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

Overview

TBMA780-Q-RD-01A from Monolithic Power Systems is a dedicated evaluation board for the MA780 MagAlpha magnetic position sensor, configured as a Type 3 long-format (LT) test board with side-shaft and end-of-shaft mounting support, 3.3V VDD supply, 1.8–3.3V VDDIO I/O rail, and dual 8-pin 2.54mm connectors for SPI and functional I/O access.

For engineers reviewing the TBMA780-Q-RD-01A datasheet, TBMA780-Q-RD-01A pinout, TBMA780-Q-RD-01A application, or TBMA780-Q-RD-01A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MA780 sensor performance-including EN/ND/DV/ASC/ERR/NVM signaling, magnetic level detection (MGL/MGH), and SPI-based configuration-in servo drive, robotics, BLDC motor commutation, and encoder subsystem development.

Technical Context

The TBMA780-Q-RD-01A implements Type 3 schematic architecture with discrete 0Ω jumper R1 populated for VDDIO routing, unpopulated R2, and two Murata GRM155C81A105KA12D 1µF X6S 0402 decoupling capacitors on VDD and VDDIO rails. It supports SPI communication (CS/SCLK/MISO/MOSI) and exposes eight configurable functional pins via CN2 including EN (active-high enable), ND (new data strobe), DV (data valid flag), ASC (auto-power cycling control), ERR (error reporting), and NVM (non-volatile memory status).

This board integrates the MA780GQ sensor in QFN-16 package and provides dedicated test points for VDDIO, ND, DV, ASC, ERR, and NVM signals-enabling direct oscilloscope probing and logic analyzer capture without soldering. The CN1/CN2 connector layout follows standardized 2.54mm pitch with defined pin registers per Table 7 of the User Guide Rev. 1.2.

Key Specifications

Availability

TBMA780-Q-RD-01A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for servo drives, robotics, and brushless DC motor commutation requiring stable component supply, quick-turn evaluation, and repeatable magnetic position sensor characterization.

Supply support for TBMA780-Q-RD-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 and North America and global distribution infrastructure.

TBMA780-Q-RD-01A belongs to the TBMA series of MagAlpha sensor evaluation boards, engineered specifically to accelerate development of high-accuracy angular position sensing applications in motion control and industrial automation systems.

FAQ

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

The TBMA780-Q-RD-01A board features the MA780GQ MagAlpha magnetic position sensor in a QFN-16 package, factory-assembled with matching decoupling capacitors and unpopulated connectors. This sensor delivers 14-bit angle resolution, ±0.1° typical accuracy, and supports SPI, ABZ incremental, and PWM output modes per its datasheet.

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

No-TBMA780-Q-RD-01A ships with two unpopulated 2.54mm 8-position receptacle connectors (CN1 and CN2). Users must solder compatible headers (e.g., Wurth 690367280876 or TE Connectivity 7-2178711-8) to interface with host controllers or test equipment.

How does the VDDIO supply function on this board?

VDDIO is brought out to CN1.3 and supports 1.8V to 3.3V operation, allowing independent voltage scaling for digital I/Os while VDD remains fixed at 3.3V. This enables interoperability with both 1.8V and 3.3V microcontrollers without level-shifting circuitry.

Which functional pins are accessible via CN2 on TBMA780-Q-RD-01A?

CN2 provides eight dedicated signal terminals: EN (enable input), ND (new data output), DV (data valid output), ASC (auto-power cycling input), ERR (error flag output), NVM (non-volatile memory status output), MGL (magnetic level low output), and MGH (magnetic level high output)-all directly routed from the MA780GQ die.

Is the TBMA780-Q-RD-01A compatible with the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff evaluation kit?

Yes-TBMA780-Q-RD-01A is explicitly listed as compatible with the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff and EVKT-MACOM kits per the User Guide Rev. 1.2. Its Type 3 layout maintains mechanical and electrical alignment with those kits' interconnect standards and signal mapping conventions.

Can this board be used for both side-shaft and end-of-shaft magnet configurations?

Yes-the TBMA780-Q-RD-01A is a long-format (LT) board with edge-mounted sensor placement, enabling mechanical integration in either side-shaft (radial field) or end-of-shaft (axial field) arrangements. Its PCB cutout and mounting holes accommodate standard diametrically magnetized cylinder or ring magnets.