Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX14591ETA+

Overview

MAX14591ETA+ from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit designed to validate the MAX14591 high-speed, open-drain capable logic-level translator in 8-pin TDFN package. It supports independent VCC (up to 5.5V) and VL (1.65V to 5.5V) supply adjustment, jumper-selectable push-pull or open-drain drive modes, and on-board 250kHz–500kHz and 4MHz–8MHz oscillators for immediate functional testing without external signal sources.

For engineers reviewing the MAX14591ETA+ datasheet, MAX14591ETA+ pinout, MAX14591ETA+ application, or MAX14591ETA+ equivalent, this EV kit enables rapid validation of bidirectional level translation across mixed-voltage I²C, SMBus, and GPIO interfaces - with configurable power domains, real-time voltage tuning, and dual-channel signal routing for timing-critical interoperability assessment.

Technical Context

The MAX14591ETA+ evaluation kit implements a fully assembled, tested PCB that hosts one populated MAX14591ETA+ (TDFN-8) device alongside two independent LDO regulators (MAX8902BATA+ for VCC/VL rails) and dual EconOscillators (DS1090U-16+ and DS1090U-1+) for low-jitter clock generation. All power rails are adjustable via precision potentiometers (POT1/POT2), supporting precise voltage margining between logic domains.

Jumper banks (JP1–JP25) enable per-channel configuration of pull-up resistors, TS pin control (normal vs. three-state), and signal source selection (on-board oscillator, external generator, or push-pull buffer). Test points (TP4–TP26) provide direct access to all critical nodes including I/OVCC1, I/OVCC2, I/OVL1, I/OVL2, and TS, enabling oscilloscope-based timing and waveform analysis.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX14591ETA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for I²C bus interoperability validation, mixed-voltage GPIO interface prototyping, and high-speed level translator qualification requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term design-in support.

Supply support for MAX14591ETA+ 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) designs precision analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, automotive, communications, and computing applications.

The MAX14591 evaluation kit belongs to Maxim's interface & level translation product line, engineered specifically to accelerate validation of high-speed, bidirectional logic-level translators in multi-rail systems with strict timing and noise immunity requirements.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX14591ETA+ evaluation kit?

The MAX14591ETA+ evaluation kit is a fully assembled and tested PCB that demonstrates and validates the MAX14591 high-speed, open-drain capable logic-level translator in its 8-pin TDFN package. It enables engineers to evaluate bidirectional voltage translation between 1.65V–5.5V logic domains using jumper-configurable drive modes, on-board adjustable oscillators, and independently tunable VCC/VL supplies - all without requiring external signal generators or custom hardware.

Does the MAX14591ETA+ evaluation kit support both TDFN and WLP packages of the MAX14591?

The MAX14591ETA+ evaluation kit includes only the MAX14591ETA+ (TDFN-8) device physically mounted as U2. The MAX14591EWA+ (WLP-8) variant is listed in the BOM as DNP (Do Not Procure) and not installed. While the PCB layout accommodates both packages, the shipped MAX14591ETA+ kit is configured exclusively for TDFN evaluation per the documented assembly and jumper settings.

How are VCC and VL supplies adjusted on the MAX14591ETA+ evaluation kit?

VCC and VL supplies on the MAX14591ETA+ evaluation kit are independently adjusted using two onboard potentiometers: POT1 controls VCC (output of U6 MAX8902BATA+), and POT2 controls VL (output of U7 MAX8902BATA+). Each potentiometer allows fine-tuning from 1.65V to 5.5V, verified directly at test points TP24 (VCC) and TP25 (VL) using a digital voltmeter - enabling precise voltage margining for level translation validation.

What signal sources can drive the MAX14591ETA+ channels during evaluation?

The MAX14591ETA+ evaluation kit supports three signal source options per channel: (1) on-board DS1090U-16+ oscillator (250kHz–500kHz), (2) on-board DS1090U-1+ oscillator (4MHz–8MHz), or (3) external signal applied at designated test points (e.g., TP9, TP13, TP16, TP17). Selection is made via 4-way jumpers (JP2, JP5, JP12, JP17), allowing flexible stimulus configuration without soldering or rework.

Can the MAX14591ETA+ evaluation kit be used to verify three-state operation of the MAX14591?

Yes, the MAX14591ETA+ evaluation kit supports three-state verification via jumper JP6 (for U1) and JP24 (for U2). Installing JP6 pins 2–3 or JP24 pins 2–3 connects the TS pin to GND, placing the respective MAX14591 device's I/O pins into high-impedance mode. This allows validation of bus contention avoidance, power-down sequencing, and shared-bus arbitration behavior under controlled conditions.