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

Overview

TBMAQ470-Q-RD-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, provides SPI interface access via dual 8-pin headers (CN1/CN2), and integrates decoupling capacitors and a pre-mounted MAQ470 sensor for rapid functional validation in motor control and encoder applications.

For engineers reviewing the TBMAQ470-Q-RD-01A datasheet, TBMAQ470-Q-RD-01A pinout, TBMAQ470-Q-RD-01A application, or TBMAQ470-Q-RD-01A equivalent, this board enables immediate characterization of angle accuracy, incremental A/B/Z outputs, PWM response, and SPI register read/write behavior without custom PCB design - critical for servo drive prototyping and BLDC commutation verification.

Technical Context

The TBMAQ470-Q-RD-01A implements Board Type 1 architecture per the TBMA User Guide Rev. 1.2, matching the schematic and pinout of TBMA-Q-LT variants for MAQ-series sensors. It routes all core MagAlpha interface signals - including VDD (3.3V), CS/SCLK/MISO/MOSI, and dedicated outputs U/V/W/A/B/Z/PWM/TEST - to two unpopulated 2.54 mm pitch 8-pin receptacle connectors (CN1/CN2).

This board type does not include on-board voltage regulation or level-shifting circuitry; it assumes external 3.3V supply and host MCU with 3.3V-tolerant SPI I/O. The MAQ470 sensor is soldered directly onto the board with 1 µF and 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitors placed adjacent to its power pins per MPS layout guidance.

Key Specifications

Availability

TBMAQ470-Q-RD-01A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for servo drives, robotics motion control, and brushless DC motor commutation requiring stable component supply during development and pilot production phases.

Supply support for TBMAQ470-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 over two decades of innovation in analog and mixed-signal ICs.

TBMAQ470-Q-RD-01A belongs to the TBMA test board product line, engineered to accelerate evaluation of MagAlpha magnetic position sensors across automotive, industrial, and motor control applications - emphasizing plug-and-play compatibility with EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff and MACOM evaluation ecosystems.

FAQ

Is the TBMAQ470-Q-RD-01A board pre-assembled with the MAQ470 sensor?

Yes. The board ships fully assembled with the MAQ470 magnetic position sensor mounted, along with mandatory decoupling capacitors (C1, C4) and optional components (C2, C3) left unpopulated per standard configuration. No soldering is required to begin evaluation.

Which connector pinout applies to TBMAQ470-Q-RD-01A?

TBMAQ470-Q-RD-01A uses the Type 1 board pinout: CN1 carries VDD, GND, VFLASH, CS, SCLK, MISO, MOSI, and NC; CN2 carries U/V/W motor outputs, A/B/Z encoder outputs, TEST, and PWM - as defined in Table 3 of the TBMA User Guide Rev. 1.2.

Does this board support both SPI and incremental encoder outputs simultaneously?

Yes. The Type 1 layout routes SPI signals (CS/SCLK/MISO/MOSI) on CN1 and dedicated digital outputs (A/B/Z, U/V/W, PWM) on CN2, enabling concurrent use of serial configuration and real-time position feedback without signal contention or multiplexing.

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

Yes. The board is explicitly listed as compatible with the EVKT-MagAlpha-MagDiff kit per the TBMA User Guide, allowing direct connection via standard ribbon cables or mating headers to enable full sensor functionality including magnetic field calibration and angle reporting.

Are connectors included with the TBMAQ470-Q-RD-01A board?

No. CN1 and CN2 are unpopulated 8-position receptacle footprints (2.54 mm pitch). Users must supply compatible 8-pin male headers or ribbon cable connectors - recommended part numbers include Wurth 690367280876 or TE Connectivity 7-2178711-8.

What mechanical mounting options does this board support?

TBMAQ470-Q-RD-01A supports both side-shaft and end-of-shaft configurations due to its long (LT) form factor and edge-mounted MAQ470 sensor placement - enabling direct coupling to rotating shafts in servo actuators, robotic joints, and BLDC motor housings.