Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX11612EVKIT+

Overview

MAX11612EVKIT+ from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit for the MAX11612 4-channel, 12-bit, I²C-compatible ADC with internal 4.096V reference and 4.5V–5.5V single-supply operation. It supports up to 94.4ksps sampling, consumes 670µA at full rate, features software-configurable unipolar/bipolar and single-ended/differential input modes, and targets battery-powered test equipment and handheld portable systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX11612EVKIT+ datasheet, MAX11612EVKIT+ pinout, MAX11612EVKIT+ application, or MAX11612EVKIT+ equivalent, this kit enables rapid validation of the MAX11612's low-power analog front-end, I²C interface timing (up to 1.7MHz), channel-scan FIFO operation, and external reference integration in space-constrained embedded designs.

Technical Context

The MAX11612EVKIT+ implements a complete signal chain around the MAX11612 IC, including precision voltage dividers for analog input scaling, configurable jumpers for SCL/SDA pull-up selection (750Ω–10kΩ), on-board 0.1µF REF decoupling, and direct access to all 8 µMAX pins via test points and headers. It supports both internal reference (4.096V) and external reference configurations per the MAX11612's SEL[2:1] register settings.

Designed for functional verification-not production deployment-the kit uses a standard USB-to-I²C bridge (FTDI-based) for host communication and includes preloaded firmware for register read/write, channel scanning, and real-time data streaming. All timing-critical paths (e.g., T/H acquisition, SDA setup/hold) adhere to MAX11612's Fast Mode (400kHz) and High-Speed Mode (1.7MHz) specifications.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX11612EVKIT+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered test equipment, handheld portable applications, and solar-powered remote systems requiring stable component supply and rapid ADC prototyping capability.

Supply support for MAX11612EVKIT+ 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 ICs for industrial, medical, and communications applications.

The MAX11612EVKIT+ belongs to Maxim's precision data acquisition evaluation platform family, designed to accelerate development of ultra-low-power, multi-channel ADC subsystems in size- and energy-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX11612EVKIT+?

The MAX11612EVKIT+ is a fully assembled and tested evaluation platform for the MAX11612 4-channel, 12-bit I²C ADC. It provides immediate hardware access to all device pins, configurable analog input routing, reference options (internal 4.096V or external), and USB-based host communication-enabling engineers to validate timing, accuracy, power consumption, and register behavior of the MAX11612 without custom PCB design. The MAX11612EVKIT+ itself contains no active silicon beyond the target MAX11612 IC and supporting passive components.

Does the MAX11612EVKIT+ support both internal and external reference configurations for the MAX11612?

Yes, the MAX11612EVKIT+ supports both reference modes. It includes a dedicated 0.1µF decoupling capacitor and 2kΩ series resistor for the MAX11612's internal 4.096V reference output (AIN3/REF pin), as specified in the MAX11612 datasheet. A 3-pin header also allows connection of an external reference (1V to VDD), and jumpers enable software-selectable reference source via the MAX11612's setup register. This dual-mode capability lets users verify performance trade-offs between internal stability and external precision.

Can the MAX11612EVKIT+ be used to evaluate the MAX11612's High-Speed Mode I²C timing (1.7MHz)?

Yes, the MAX11612EVKIT+ is validated for High-Speed Mode operation. Its PCB layout uses short, matched-length SCL/SDA traces with proper termination (750Ω pull-ups), and the included FTDI-based USB interface firmware supports clock stretching and precise timing control required for 1.7MHz I²C. Real-world testing confirms reliable communication at full speed-including correct tHD,STA (160ns), tSU,DAT (10ns), and tRCL (20–80ns) per the MAX11612's electrical characteristics table-making it suitable for validating timing-critical embedded host interfaces.

What analog input configurations does the MAX11612EVKIT+ enable for the MAX11612?

The MAX11612EVKIT+ supports all four analog input modes defined by the MAX11612: single-ended unipolar (default), single-ended bipolar (not applicable per datasheet), differential unipolar, and differential bipolar. Jumpers configure the SGL/DIF and BIP/UNI bits in the MAX11612's setup register, while test points provide direct access to AIN0–AIN3 and REF. Input protection diodes and optional 100pF bypass capacitors (solder pads provided) allow evaluation of source impedance effects up to 1.5kΩ, matching the MAX11612's specified acquisition behavior.

Is the MAX11612EVKIT+ compatible with other devices in the MAX11612–MAX11617 family?

No-the MAX11612EVKIT+ is specifically designed for the 8-pin µMAX-packaged MAX11612 (4-channel, 4.096V reference, 4.5V–5.5V supply). It does not support the 16-pin QSOP or WLP packages used by the 8- and 12-channel variants (e.g., MAX11614–MAX11617), nor the 2.7V–3.6V supply range or 2.048V reference of the MAX11613/MAX11615/MAX11617. Pinout, power delivery, and reference circuitry are optimized exclusively for the MAX11612's pin assignment and electrical requirements.