Monolithic Power Systems Inc. TBMAQ470-Q-LT-01A

Overview

TBMAQ470-Q-LT-01A from Monolithic Power Systems is a long-format (LT) evaluation board designed specifically for the MAQ470 MagAlpha magnetic position sensor. It supports both side-shaft and end-of-shaft mounting configurations, features dual 8-pin 2.54 mm connectors (CN1/CN2), onboard decoupling capacitors (1 µF ×2, 100 nF ×1), and enables rapid functional validation of angle sensing, incremental encoder outputs (A/B/Z), and PWM output via SPI interface.

For engineers reviewing the TBMAQ470-Q-LT-01A datasheet, TBMAQ470-Q-LT-01A pinout, TBMAQ470-Q-LT-01A application, or TBMAQ470-Q-LT-01A equivalent, this board serves as a hardware reference for MagAlpha sensor integration in motor control feedback loops, requiring verified SPI communication timing, configurable I/O mapping, and mechanical alignment with diametrically magnetized magnets.

Technical Context

This board implements Type 1 schematic architecture per the TBMA User Guide Rev. 1.2, matching the MAQ470 sensor's native pinout and electrical interface requirements. It provides dedicated VDD (3.3 V), VFLASH (3.9 V during firmware update), and GND rails, with serial interface signals (CS, SCLK, MISO, MOSI) routed to CN1 and functional outputs (U/V/W, A/B/Z, PWM, TEST) routed to CN2.

The board includes two populated 1 µF X6S 0402 ceramic capacitors (C1, C4) and one optional 100 nF X7R 0402 capacitor (C3), all placed adjacent to the MAQ470 IC per layout best practices for noise suppression and power integrity. Connectors CN1 and CN2 are unpopulated by default but compatible with standard 2.54 mm pitch receptacles (Wurth 690367280876 or TE Connectivity 7-2178711-8).

Key Specifications

Availability

TBMAQ470-Q-LT-01A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for servo drives, robotics, BLDC motor commutation, and encoder subsystems requiring stable component supply, quick-turn sensor validation, and repeatable test setup reproducibility.

Supply support for TBMAQ470-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.

TBMAQ470-Q-LT-01A belongs to the TBMA family of MagAlpha sensor evaluation boards, engineered to accelerate development of contactless angular position sensing in motion control systems where robustness against dust, moisture, and vibration is critical.

FAQ

What sensor is pre-mounted on the TBMAQ470-Q-LT-01A board?

The board is assembled with the MAQ470 MagAlpha magnetic position sensor from MPS, a 14-bit resolution, SPI-output angle sensor supporting incremental A/B/Z and PWM outputs, with built-in diagnostics and programmable magnetic field thresholds.

Does the TBMAQ470-Q-LT-01A include connectors?

No - CN1 and CN2 connectors are not populated on the board. Users must solder compatible 2.54 mm pitch, 8-position receptacle connectors (e.g., Wurth 690367280876 or TE Connectivity 7-2178711-8) to enable external interfacing.

Which output signals are accessible on CN2 for the MAQ470 configuration?

Per Table 3 of the TBMA User Guide Rev. 1.2, CN2 provides U/V/W (motor commutation), A/B/Z (incremental encoder), PWM (pulse-width modulated angle), and TEST pins - all directly mapped from the MAQ470's functional outputs.

Can the TBMAQ470-Q-LT-01A be used with the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff evaluation kit?

Yes - the board is explicitly listed as compatible with the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff and EVKT-MACOM kits, enabling plug-and-play connection via standardized headers for signal routing and power distribution without adapter hardware.

Is VFLASH required for normal operation of the TBMAQ470-Q-LT-01A?

No - VFLASH (CN1.3) is only energized during firmware flashing or configuration updates; it remains unpowered during standard sensor operation and does not affect real-time angle measurement or output functionality.

What magnet geometry is recommended for use with this board?

Diametrically magnetized cylindrical or ring magnets are required - axial magnetization is incompatible. MPS MAG10 series magnets (e.g., MAG10-CYL-0505) are validated for use, and suppliers like Maurer Magnetics AG stock off-the-shelf diametric options.