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

Overview

TBMA800-Q-RD-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 dual 8-pin headers (CN1/CN2), and integrates decoupling capacitors and test points for rapid functional validation in motor control and encoder applications.

For engineers reviewing the TBMA800-Q-RD-01A datasheet, TBMA800-Q-RD-01A pinout, TBMA800-Q-RD-01A application, or TBMA800-Q-RD-01A equivalent, this board enables immediate sensor characterization, SPI register read/write verification, incremental output timing analysis (A/B/Z), and PWM output evaluation without custom PCB design.

Technical Context

The TBMA800-Q-RD-01A implements Type 1 board architecture per the TBMA User Guide Rev. 1.2, matching the schematic and pinout of boards used with MA100/MA300/MA700/MA750/MA800-series sensors. It routes all essential MagAlpha signals-including VDD (3.3V), CS, SCLK, MISO, MOSI, VFLASH, PWM, A/B/Z, U/V/W, and TEST-to two unpopulated 2.54 mm pitch 8-pin receptacle connectors (CN1/CN2).

It supports direct connection to the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff evaluation kit and EVKT-MACOM, enabling out-of-box integration with MPS's official development ecosystem. The board includes 1 µF ceramic decoupling capacitors (C1/C4) and an optional 100 nF capacitor (C3), conforming to recommended MagAlpha power-supply filtering practices.

Key Specifications

Availability

TBMA800-Q-RD-01A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for servo drives, robotics, BLDC motor commutation, and encoder subsystem development requiring stable component supply and rapid prototyping capability.

Supply support for TBMA800-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 core expertise in DC/DC converters, LED drivers, and magnetic position sensors.

TBMA800-Q-RD-01A belongs to the TBMA test board product line, engineered to accelerate evaluation and integration of MagAlpha magnetic angle sensors across industrial motion control and automotive-grade motor systems.

FAQ

What sensor does TBMA800-Q-RD-01A support?

TBMA800-Q-RD-01A is configured for the MA800 MagAlpha magnetic position sensor, as confirmed by Table 1 (Board Type 2) in the TBMA User Guide Rev. 1.2. It uses the Type 1 LT layout, which accommodates MA800's pin mapping and signal routing requirements including A/B/Z, PWM, and U/V/W outputs.

Does TBMA800-Q-RD-01A include populated connectors?

No - TBMA800-Q-RD-01A ships with two unpopulated 2.54 mm pitch, 8-position surface-mount receptacle connectors (CN1 and CN2). Users must solder compatible headers or cables to access VDD, GND, SPI, PWM, A/B/Z, U/V/W, and TEST signals per the Type 1 pinout in Table 3.

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

Yes - the TBMA User Guide explicitly states compatibility with the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff evaluation kit. This allows direct connection to the MagDiff board for differential magnetic field testing, noise immunity validation, and comparative sensor performance analysis under real-world flux conditions.

What are the key mechanical features of TBMA800-Q-RD-01A?

TBMA800-Q-RD-01A follows the Type 1 LT mechanical drawing (Figure 6), featuring a long rectangular form factor with the MA800 sensor mounted on the board edge. It includes mounting slots (1270 mil × 120 mil) and a 3 mm diameter cutout for shaft passage, enabling both side-shaft and end-of-shaft mechanical integration.

Is VFLASH required for normal operation?

No - VFLASH (CN1.3) supplies 3.9 V only during firmware flashing operations. During standard sensor operation, it remains unpowered. The board's C1/C4 1 µF decoupling capacitors stabilize the primary 3.3 V VDD rail (CN1.1), which powers all active circuitry and the MA800 sensor core.

How is the MA800 sensor powered on TBMA800-Q-RD-01A?

The MA800 receives its main supply from CN1.1 (VDD = 3.3 V) and ground from CN1.2 (GND). The board includes no onboard voltage regulation - users must provide a clean, low-noise 3.3 V source capable of supporting peak current draw during SPI transactions and PWM output switching.