Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX16602CL8EVKIT#

Overview

The MAX16602CL8EVKIT# from Maxim Integrated is a fully assembled and tested evaluation kit designed to characterize the MAX16602 PMBus-compatible multiphase voltage regulator controller and the MAX20790 smart power-stage IC for AI core and Intel® VR13.HC server CPU power delivery. It implements an 8-phase synchronous buck topology using 2-phase coupled inductors, supports up to 200A output current, achieves 95.6% peak efficiency at 1.8VOUT, and provides full telemetry via PMBus interface.

For engineers reviewing the MAX16602CL8EVKIT# datasheet, MAX16602CL8EVKIT# pinout, MAX16602CL8EVKIT# application, or MAX16602CL8EVKIT# equivalent, this kit enables rapid validation of high-current, high-efficiency VR13.HC-compliant power solutions-including phase-shedding behavior, orthogonal current rebalancing under transients, input/output telemetry, and autonomous fault response-using the included GUI software and hardware configuration options.

Technical Context

The MAX16602CL8EVKIT# integrates the MAX16602 TQFN56-EP controller and eight MAX20790 FC2QFN12 smart power stages to form a complete 8-phase VR solution. The controller generates interleaved PWM signals with programmable switching frequency (300kHz–857kHz), load-line (0.105mΩ–0.979mΩ), and system OCP (30A–695A), while supporting SVID communication and autonomous phase shedding.

Each MAX20790 delivers up to 45A per phase under air-cooled conditions and integrates current and temperature sensing. Coupled inductor topology reduces effective inductance and output capacitance requirements, improving transient response and minimizing ripple without increasing conduction losses.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX16602CL8EVKIT# is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for AI accelerator board development, Intel VR13.HC server CPU power validation, and high-current multiphase buck converter reference design requiring stable component supply and full functional demonstration.

Supply support for MAX16602CL8EVKIT# 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 applications in data centers, industrial systems, and communications infrastructure.

The MAX16602CL8EVKIT# belongs to Maxim's high-performance power delivery evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate qualification of VR13.HC-compliant, AI-optimized voltage regulator solutions with integrated telemetry and adaptive phase control.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX16602CL8EVKIT#?

The MAX16602CL8EVKIT# is an evaluation kit that demonstrates the full operation of the MAX16602 controller and eight MAX20790 smart power stages in an 8-phase VR13.HC-compliant power delivery system. It enables engineers to validate dynamic performance, telemetry accuracy, phase-shedding logic, and thermal behavior under real-world load transients before committing to custom PCB design.

Which ICs are physically installed on the MAX16602CL8EVKIT# board?

The MAX16602CL8EVKIT# board contains one MAX16602 TQFN56-EP controller (U12) and eight MAX20790 FC2QFN12 smart power-stage ICs (U4–U9, U19, U20). These are the only active power delivery ICs on the board; auxiliary components include MAX40010 current-sense amplifiers, MAX9651 VCOM drivers, and MAX15103 LDOs for bias generation.

Does the MAX16602CL8EVKIT# support external load connection and on-board load simulation?

Yes, the MAX16602CL8EVKIT# supports both configurations: external electronic loads (up to 200A) via jumpers JMP1/JMP3/JMP4/etc., and on-board resistive loading enabled by SW2. The on-board load allows basic functionality verification without external equipment, while the external load path supports full transient and efficiency characterization per VR13.HC specifications.

What software is required to configure and monitor the MAX16602CL8EVKIT#?

The MAX16602CL8EVKIT# requires the Maxim MAXPOWERUSB dongle and associated GUI software. This software provides real-time access to PMBus registers-including READ_VOUT, READ_IOUT, temperature readings, fault flags, and sequencing controls-and supports device-specific sub-tabs for command configuration, fault analysis, and telemetry plotting across all connected Maxim PMBus devices.

Can the MAX16602CL8EVKIT# be used to evaluate lower-phase-count configurations?

Yes, the MAX16602CL8EVKIT# supports flexible phase count reduction: unused PWM outputs can be disabled by shorting their pins to GND, and corresponding TSENSE/ISENSE inputs must remain unconnected. This allows evaluation of 2-, 4-, or 6-phase variants using the same PCB layout-enabling scalability testing without hardware modification.