Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX15157BEVKIT#

Overview

MAX15157BEVKIT# from Maxim Integrated is a fully assembled and tested evaluation kit for the MAX15157B high-efficiency synchronous step-down/step-up controller IC. It supports 15V–60V input, delivers 5V–32V at up to 15A/200W, operates at 600kHz (adjustable 120kHz–1MHz), and enables multiphase operation up to 4 phases for telecom and industrial power supply validation.

For engineers reviewing the MAX15157BEVKIT# datasheet, MAX15157BEVKIT# pinout, MAX15157BEVKIT# application, or MAX15157BEVKIT# equivalent, this kit provides rapid functional verification of wide-input-voltage DC-DC regulation, precision current sensing, hiccup-mode overcurrent protection, and external clock synchronization in production-representative hardware.

Technical Context

The MAX15157BEVKIT# implements the MAX15157B controller in a complete 200W synchronous buck-boost topology with integrated gate drivers, precision high-side current sense, and programmable slope compensation. It uses external MOSFETs (BSC037N08NS5ATMA1, IRLR3110ZTRPBF) and supports both preset (2V internal reference) and tracking (external REFINX 1.05V–2V) output voltage modes.

Hardware configuration is managed via jumpers (JU1–JU11) for EN logic, reference selection, DRV bias source, and fault thresholds. The board includes test points for VOUT, POW-OK, ENABLE, VDRV, TP11 (4.6V BIAS), and current-sense signals, enabling real-time monitoring of startup behavior, soft-start timing, and power-good assertion.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX15157BEVKIT# is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom power systems, industrial DC-DC converters, and high-voltage battery-powered equipment requiring stable component supply and fast prototyping turnaround.

Supply support for MAX15157BEVKIT# 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 demanding industrial, automotive, and communications applications.

The MAX15157B product line targets high-efficiency, wide-input-voltage DC-DC conversion in space-constrained telecom and industrial systems where accurate current reporting, multiphase scalability, and robust fault protection are critical.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX15157BEVKIT#?

The MAX15157BEVKIT# is a fully assembled evaluation platform for the MAX15157B synchronous buck-boost controller. It enables engineers to validate performance-including input/output voltage range (8V–60V IN, 3V–52V OUT), 200W power delivery, 120kHz–1MHz switching frequency adjustment, multiphase operation, and hiccup-mode overcurrent protection-without custom PCB design. The MAX15157BEVKIT# includes all passive components, MOSFETs, and test points needed for lab characterization.

Can the MAX15157BEVKIT# operate in step-up (boost) mode only?

Yes, the MAX15157BEVKIT# supports pure boost operation when configured with appropriate inductor and MOSFET selection per the MAX15157B datasheet. The board's default 4.7µH inductor and dual low-RDS(on) N-channel MOSFETs (BSC037N08NS5ATMA1) allow seamless transition between buck, boost, and buck-boost modes depending on VIN/VOUT relationship. Output voltage is externally programmable from 3V to 0.94×VIN, enabling true boost functionality when VIN < VOUT.

How is output voltage set on the MAX15157BEVKIT#?

Output voltage on the MAX15157BEVKIT# is set using the equation VOUT = VREFINX × (R7 + R8)/R8, where VREFINX is either the internal 2V reference (JU1 position 2–3) or an external voltage applied to REFINX (JU1 position 1–2, range 1.05V–2V). Default R7 = 10kΩ and R8 = 2kΩ yield ~12V in preset mode; increasing R7 scales VOUT linearly. Jumper JU1 selects reference mode, and no solder changes are required.

Does the MAX15157BEVKIT# support external clock synchronization?

Yes, the MAX15157BEVKIT# supports external clock synchronization via the CLOCKIN (FREQ/CLK) pin. An external square-wave clock at twice the desired switching frequency (e.g., 1.2MHz for 600kHz operation) can be applied directly to CLOCKIN without removing R3. This enables precise phase alignment across multiple MAX15157BEVKIT# units or integration into system-level clock trees-critical for EMI reduction and multiphase current sharing in high-power systems.

What protection features are implemented and testable on the MAX15157BEVKIT#?

The MAX15157BEVKIT# implements and exposes all key protections of the MAX15157B: hiccup-mode overcurrent (via CSION/CSN current-sense inputs), thermal shutdown (monitored via U1 junction temperature), input UVLO (adjustable via R10/R11), output OVP (via OVP pin and RSP/R36 divider), and monotonic startup into prebiased outputs. POW-OK asserts high when VOUT exceeds 90% of programmed value, and test points TP11 (4.6V BIAS) and POW-OK enable direct oscilloscope validation of fault response timing.