Monolithic Power Systems Inc. TBMA850-Q-RD-01A

Overview

TBMA850-Q-RD-01A from Monolithic Power Systems is a long-format (LT) evaluation board designed specifically for the MA850 MagAlpha magnetic position sensor. It provides side-shaft and end-of-shaft mounting configurations, integrates decoupling capacitors and unpopulated 2.54 mm 8-pin receptacle connectors (CN1/CN2), and supports SPI interface operation at 3.3 V supply with flash programming capability via VFLASH.

For engineers reviewing the TBMA850-Q-RD-01A datasheet, TBMA850-Q-RD-01A pinout, TBMA850-Q-RD-01A application, or TBMA850-Q-RD-01A equivalent, this board enables rapid functional validation of MA850-based angle sensing in motor commutation, encoder feedback, and precision rotary position systems - with direct compatibility to EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff and EVKT-MACOM evaluation platforms.

Technical Context

The TBMA850-Q-RD-01A implements Type 1 board architecture per the TBMA User Guide Rev. 1.2, featuring dedicated SPI signal routing (CS, SCLK, MISO, MOSI), dual power domains (VDD = 3.3 V, VFLASH = 3.9 V), and configurable output pins (U/V/W for BLDC commutation; A/B/Z for incremental quadrature; PWM for duty-cycle-encoded angle).

It hosts the MA850 sensor in a surface-mount configuration on the board edge, includes two 1 µF X6S 0402 ceramic decoupling capacitors (C1, C4), one optional 100 nF X7R 0402 capacitor (C3), and leaves CN1/CN2 unpopulated to allow user-defined connector selection - supporting both prototyping flexibility and system-level integration testing.

Key Specifications

Availability

TBMA850-Q-RD-01A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for servo drives, robotics joint control, automotive throttle/pedal position sensing, and BLDC motor commutation requiring stable component supply and fast-turn evaluation hardware.

Supply support for TBMA850-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.

TBMA850-Q-RD-01A belongs to the TBMA test board product line, engineered to accelerate development of MagAlpha magnetic position sensor applications - particularly where rapid prototyping, mechanical mounting flexibility, and multi-output interface validation are critical.

FAQ

Does TBMA850-Q-RD-01A include the MA850 sensor pre-soldered?

Yes. The board ships fully assembled with the MA850 MagAlpha magnetic position sensor mounted on the edge, along with two 1 µF decoupling capacitors (C1, C4) and one optional 100 nF capacitor footprint (C3). Connectors CN1 and CN2 are unpopulated per standard configuration.

What mechanical configurations does TBMA850-Q-RD-01A support?

It supports both side-shaft and end-of-shaft mounting due to its long (LT) form factor and edge-mounted sensor placement. The board's mechanical layout allows direct coupling to rotating shafts using diametrically magnetized magnets aligned with the MA850's sensing axis.

Which evaluation kits is TBMA850-Q-RD-01A compatible with?

TBMA850-Q-RD-01A is explicitly compatible with the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff and EVKT-MACOM evaluation kits. Its pinout and power sequencing match these platforms, enabling plug-and-play integration without adapter boards or signal translation.

Can TBMA850-Q-RD-01A be used for firmware updates to the MA850?

Yes. Pin CN1.3 (VFLASH) supplies 3.9 V exclusively during flash programming sequences. This dedicated rail isolates programming voltage from the main 3.3 V VDD domain, ensuring safe and reliable non-volatile memory writes per MA850's specification.

Are connectors included with the TBMA850-Q-RD-01A board?

No. CN1 and CN2 footprints are provided but left unpopulated. Users must source and solder 2.54 mm pitch, 8-position surface-mount receptacle connectors - recommended part numbers are Wurth 690367280876 or TE Connectivity 7-2178711-8.

What output signals are accessible on CN2 of TBMA850-Q-RD-01A?

CN2 provides U/V/W (motor phase outputs), A/B/Z (incremental encoder quadrature), TEST, and PWM - all mapped directly to MA850's configurable I/O registers. Signal availability depends on MA850's internal configuration and is not fixed in hardware.