Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1403EAI+

Overview

MAX1403EAI+ from Maxim Integrated is a fully assembled, Windows 95/98-compatible evaluation system for the MAX1403 low-power, multichannel, serial-output 16-bit sigma-delta ADC - featuring integrated 2.4576MHz ceramic resonator (Y1), on-board MAX6520 1.2V voltage reference (U2), and preconfigured jumper settings (JU1–JU8) for offset/gain calibration and reference selection. It supports full-speed sampling up to 8192 points and enables rapid validation of analog input channels AIN1–AIN5 with real-time software visualization.

For engineers reviewing the MAX1403EAI+ datasheet, MAX1403EAI+ pinout, MAX1403EAI+ application, or MAX1403EAI+ equivalent, this evaluation system delivers immediate hardware-software co-verification capability - including register-level control via the Configuration Tool, SINC3/SINC1 filter selection, buffered/differential input configuration, burnout current test activation, and transfer function register (TF1–TF3) programming for PGA gain (1×–128×) and bipolar/unipolar coding.

Technical Context

The MAX1403EAI+ integrates the MAX1403EVKIT evaluation board and the MAX1403EVL11 system - which combines the MAX1403 ADC (U1), MAX6520 1.2V reference (U2), and 68HC11 microcontroller module - operating from +5V to +12V DC. It implements a proven PCB layout with anti-aliasing RC filters (R1–R6/C3–C8), analog/digital supply decoupling (R7/C10, R8/C11), and calibrated signal paths for CALOFF+/− and CALGAIN+/−.

Hardware operation relies on precise timing synchronization: the 2.4576MHz ceramic resonator (Y1) sets the master clock; jumper JU5/JU8 selects internal 1.2V reference; jumpers JU1–JU4 configure calibration inputs; and JU6/JU7 isolate or connect DS0/DS1 pins for MAX1401 compatibility. The system uses SPI-compatible serial interface (SCLK, DIN, DOUT, CS, RESET) and INT-driven interrupt sampling.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX1403EAI+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision sensor interface validation, industrial data-acquisition prototyping, and high-resolution analog front-end design requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MAX1403EAI+ 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 MAX1403EAI+ belongs to Maxim's precision data-acquisition evaluation platform family - designed to accelerate development of low-noise, high-resolution measurement systems using sigma-delta ADCs in harsh or resource-constrained environments.

FAQ

What is the MAX1403EAI+ and how does it differ from the MAX1403EVKIT?

The MAX1403EAI+ is the complete MAX1403 evaluation system (EVL11), comprising both the MAX1403EVKIT hardware board and the bundled 68HC11 microcontroller module with Rev. 1.1 ROM. In contrast, the MAX1403EVKIT alone is just the ADC evaluation board and requires external µC hardware. The MAX1403EAI+ enables out-of-box Windows-based evaluation with preloaded KIT1403.L11 firmware and full GUI software (MAX1403.EXE), whereas MAX1403EVKIT is intended for custom µC integration.

Does the MAX1403EAI+ support both the MAX1403 and MAX1401 ADCs?

Yes - the MAX1403EAI+ natively evaluates both the MAX1403 and MAX1401. To evaluate the MAX1401, users short jumpers JU6 and JU7 per the documentation, reconfiguring pins 5–8 from digital I/O/current sources (MAX1403 mode) to mux output access (MAX1401 mode). The included software automatically detects and supports both devices, and free MAX1401CAI samples can be ordered alongside the MAX1403EAI+ for cross-validation.

What reference voltage does the MAX1403EAI+ use, and can it be changed?

The MAX1403EAI+ uses the on-board MAX6520EUR 1.2V voltage reference (U2) by default - selected via closed jumpers JU5 and JU8. This reference feeds REFIN+ and REFIN−, enabling automatic 0V–1.2V calibration. External references can be substituted by opening JU5 and JU8 and driving REFIN+ and REFIN− directly - but doing so requires manual VREF Reference Voltage setting in the Configuration Tool to ensure correct code-to-voltage conversion in the MAX1403EAI+ software.

How is communication established between the PC and the MAX1403EAI+?

Communication occurs over RS-232 via the 68HC11 module's J3 port - using a straight-through 9-pin female-to-male cable connected to an IBM PC-compatible serial port. The MAX1403EAI+ software verifies connection by polling modem status lines (CTS, DSR, DCD); it downloads KIT1403.L11 firmware to the µC module and reads/writes MAX1403 registers via SPI (SCLK/DIN/DOUT/CS/INT). No USB adapter or driver installation is required - native Windows 95/98 COM port support suffices.

Can the MAX1403EAI+ perform full-system calibration, and what inputs are required?

Yes - the MAX1403EAI+ supports end-to-end calibration using dedicated CALOFF+ / CALOFF− and CALGAIN+ / CALGAIN− inputs. By default, CALOFF± are grounded (0V) and CALGAIN± are tied to REFIN+ and REFIN− (1.2V), establishing the 0V and full-scale endpoints for linear interpolation. The Calibration Tool averages raw codes from these channels and applies correction only to displayed voltages - not raw A/D output - ensuring accurate voltage readouts without altering the underlying 18-bit data stream from the MAX1403.