Monolithic Power Systems Inc. TBMA800-Q-LT-01A

Overview

TBMA800-Q-LT-01A from Monolithic Power Systems is a long-format (LT) evaluation board designed specifically for the MA800 MagAlpha magnetic position sensor. It supports both side-shaft and end-of-shaft mounting configurations, provides SPI interface access via two 8-pin headers (CN1/CN2), and integrates decoupling capacitors and a pre-mounted MA800 sensor. It enables rapid functional validation in motor commutation and incremental encoder applications.

For engineers reviewing the TBMA800-Q-LT-01A datasheet, TBMA800-Q-LT-01A pinout, TBMA800-Q-LT-01A application, or TBMA800-Q-LT-01A equivalent, this board delivers verified signal routing for SPI communication, PWM output, and quadrature A/B/Z outputs - critical for BLDC motor control and servo feedback system prototyping.

Technical Context

The TBMA800-Q-LT-01A implements Board Type 2 architecture per the TBMA User Guide Rev. 1.2, matching the MA800's pinout and functional I/O set. It routes VDD (3.3V), GND, CS, SCLK, MISO, MOSI, TEST, and dual I/O banks (IO1–IO6) to CN1 and CN2 headers, with MGH/MGL outputs available for magnetic threshold monitoring.

This board type omits VFLASH and dedicated encoder outputs (U/V/W/A/B/Z/PWM) found on Type 1, instead prioritizing flexible GPIO access and serial configuration - aligning with the MA800's configurable register-based operation and multi-mode output capability.

Key Specifications

Availability

TBMA800-Q-LT-01A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for servo drives, robotics, and BLDC motor commutation requiring stable component supply, quick-turn evaluation, and repeatable sensor characterization.

Supply support for TBMA800-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 and North America.

TBMA800-Q-LT-01A belongs to the MagAlpha test board family - engineered to accelerate development of magnetic angle-sensing systems by providing standardized, sensor-matched hardware for lab validation and system integration.

FAQ

Does TBMA800-Q-LT-01A include connectors?

No - CN1 and CN2 are unpopulated 2.54 mm pitch, 8-position receptacle footprints (Wurth 690367280876 or TE Connectivity 7-2178711-8 compatible). Users must supply and solder mating connectors for SPI and I/O interfacing.

What is the mechanical form factor of TBMA800-Q-LT-01A?

It follows the Type 2 long (LT) mechanical layout: rectangular PCB with edge-mounted MA800 sensor, slot for shaft insertion, and dual 8-pin header locations aligned for side-shaft or end-of-shaft installation per Figure 8 and Figure 11 in the User Guide.

Which MagAlpha features are accessible via CN2 on this board?

CN2 exposes IO1–IO6 (pins 1,2,3,6,9,15 of MA800) and MGH/MGL outputs. Functionality depends on MA800 register settings - e.g., IO1–IO3 can be configured as PWM, ABZ, or general-purpose outputs per the MA800 datasheet.

Is VFLASH supported on TBMA800-Q-LT-01A?

No - VFLASH (3.9V flash programming supply) is absent. This board supports runtime operation and SPI configuration only; firmware updates require external flashing tools or alternate boards like Type 1 that include VFLASH routing.

Can TBMA800-Q-LT-01A be used with the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff kit?

Yes - it is explicitly listed as compatible with the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff and EVKT-MACOM evaluation kits, enabling plug-and-play connection to host controllers for sensor data capture and algorithm validation.

What passive components are populated on TBMA800-Q-LT-01A?

Two 1 µF X6S 0402 ceramic capacitors (C1, C4) for VDD decoupling, one optional 100 nF X7R 0402 capacitor (C2), and no resistors or additional filtering - consistent with Table 4 (Type 2 BOM) in the User Guide.