing or missing functionality due to differing I/O allocations.

Is external power required, and what voltage levels are supported?

Yes - TBMA736-Q-LT requires an external 3.3 V DC supply connected to CN1.1 (VDD) and CN1.2 (GND). The board has no onboard regulator or level-shifting circuitry; all logic and sensor interfaces operate strictly at 3.3 V.

What mechanical mounting options does TBMA736-Q-LT provide?

The board features a 1270 mil × 120 mil edge slot and a 3 mm diameter mounting hole - enabling rigid, co-axial alignment with rotating shafts in both side-shaft and end-of-shaft configurations without additional brackets or adapters.

How does TBMA736-Q-LT interface with host systems for SPI communication?

It uses standard 4-wire SPI: CN1.4 (/CS), CN1.5 (SCLK), CN1.6 (MISO), and CN1.7 (MOSI). All signals are 3.3 V logic-compatible with no level translation - direct connection to microcontroller GPIOs or evaluation kit SPI headers is supported.