Monolithic Power Systems Inc. TBMAQ430-Q-LT-01A

Overview

TBMAQ430-Q-LT-01A from Monolithic Power Systems is a long-format (LT) evaluation board designed specifically for the MAQ430 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 a pre-mounted MAQ430 sensor for rapid functional validation in motor commutation and encoder applications.

For engineers reviewing the TBMAQ430-Q-LT-01A datasheet, TBMAQ430-Q-LT-01A pinout, TBMAQ430-Q-LT-01A application, or TBMAQ430-Q-LT-01A equivalent, this board enables immediate hardware-level testing of MAQ430 angle sensing performance-including incremental A/B/Z outputs, PWM, and test signal routing-without custom PCB design or sensor soldering.

Technical Context

The TBMAQ430-Q-LT-01A implements Board Type 2 architecture per the TBMA User Guide Rev. 1.2, matching the MAQ430's I/O capability set. It routes core SPI signals (CS, SCLK, MISO, MOSI), test functionality (TEST), and configurable I/O pins (IO1–IO6) to CN2, while supporting optional MGH/MGL magnetic threshold monitoring on CN2.7/CN2.8.

This board type omits VFLASH and analog output routing found in Type 1, aligning with MAQ430's digital-only interface profile. All power conditioning uses 0402 ceramic capacitors (1µF C1, 100nF C2), and connector footprints are unpopulated by default-requiring user-sourced 2.54mm 8-pin receptacles (e.g., Wurth 690367280876).

Key Specifications

Availability

TBMAQ430-Q-LT-01A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for servo drives, robotics, and BLDC motor commutation requiring stable component supply during prototyping and qualification phases.

Supply support for TBMAQ430-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 a focus on efficiency, integration, and reliability across industrial and automotive markets.

TBMAQ430-Q-LT-01A belongs to MPS's MagAlpha evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate development of contactless angular position sensing systems using their MAQ-series magnetic sensors in motor control and precision motion applications.

FAQ

What sensor is pre-mounted on the TBMAQ430-Q-LT-01A?

The board ships with the MAQ430 MagAlpha magnetic position sensor factory-mounted and tested. This sensor delivers 14-bit absolute angle measurement over 360°, supports SPI communication, and provides programmable outputs including incremental A/B/Z and PWM signals-fully accessible via the board's CN1 and CN2 headers.

Does the TBMAQ430-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. This allows flexibility in cabling and avoids mechanical interference during shaft alignment.

Which interface protocols does this board support out of the box?

The board natively supports SPI (CS, SCLK, MISO, MOSI on CN1) and exposes six configurable I/O pins (IO1–IO6 on CN2), plus TEST, MGH, and MGL. It does not support analog outputs or VFLASH programming-consistent with the MAQ430's digital-only feature set and Type 2 board architecture.

Can the TBMAQ430-Q-LT-01A be used with the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff evaluation kit?

Yes. The TBMAQ430-Q-LT-01A is explicitly listed as compatible with the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff kit per the TBMA User Guide Rev. 1.2. Its pinout and signal mapping align with the kit's interface requirements, enabling plug-and-play connection for differential magnetic field evaluation and sensor characterization.

Is there onboard power regulation or voltage translation?

No. The board requires an external 3.3V supply applied to CN1.1 (VDD). There is no LDO, DC-DC converter, or level-shifting circuitry. VDDIO is not routed-confirming this is a Type 2 board, which lacks the VDDIO rail present in Types 3 and 4 intended for mixed-voltage I/O operation.

What mechanical mounting options does the LT format provide?

The long (LT) format positions the MAQ430 at the board edge with a centered 3mm-diameter cutout and 1270mil-long slot (32.36mm), enabling direct attachment to rotating shafts in either side-shaft (magnet mounted radially) or end-of-shaft (magnet mounted axially) configurations-verified in Figures 6 and 30 of the User Guide.