Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX15462AEVKIT#

Overview

MAX15462AEVKIT# from Analog Devices is an evaluation kit for the MAX15462A high-voltage synchronous step-down DC-DC converter, supporting 4.5V–42V input and delivering up to 300mA at a fixed 3.3V output. It features peak-current-mode control, selectable PFM/PWM operation via MODE pin, internal soft-start, EN/UVLO programmability, and open-drain RESET for output monitoring-designed for rapid validation in industrial sensor and 4–20mA loop applications.

For engineers reviewing the MAX15462AEVKIT# datasheet, MAX15462AEVKIT# pinout, MAX15462AEVKIT# application, or MAX15462AEVKIT# equivalent, this kit enables functional verification of the MAX15462A IC's efficiency (92% peak), light-load PFM behavior, hiccup-mode overcurrent protection, monotonic startup into prebiased outputs, and thermal performance across –40°C to +125°C ambient conditions.

Technical Context

The MAX15462AEVKIT# implements the MAX15462A IC in a fully assembled, tested 8-pin TDFN (2mm × 2mm) reference layout with optimized component selection: 33µH shielded inductor, 10µF ceramic output capacitor, 1µF input/VCC bypass capacitors, and precision feedback network for 3.3V regulation. It supports both PWM (forced constant-frequency) and PFM (pulse-skipping, no negative inductor current) modes, latched at power-up based on MODE pin state.

Key design elements include monotonic soft-start (4.1ms), programmable EN/UVLO threshold (1.215V typ rising), open-drain RESET with 2ms delay and 92–95% output voltage trip thresholds, and integrated 5V LDO (VCC) with 150mV dropout-enabling self-powered gate drive and stable internal biasing without external regulators.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX15462AEVKIT# is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor prototyping, 4–20mA loop power supply validation, HVAC controller reference design, and high-voltage LDO replacement evaluation requiring stable component supply and fast time-to-test.

Supply support for MAX15462AEVKIT# 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

Analog Devices, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, serving industrial, automotive, communications, and healthcare markets.

The MAX15462 product line delivers ultra-small, high-efficiency synchronous buck converters for harsh industrial environments-specifically engineered for wide-input, low-quiescent-current point-of-load regulation where reliability, thermal robustness, and minimal external components are critical.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX15462AEVKIT#?

The MAX15462AEVKIT# is an evaluation kit designed to demonstrate and validate the operation of the MAX15462A synchronous step-down DC-DC converter. It provides a ready-to-use PCB with all necessary passive components, enabling engineers to verify key performance metrics-including efficiency, transient response, PFM/PWM mode switching, RESET functionality, and thermal behavior-without custom layout or component selection. The MAX15462AEVKIT# directly supports rapid prototyping of 3.3V power rails in industrial applications.

Does the MAX15462AEVKIT# support adjustable output voltages?

No-the MAX15462AEVKIT# is configured specifically for the MAX15462A variant, which delivers a fixed 3.3V output. It uses a direct FB/VOUT-to-VOUT connection per the datasheet; no resistor divider is present. For adjustable output evaluation, the MAX15462CEVKIT# (supporting 0.9V–0.89×VIN) must be used. The MAX15462AEVKIT# hardware and bill of materials are not reconfigurable for other output voltages.

How is PFM vs. PWM mode selected on the MAX15462AEVKIT#?

Mode selection is determined by the MODE pin state at power-up: grounding MODE (Pin 5) forces constant-frequency PWM operation across all loads; leaving MODE unconnected enables automatic PFM mode at light loads (<55mA typical) with pulse-skipping and zero negative inductor current. The MAX15462AEVKIT# includes test points and jumpers to easily configure either mode, and its schematic matches Figure 5 in the MAX15462 datasheet for 3.3V PFM operation.

Can the MAX15462AEVKIT# be used to evaluate thermal performance?

Yes-the MAX15462AEVKIT# uses the same 8-pin TDFN (2mm × 2mm) package as the MAX15462A IC and incorporates thermal vias and copper pour aligned with the datasheet's JEDEC JESD51-7 4-layer board reference. It supports junction temperature monitoring up to +150°C and includes thermal shutdown (166°C) and hysteresis (10°C) validation. Measured θ_JA = 162°C/W allows direct correlation of board-level temperature rise to the IC's specified thermal limits under real load conditions.

What protection features are verified using the MAX15462AEVKIT#?

The MAX15462AEVKIT# validates four core protections: (1) hiccup-mode overcurrent (trip at 560mA peak, retry after 131ms timeout), (2) open-drain RESET assertion during output undervoltage (92% of 3.3V), (3) monotonic startup into prebiased outputs without discharging the output cap, and (4) thermal shutdown at 166°C with automatic recovery. These are confirmed via oscilloscope waveforms, load-step testing, and thermal imaging per Figures 20–23 and toc33 in the MAX15462 datasheet.