Monolithic Power Systems Inc. TBMA780-Q-LT-01A

Overview

TBMA780-Q-LT-01A from Monolithic Power Systems is a long-format (LT) evaluation board designed specifically for the MA780GQ MagAlpha magnetic position sensor. It supports both side-shaft and end-of-shaft mounting configurations, provides SPI interface access (VDD, GND, CS, SCLK, MISO, MOSI, TEST), and includes dedicated I/O pins (EN, ND, DV, ASC, ERR, NVM, MGL, MGH) for full functional validation in motor control and encoder applications.

For engineers reviewing the TBMA780-Q-LT-01A datasheet, TBMA780-Q-LT-01A pinout, TBMA780-Q-LT-01A application, or TBMA780-Q-LT-01A equivalent, this board enables rapid characterization of MA780GQ's angle accuracy, power sequencing behavior, error flag response, auto-cycling mode, and magnetic threshold outputs under real-world mechanical alignment and field conditions.

Technical Context

The TBMA780-Q-LT-01A implements Board Type 3 architecture per the official TBMA User Guide Rev. 1.2, featuring dual supply rails (3.3V VDD and 1.8–3.3V VDDIO), configurable enable control (EN), synchronized data-ready signaling (ND/DV), and non-volatile memory access (NVM) via standard SPI. Its layout places the MA780GQ sensor at the board edge to accommodate direct shaft coupling.

This board integrates discrete decoupling (1µF + 100nF ceramic capacitors), 0Ω jumper resistors (R1/R2) for optional signal routing, and unpopulated 2.54mm 8-pin receptacle connectors (CN1/CN2) compatible with Wurth 690367280876 or TE Connectivity 7-2178711-8. It is mechanically optimized for integration with EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff and MACOM evaluation kits.

Key Specifications

Availability

TBMA780-Q-LT-01A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for servo drives, robotics, BLDC motor commutation, and incremental encoder development requiring stable component supply, consistent mechanical form factor, and verified MagAlpha sensor interoperability.

Supply support for TBMA780-Q-LT-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 design centers across Asia, North America, and Europe.

TBMA780-Q-LT-01A belongs to the TBMA family of MagAlpha evaluation boards - engineered to accelerate prototyping and validation of magnetic angular position sensing in motion control systems where precision, reliability, and mechanical flexibility are critical.

FAQ

What sensor is pre-mounted on the TBMA780-Q-LT-01A board?

The TBMA780-Q-LT-01A board comes with the MA780GQ MagAlpha magnetic position sensor pre-soldered and calibrated. This QFN-16 device delivers 14-bit absolute angle measurement with ±0.1° typical accuracy and supports SPI, ABZ incremental, and PWM output modes depending on configuration.

Does TBMA780-Q-LT-01A include populated connectors?

No - CN1 and CN2 are unpopulated 2.54mm 8-position receptacle footprints. Users must solder compatible connectors such as Wurth 690367280876 or TE Connectivity 7-2178711-8 to interface with host controllers or test equipment.

How does the TBMA780-Q-LT-01A support both side-shaft and end-of-shaft configurations?

The board's LT (long) format positions the MA780GQ at the physical edge, allowing direct mounting adjacent to rotating shafts. Mechanical cutouts and standardized mounting holes align with common servo and motor flange patterns, enabling either radial (side-shaft) or axial (end-of-shaft) magnet placement without adapter hardware.

Which evaluation kits is TBMA780-Q-LT-01A compatible with?

TBMA780-Q-LT-01A is explicitly compatible with the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff and EVKT-MACOM evaluation kits. Its pinout and signal routing match these platforms' interface standards, enabling plug-and-play operation without signal translation or PCB modification.

What is the purpose of the ASC pin on CN2.4?

The ASC (Auto-power Cycling) pin on CN2.4 enables low-power mode control: when asserted, it triggers automatic periodic wake-up and measurement cycles, reducing average current consumption while maintaining responsive angle reporting - ideal for battery-powered or thermally constrained applications.

Are decoupling capacitors included on the TBMA780-Q-LT-01A board?

Yes - the board includes two populated ceramic decoupling capacitors: C1 (1µF, X6S, 0402) on VDD and C2 (100nF, X7R, 0402) on VDDIO. These meet MPS-recommended bypassing guidelines for stable MA780GQ operation across its full temperature and frequency range.