Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX16920BEVKIT+

Overview

The MAX16920BEVKIT+ from Maxim Integrated is an automotive-qualified evaluation kit for the MAX16920B power-management IC - a 32-pin TQFN PMIC integrating three high-voltage buck converters (150mA/600mA/1.5A), one 5V/150mA linear regulator, overvoltage protection, and power-good/reset signaling. It operates from 5.5V–28V input, survives 45V transients, and supports 2MHz switching for low EMI in harsh automotive environments.

For engineers reviewing the MAX16920BEVKIT+ datasheet, MAX16920BEVKIT+ pinout, MAX16920BEVKIT+ application, or MAX16920BEVKIT+ equivalent, this kit enables rapid validation of the MAX16920B's triple-buck + LDO architecture, spread-spectrum EMI reduction, thermal shutdown behavior, and power sequencing in automotive radio and navigation systems.

Technical Context

The MAX16920BEVKIT+ implements the full functional block diagram of the MAX16920B IC: DC-DC1 (always-on 3.3V/150mA with 25µA standby current), DC-DC2 (5V/600mA), DC-DC3 (3.3V/1.5A), and LDOA (5V/150mA), all supplied from dual battery inputs (VINA/VINB) and monitored via PG2/PG3/PGA/POR outputs. The board includes all required external components - LC filters, bootstrap caps (0.1µF/0.47µF), bypass capacitors (4.7µF/0.1µF), and undervoltage divider networks - pre-populated per Maxim's reference design.

It supports SYNC input synchronization (1.8–2.4MHz for MAX16920B), spread-spectrum modulation enable/disable, EN2/EN3/ENA control, and ODRV-driven pMOS overvoltage protection. Thermal monitoring is implemented via the OT pin, and undervoltage lockout (UVI/UVS) is configurable to 1.205V ±2% threshold with hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Availability

The MAX16920BEVKIT+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment development, ADAS subsystem prototyping, and industrial vehicle telematics requiring stable component supply and validated reference designs.

Supply support for MAX16920BEVKIT+ 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-reliability analog and mixed-signal ICs for automotive, industrial, and communications applications.

The MAX16920 product line delivers integrated power-management solutions for automotive infotainment and body electronics, designed to replace discrete DC-DC + LDO + protection circuits with a single AEC-Q100 qualified chip supporting wide-input, high-transient, and low-quiescent-current operation.

FAQ

What is the MAX16920BEVKIT+ used for?

The MAX16920BEVKIT+ is an evaluation kit enabling hardware validation and firmware integration of the MAX16920B automotive power-management IC. It provides fully assembled, tested circuitry for all three buck converters, the 5V LDO, overvoltage protection, and power-good/reset signaling - allowing engineers to verify voltage regulation accuracy, load transient response, thermal shutdown behavior, and sequencing logic before committing to custom PCB design.

Does the MAX16920BEVKIT+ support both MAX16920A and MAX16920B variants?

No - the MAX16920BEVKIT+ is specifically configured for the MAX16920B (2MHz switching frequency). Its layout, component values (e.g., inductors, feedback resistors), and default jumpers match the MAX16920B's electrical characteristics, including 2.2MHz typical free-running frequency and 7.5–8ms POR delay. Using it with the 400kHz MAX16920A would require manual reconfiguration and is not supported out-of-box.

Can the MAX16920BEVKIT+ demonstrate spread-spectrum EMI reduction?

Yes - the MAX16920BEVKIT+ includes dedicated jumpers and test points to enable or disable spread-spectrum frequency modulation on the MAX16920B. When enabled, the switching frequency dithers ±5% (10% total range), reducing peak EMI emissions by up to 10dB in conducted and radiated tests - a critical capability verified during automotive EMC compliance testing per CISPR 25 Class 5.

How does the MAX16920BEVKIT+ handle overvoltage protection?

The MAX16920BEVKIT+ implements the MAX16920B's integrated overvoltage gate driver (ODRV) function using an external pMOS FET. When input voltage exceeds 19.2V (±0.5V), ODRV turns off the pMOS to disconnect downstream circuitry. The kit includes the pMOS, gate resistor network, and test points for ODRV waveform capture, enabling direct validation of overvoltage shutdown timing and recovery behavior under transient conditions.

Is thermal performance measurable on the MAX16920BEVKIT+?

Yes - the MAX16920BEVKIT+ exposes the OT (overtemperature) open-drain output and includes thermal pads aligned with the MAX16920B's exposed die pad. Engineers can monitor OT assertion (at ~165°C junction) using an oscilloscope or logic analyzer while applying controlled load currents to DC-DC3 (1.5A) and measuring temperature rise with an IR camera or thermocouple - validating thermal derating and system-level cooling requirements.