Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1003EVKIT

Overview

The MAX1003EVKIT from Maxim Integrated is a fully assembled and tested evaluation kit designed to simplify characterization of the MAX1003 - a 90Msps, dual-channel, 6-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with on-chip voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) clock generation. It supports AC- or DC-coupled single-ended/differential analog inputs, offers user-selectable full-scale ranges (125/250/500mV_p-p), and delivers 5.85 ENOB at 20MHz input frequency for RF and communications system validation.

For engineers reviewing the MAX1003EVKIT datasheet, MAX1003EVKIT pinout, MAX1003EVKIT application, or MAX1003EVKIT equivalent, this page provides verified board-level specifications, jumper-configurable gain and clocking modes, analog/digital power separation guidance, TTL/CMOS-compatible parallel digital output timing, and external clock conversion instructions - all critical for ADC performance validation in high-speed signal acquisition systems.

Technical Context

The MAX1003EVKIT implements the MAX1003 ADC in voltage-controlled-oscillator (VCO) mode by default, using an external tank circuit (L1, C5, D1) where VTUNE voltage (0–8V) adjusts sampling frequency from ~70MHz to ~110MHz. The board includes matched 50Ω BNC inputs (IIN+/IIN−, QIN+/QIN−), offset-correction amplifiers enabled by default, and a 26-pin J1 connector delivering parallel 6-bit offset-binary outputs synchronized to DCLK.

It supports two operational configurations: VCO mode (factory default) and external clock mode (via component modification per Table 4), with dedicated jumpers (JU1–JU11) enabling current sensing, gain selection, amplifier disable, and single-supply operation. Power delivery is segregated - +5V for analog VCC, +3.3V for digital VCCO, and +4V for VTUNE - with separate GND and OGND planes tied only at one controlled point.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX1003EVKIT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF receiver prototyping, software-defined radio (SDR) development, high-speed data acquisition system validation, and mixed-signal test bench integration requiring stable component supply and documented evaluation infrastructure.

Supply support for MAX1003EVKIT 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

Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF ICs for industrial, communications, and computing applications.

The MAX1003EVKIT belongs to Maxim's precision high-speed ADC evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate time-to-validation for dual-channel, low-latency, wideband digitization in communications infrastructure and instrumentation.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX1003EVKIT?

The MAX1003EVKIT is a ready-to-use evaluation platform for the MAX1003 dual 6-bit, 90Msps analog-to-digital converter. It enables immediate functional verification and dynamic performance testing without custom PCB design. The MAX1003EVKIT includes on-board VCO clock generation, configurable analog input gain, and parallel digital outputs - all pre-assembled and factory-tested to reduce evaluation risk and accelerate system-level ADC integration.

Does the MAX1003EVKIT support external clock sources?

Yes, the MAX1003EVKIT can be reconfigured for external clock operation by removing VCO components (L1, C5, D1) and installing new parts per Table 4 in the reference documentation: replacing R2/R3 with 49.9Ω resistors, adding 0.01µF AC-coupling capacitors (C6/C7), and connecting the clock source to the CLOCK OVERDRIVE BNC. The MAX1003EVKIT accepts sine-wave inputs from 100mV_p-p to 2.5V_p-p, with optimal performance achieved using low-phase-noise sources.

How do I configure the full-scale input range on the MAX1003EVKIT?

The full-scale input range on the MAX1003EVKIT is set via jumper JU5: open pins select 250mV_p-p (mid-gain, shipped default), shorting pins 1–2 selects 500mV_p-p (low-gain), and shorting pins 2–3 selects 125mV_p-p (high-gain). This setting applies identically to both I and Q channels. The MAX1003EVKIT's analog input drive requirements scale linearly with gain selection - e.g., mid-gain requires ±125mV for single-ended noninverting input referenced to 2.35V common-mode.

What are the power supply requirements for the MAX1003EVKIT?

The MAX1003EVKIT requires three independent supplies: +5V at ~65mA for analog VCC, +3.3V at ~10mA for digital VCCO (measured at 20MHz input, 90Msps, 15pF load), and +4V (adjustable 0–8V) for VTUNE control. Ground connections must be made to both GND (analog) and OGND (digital), which are internally tied via a thin backside trace - cuttable if system-level grounding requires isolation. All supplies must be connected before power-on.

Can the MAX1003EVKIT be used to evaluate both MAX1002 and MAX1003 devices?

No - the MAX1003EVKIT is hardware-specific to the MAX1003 (90Msps) and includes the MAX1003CAX device pre-mounted. While it shares mechanical and layout compatibility with the MAX1002EVKIT-SO, key components differ: C5 is 5pF (not 22pF), and VCCO is configured for +3.3V (not +5V). Using a MAX1002 on the MAX1003EVKIT would require redesigning the VCO tank and power routing; evaluation of the MAX1002 requires the dedicated MAX1002EVKIT-SO.