Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX16935EVKIT#

Overview

MAX16935EVKIT# from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit for the MAX16935 36V, 3.5A, 2.2MHz automotive step-down converter with 28µA quiescent current, integrated high- and low-side MOSFETs, and 3.3V/5V fixed or 1V–10V adjustable output. It supports FPWM/skip mode selection via FSYNC, 220kHz–2.2MHz resistor-programmable switching frequency, and 180° out-of-phase SYNCOUT for cascaded supplies - designed for automotive navigation head units and RF-sensitive power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MAX16935EVKIT# datasheet, MAX16935EVKIT# pinout, MAX16935EVKIT# application, or MAX16935EVKIT# equivalent, this kit enables rapid validation of MAX16935-based 3.5A buck designs under automotive input transients (3.5V–36V), cold-crank and load-dump conditions, EMI-constrained FPWM operation, and power-good sequencing in AEC-Q100-compliant systems.

Technical Context

The MAX16935EVKIT# implements the MAX16935 IC in a fully assembled, tested TQFN-EP layout with all critical passive components: 2.2µH shielded inductor, 4.7µF/25V X7R input capacitor, 22µF/16V output ceramic array, 0.1µF BST capacitor, and 1µF BIAS bypass. It replicates the reference design from Maxim's datasheet (Rev 17), including the LX filter network (1Ω + 220pF) for >1.8MHz operation and cold-crank transient response verification.

It exposes all key control signals - EN, FSYNC, FOSC, SYNCOUT, PGOOD - via test points and headers, supports external clock synchronization up to 2.6MHz, and validates thermal performance across –40°C to +125°C ambient using the IC's internal thermal shutdown (175°C) and automatic recovery. The board includes dedicated measurement points for VIN, VOUT, LX, COMP, and FB to characterize loop stability, load regulation, and efficiency vs. load current.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX16935EVKIT# is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment development, RF transceiver power supply qualification, and industrial distributed DC system prototyping requiring stable component supply and full AEC-Q100-compliant reference validation.

Supply support for MAX16935EVKIT# 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 semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for automotive, industrial, and communications applications.

The MAX16935EVKIT# belongs to Maxim's automotive-grade power management evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate qualification of 36V buck converters in safety-critical vehicle subsystems with stringent EMI, thermal, and transient robustness requirements.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX16935EVKIT#?

The MAX16935EVKIT# is a fully assembled evaluation board that demonstrates and validates the MAX16935 3.5A automotive buck converter. It enables engineers to verify key performance metrics - including efficiency across 0–3.5A load, cold-crank behavior down to 4.5V, load-dump immunity up to 42V, FPWM EMI reduction, and PGOOD sequencing - without custom PCB design. The MAX16935EVKIT# uses the same layout, component values, and thermal strategy as Maxim's official reference design.

Does the MAX16935EVKIT# support both MAX16935 and MAX16939 devices?

Yes, the MAX16935EVKIT# is compatible with both the MAX16935 and MAX16939 ICs. While the MAX16939 features tighter overvoltage protection (105% vs. 107%), the evaluation kit's hardware - including feedback divider, compensation network, and layout - is identical for both variants. Users can swap either device into the 16-pin TQFN-EP socket and validate performance per their respective datasheet specifications.

How is the switching frequency configured on the MAX16935EVKIT#?

The MAX16935EVKIT# ships with RFOSC set to 12kΩ, configuring the MAX16935 for 2.2MHz operation - verified via oscilloscope measurement at the SYNCOUT pin. The FOSC pin is accessible via test point and header, allowing users to replace the onboard resistor to achieve frequencies from 220kHz to 2.2MHz per the datasheet curve. External clock synchronization (1.8–2.6MHz) is supported via the FSYNC header.

Can the MAX16935EVKIT# be used to evaluate spread-spectrum operation?

No - the standard MAX16935EVKIT# does not enable the internal spread-spectrum feature. Spread-spectrum modulation is factory-configured only in the "S" version (e.g., MAX16935SEVKIT#) and requires specific silicon revision. The base MAX16935EVKIT# evaluates the standard MAX16935, where spread-spectrum is disabled unless an external modulated clock is applied to FSYNC - which the kit supports but does not include by default.

What thermal performance can be expected from the MAX16935EVKIT# at full 3.5A load?

At 14V input and 5V/3.5A output in FPWM mode, the MAX16935EVKIT# maintains junction temperature below 115°C on a standard 4-layer evaluation PCB with 2oz copper and exposed pad soldered to internal ground planes - well within the 150°C absolute max and 125°C operating limit. This is achieved using the IC's 35°C/W θJA rating, 2.2µH inductor with 5.2A saturation current, and optimized thermal vias under the TQFN-EP package, as confirmed by Maxim's thermal imaging data in the datasheet.