Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX17116EVKIT#

Overview

MAX17116EVKIT# from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit for the MAX17116 dual-output DC/DC power supply IC, designed specifically to validate and prototype AMOLED display bias supplies. It supports simultaneous generation of a fixed +4.6V (250mA) positive rail and an adjustable –5.4V to –1.5V (250mA) negative rail from a 2.3V–4.2V input, with 1.4MHz switching, ±1% output accuracy, and True Shutdown™ operation. The kit enables rapid characterization of startup sequencing, EN-pin serial programming, and load transient response in portable display power applications.

For engineers reviewing the MAX17116EVKIT# datasheet, MAX17116EVKIT# pinout, MAX17116EVKIT# application, or MAX17116EVKIT# equivalent, this evaluation platform provides verified reference circuitry, layout-optimized PCB, pre-populated components (including Würth TPC2807 inductors and TDK/Murata MLCCs), thermal management provisions, and direct access to all critical signals (IN, EN, STEP, LXP, LXN, OUTP, OUTN, AGND, PGND) for oscilloscope probing and functional validation under real-world AMOLED bias conditions.

Technical Context

The MAX17116EVKIT# implements the full MAX17116 IC functionality in a production-ready test environment: it hosts both the step-up regulator (fixed +4.6V, synchronous rectification, 1.4MHz PWM) and the inverting regulator (EN-pin programmable –5.4V to –1.5V in 100mV steps, 4-step subramp control via STEP pin), with integrated soft-start, cycle-by-cycle current limiting, and thermal shutdown at +160°C. All protections-including UVLO (2.0V rising threshold), output undervoltage fault detection (80% regulation threshold, 50ms timer), and True Shutdown™-are fully exercised on-board.

Signal routing adheres to Maxim's layout guidelines: minimal LXP/LXN trace area for EMI reduction, separate AGND/PGND planes joined only at the exposed pad, dedicated 4.7µF IN bypassing, and matched 4.7µH inductors (L1/L2) with 0.9A saturation rating. The kit supports both 12-pin UTDFN and 24-pin TQFN package variants of the MAX17116 IC via socketed footprint or solder-down options.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX17116EVKIT# is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for AMOLED display development, portable electronics power architecture validation, and automotive infotainment display prototyping requiring stable component supply and documented reference design fidelity.

Supply support for MAX17116EVKIT# 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 solutions for demanding applications including automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics.

The MAX17116 product line delivers highly integrated, compact DC/DC power solutions for active-matrix OLED displays-designed to replace discrete charge-pump and boost-inverter combinations with single-chip, low-EMI, thermally robust bias generation meeting stringent mobile display power sequencing and efficiency requirements.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX17116EVKIT#?

The MAX17116EVKIT# is a fully assembled evaluation platform for the MAX17116 dual-output DC/DC controller IC. It enables engineers to validate the IC's ability to generate a precise +4.6V rail and a programmable –5.4V to –1.5V rail for AMOLED display biasing. The kit includes optimized PCB layout, pre-selected magnetics and capacitors, thermal vias, and test points for measuring startup behavior, EN-pin programming response, load transients, and efficiency across input voltage and load conditions-providing immediate hardware verification without custom board spin.

Does the MAX17116EVKIT# support both package variants of the MAX17116 IC?

Yes, the MAX17116EVKIT# is designed to accommodate both the 12-pin 3mm × 3mm UTDFN and the 24-pin 4mm × 4mm TQFN packages of the MAX17116 IC. The board provides footprints and routing compatible with either variant, allowing users to evaluate performance differences between packages-such as thermal dissipation, EMI characteristics, and layout density impact-using identical reference circuitry and component selection.

How is the negative output voltage programmed on the MAX17116EVKIT#?

On the MAX17116EVKIT#, the negative output voltage (OUTN) is programmed via the EN pin using a pulse-counting protocol: applying 1–40 logic-low pulses to EN selects output voltages from –5.4V to –1.5V in 100mV increments. The STEP pin configures the substep timing (default 4ms per 25mV substep); connecting STEP to AGND sets the default rate, while external resistors (50kΩ–150kΩ) adjust it to 2–6ms. The kit includes jumpers and test points to inject controlled EN pulses and monitor VOUTN ramp behavior with an oscilloscope.

What protection features are validated on the MAX17116EVKIT#?

The MAX17116EVKIT# fully demonstrates all protection mechanisms of the MAX17116 IC: input undervoltage lockout (UVLO) triggers at 2.0V (with 200mV hysteresis), output undervoltage faults activate after 50ms if OUTP or OUTN drops below 80% of regulation, and thermal shutdown engages at +160°C (latched). The kit allows observation of fault flag assertion, automatic shutdown, and recovery via EN cycling or VIN reset-enabling robustness testing under brownout, overload, and thermal stress conditions relevant to portable display systems.

Can the MAX17116EVKIT# be used for production-level power supply design?

No-the MAX17116EVKIT# is strictly an evaluation and development tool, not a production-grade power module. While it uses production-spec components (e.g., Würth TPC2807 inductors, TDK C1608X5R1A475K capacitors) and follows Maxim's layout recommendations, its PCB stackup, thermal relief, and mechanical form factor are optimized for debug-not long-term reliability, EMI certification, or volume manufacturing. For production, engineers must implement the reference design from the MAX17116 datasheet into their own system-level board with appropriate safety margins, thermal analysis, and compliance testing.