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

Overview

TBMAQ430-Q-RD-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 test points for rapid functional validation in motor control and encoder applications.

For engineers reviewing the TBMAQ430-Q-RD-01A datasheet, TBMAQ430-Q-RD-01A pinout, TBMAQ430-Q-RD-01A application, or TBMAQ430-Q-RD-01A equivalent, this board enables immediate evaluation of MAQ430 angle accuracy, incremental A/B/Z outputs, PWM timing, and serial communication without custom PCB design - critical for servo drive prototyping, BLDC commutation verification, and robotic joint sensing.

Technical Context

This board implements Type 1 schematic architecture per the TBMA User Guide Rev. 1.2, featuring dedicated SPI signals (CS, SCLK, MISO, MOSI), 3.3V VDD supply, VFLASH for firmware updates, and configurable outputs including U/V/W (motor commutation), A/B/Z (incremental encoder), and PWM. All signal routing complies with MagAlpha sensor timing requirements and noise-sensitive analog path isolation.

The board includes two unpopulated 2.54 mm 8-position receptacle connectors (CN1/CN2), 1 µF X6S 0402 ceramic decoupling capacitors (C1, C4), one optional 1 µF capacitor (C2), and one optional 100 nF X7R 0402 capacitor (C3), matching the BOM for Type 1 boards supporting MAQ430.

Key Specifications

Availability

TBMAQ430-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 seamless integration with existing MagAlpha development ecosystems.

Supply support for TBMAQ430-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 global design centers and ISO 9001-certified quality systems.

TBMAQ430-Q-RD-01A belongs to the TBMA test board product line, engineered to accelerate MagAlpha sensor adoption by providing standardized, application-ready hardware for magnetic position sensing validation across industrial and automotive motion control systems.

FAQ

What sensor does TBMAQ430-Q-RD-01A support?

TBMAQ430-Q-RD-01A is a Type 1 long-format evaluation board configured for the MAQ430 MagAlpha magnetic position sensor. It mounts the MAQ430 directly on the board edge and routes all required signals - including SPI, power, and optional outputs - to standard 2.54 mm headers per the official TBMA User Guide Rev. 1.2.

Does TBMAQ430-Q-RD-01A include connectors?

No - TBMAQ430-Q-RD-01A ships as an assembled board with the MAQ430 sensor, decoupling capacitors (C1, C4), and test points, but CN1 and CN2 connectors are not populated. Users must solder 2.54 mm 8-position receptacle connectors (e.g., Wurth 690367280876 or TE Connectivity 7-2178711-8) to enable interface connectivity.

Which output functions are accessible on TBMAQ430-Q-RD-01A?

TBMAQ430-Q-RD-01A exposes MAQ430's full output capability via CN2: U/V/W for motor commutation, A/B/Z for incremental encoder emulation, PWM for duty-cycle-based angle reporting, and TEST for diagnostics - all defined in Table 3 of the TBMA User Guide Rev. 1.2 for Type 1 boards.

Is TBMAQ430-Q-RD-01A compatible with other MagAlpha evaluation kits?

Yes - TBMAQ430-Q-RD-01A is explicitly compatible with the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff and EVKT-MACOM evaluation kits, enabling plug-and-play connection and synchronized operation without adapter hardware or signal translation.

What mechanical configurations does TBMAQ430-Q-RD-01A support?

TBMAQ430-Q-RD-01A supports both side-shaft and end-of-shaft magnet coupling due to its LT (long) form factor and edge-mounted MAQ430 placement. Its mechanical layout aligns with standard MagAlpha magnet alignment requirements and allows direct integration into rotary actuator and motor shaft test setups.