Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1403EVKIT

Overview

MAX1403EVKIT from Maxim Integrated is a fully assembled and tested evaluation kit designed to accelerate development with the MAX1403 16-bit multichannel sigma-delta ADC. It provides a proven PCB layout, on-board 2.4576MHz ceramic resonator, MAX6520 1.2V voltage reference, and configurable jumpers for analog input filtering, calibration, and reference selection - enabling rapid functional validation of the MAX1403 in precision data-acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX1403EVKIT datasheet, MAX1403EVKIT pinout, MAX1403EVKIT application, or MAX1403EVKIT equivalent, this kit supports full-speed sampling (up to 8192 samples), SINC3/SINC1 filter configuration, buffered/differential input modes, transducer burnout detection, and Windows 95/98-compatible software with C++ and 68HC11 assembly source code - all critical for evaluating low-power, high-resolution ADC integration in industrial sensor interfaces and metering designs.

Technical Context

The MAX1403EVKIT implements a complete hardware interface between a user-supplied 68HC11 microcontroller module (e.g., MAX1403EVL11) and the MAX1403 ADC, requiring external +5V to +12V DC power and serial communication via RS-232. It routes all MAX1403 control signals (CS, DIN, DOUT, SCLK, INT, RESET, FSYNC) and analog inputs (AIN1–AIN6, CALOFF±, CALGAIN±) to accessible test points and headers.

Hardware features include anti-aliasing RC filters (100Ω + 100pF per channel), selectable on-board 1.2V reference (U2), jumper-configurable calibration paths (JU1–JU4), reference sourcing (JU5/JU8), and MAX1401 compatibility via JU6/JU7 shorting - enabling direct evaluation of both MAX1401 and MAX1403 without board modification.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX1403EVKIT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor signal conditioning, energy metering prototyping, and precision analog front-end validation requiring stable component supply and long-term design support.

Supply support for MAX1403EVKIT 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 MAX1403EVKIT belongs to Maxim's precision data-acquisition evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to de-risk adoption of sigma-delta ADCs like the MAX1403/MAX1401 in low-power, high-accuracy measurement systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX1403EVKIT?

The MAX1403EVKIT is a dedicated evaluation kit for the MAX1403 16-bit sigma-delta ADC. It provides a ready-to-use hardware platform - including on-board reference, clock source, input filtering, and SPI interface routing - that enables engineers to validate ADC performance, configure registers, run calibration routines, and collect real-world analog data using included Windows software and source code. The MAX1403EVKIT itself is not an IC but a PCB-based tool for evaluating the MAX1403.

Does the MAX1403EVKIT include a microcontroller?

No, the MAX1403EVKIT does not include a microcontroller. It requires connection to a separate Maxim 68HC11-based module (e.g., MAX1403EVL11 or 68L11D) via its 40-pin header (J1). The EV kit handles analog signal conditioning and ADC interfacing, while the µC module manages SPI communication, timing, and host PC interaction. The MAX1403EVKIT documentation explicitly states it must be interfaced to an appropriate timing source and µC module for operation.

Can the MAX1403EVKIT evaluate the MAX1401 as well?

Yes, the MAX1403EVKIT can evaluate the MAX1401 by shorting jumpers JU6 and JU7, as confirmed in the official documentation. This reconfigures pins 5–8 to access internal multiplexer outputs instead of digital I/O and current sources - matching the MAX1401's pin functionality. The kit's schematic, jumper table, and quick-start guide all specify this dual-evaluation capability, and the included software supports both devices.

What software and drivers are included with the MAX1403EVKIT?

MAX1403EVKIT ships with a 3.5" floppy disk containing Windows 95/98-compatible software: MAX1403.EXE (GUI application), MAX1403.HLP (help file), MAX1403.INI (settings), KIT1403.L11 (68HC11 firmware), and source files (MAX1403.CPP, EVKIT.ASM, KIT1403.ASM). No modern OS drivers are provided; operation requires legacy Windows and a physical serial port (RS-232) to communicate with the 68HC11 module. USB-to-serial adapters may work but are not officially supported.

What are the key hardware components on the MAX1403EVKIT board?

Key hardware components on the MAX1403EVKIT include: U1 (MAX1403CAI ADC), U2 (MAX6520EUR 1.2V reference), Y1 (2.4576MHz Murata ceramic resonator), R1–R6 and C3–C8 (per-channel 100Ω/100pF anti-aliasing filters), R7/R8 (10Ω analog/digital supply current sense resistors), and JU1–JU8 (configuration jumpers for calibration, reference, and MAX1401 mode). All are listed in the official component bill-of-materials and schematic.