Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX11168EVKIT#

Overview

MAX11168EVKIT# from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit for the MAX11168 - a 16-bit, 500ksps pseudo-differential SAR ADC with ±5V true bipolar input range, integrated 4.096V reference, and µMAX-10 package. It enables rapid validation of high-accuracy data acquisition in industrial process control, medical instrumentation, and automatic test equipment.

For engineers reviewing the MAX11168EVKIT# datasheet, MAX11168EVKIT# pinout, MAX11168EVKIT# application, or MAX11168EVKIT# equivalent, this kit provides full hardware access to the MAX11168's SPI-compatible serial interface, daisy-chain capability, busy indicator, ±5V analog input stage, and internal reference buffer - all critical for evaluating timing-critical, low-noise, multichannel sampling systems.

Technical Context

The MAX11168EVKIT# implements the complete signal chain around the MAX11168 IC: analog input conditioning (AIN+, AIN−), precision decoupling (10µF REF bypass, 0.1µF VDD/OVDD caps), configurable CNVST-triggered conversion control, and flexible SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE interface routing. It supports both CS-mode and daisy-chain mode via SDI logic level at CNVST rising edge.

Designed for direct connection to host controllers (e.g., FPGA, MCU), the kit exposes all 10 pins of the µMAX package - including dedicated REF, CNVST, SDO, SCLK, SDI, and dual supply rails (VDD = 5V, OVDD = 2.3–5.25V) - enabling accurate measurement of SNR (92.3dB), THD (–101dB), INL (±0.75 LSB), DNL (±0.2 LSB), and acquisition time (0.5µs) under real-world layout and grounding conditions.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX11168EVKIT# is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial process control, medical instrumentation, automatic test equipment, and data acquisition systems requiring stable component supply and rapid prototyping validation.

Supply support for MAX11168EVKIT# 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 power management solutions for industrial, medical, and communications markets.

The MAX11168EVKIT# belongs to Maxim's precision data acquisition evaluation platform family, designed to accelerate development of high-fidelity, low-latency, multichannel sampling systems using SAR ADCs with integrated references and robust digital interfaces.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX11168EVKIT#?

The MAX11168EVKIT# is a fully assembled and tested evaluation platform for the MAX11168 16-bit, 500ksps SAR ADC. It provides immediate access to all device pins, onboard decoupling, configurable interface modes (CS/daisy-chain), and reference circuitry - allowing engineers to validate dynamic performance (SNR, THD), timing behavior (conversion start, busy indicator), and analog input integrity before committing to custom PCB design. The MAX11168EVKIT# does not contain the MAX11168 IC itself but is shipped with one pre-mounted.

Does the MAX11168EVKIT# support daisy-chaining multiple ADCs?

Yes, the MAX11168EVKIT# supports daisy-chain configuration via its exposed SDI and SDO pins. When the SDI pin is held low during the CNVST rising edge, the MAX11168 enters daisy-chain mode - allowing up to four devices to share a single SDO line while maintaining simultaneous sampling. The MAX11168EVKIT# includes jumpers and test points to configure this mode and verify timing margins (e.g., tSCLK, tDSDO) per the MAX11168 datasheet specifications.

Can the MAX11168EVKIT# operate with different digital supply voltages?

Yes, the MAX11168EVKIT# supports OVDD from 2.3V to 5.25V, matching the MAX11168's native interface voltage range. The board includes selectable jumper options to route OVDD from either the onboard LDO or an external source, enabling direct interfacing with 2.5V, 3.3V, or 5V host controllers without level shifters. This flexibility ensures compatibility with FPGAs, microcontrollers, and DSPs across diverse logic families.

How is the internal reference validated on the MAX11168EVKIT#?

The MAX11168EVKIT# includes a dedicated 10µF X5R/X7R ceramic capacitor placed adjacent to the REF pin, as required by the MAX11168 datasheet for stable reference operation. Test points allow direct probing of REF voltage (4.092–4.096V typical), drift over temperature (±7ppm/°C max), and output impedance (<0.1Ω). Users can measure reference stability under load and verify that the internal buffer delivers clean, low-noise excitation to the ADC core - critical for achieving specified 92.3dB SNR.

What software and documentation accompany the MAX11168EVKIT#?

The MAX11168EVKIT# ships with the MAX11168 evaluation software (Windows-based GUI), USB-to-SPI adapter firmware, schematic PDF, layout Gerbers, and the full MAX11168 datasheet (Rev 2, Jan 2015). The GUI supports real-time waveform capture, FFT analysis, histogram generation, and register configuration - enabling immediate characterization of INL/DNL, noise floor, and harmonic distortion without custom driver development. All files are hosted on Analog Devices' official product page for MAX11168.