Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX17117EVKIT+

Overview

MAX17117EVKIT+ from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit for the MAX17117 - a highly integrated TFT-LCD power management IC featuring a 1.2MHz internal-switch boost regulator (up to 15V), 350mA LDO, 200mA rail-to-rail op amp for VCOM driving, and a 7-channel ±15V to +35V high-voltage scan driver with gate-shading control. It targets notebook computer display power subsystems requiring compact, multi-rail generation.

For engineers reviewing the MAX17117EVKIT+ datasheet, MAX17117EVKIT+ pinout, MAX17117EVKIT+ application, or MAX17117EVKIT+ equivalent, this kit enables rapid validation of the MAX17117's full functionality - including VMAIN (8.5V), VGHON (+23V), VVGL (−6V), and VCOM drive - under real panel load conditions with adjustable soft-start, cycle-by-cycle current limit, and thermal shutdown.

Technical Context

The MAX17117EVKIT+ implements the complete reference design from MAX17117 datasheet Figure 1, delivering regulated +8.5V (200mA) for source drivers, +23V/−6V gate supplies, and buffered VCOM output. Its PCB integrates all recommended components: 10µH inductor (Sumida CDRH5D28RHPNP-100M), 10µF X5R output capacitors, Schottky catch diode (CMMSH1-40), and precision feedback resistors (R1 = 102kΩ, R2 = 17.4kΩ) setting VMAIN = 8.5V.

It supports full functional verification of the MAX17117's key subsystems: current-mode boost regulation with 1.2MHz switching, gate-shading timing via DTS input, 7-output scan logic (ST/CK1–CK6 → STH/CKH1–CKH6), and op amp transient response (200mA sink/source, 40V/µs slew rate). All critical biasing, decoupling (0.1µF at GHON/VGL/OPAS), and compensation (RCOMP = 56.2kΩ, CCOMP = 1000pF) are pre-populated per Maxim's layout guidelines.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX17117EVKIT+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook display power validation, TFT-LCD reference design development, and VCOM/gate-driver subsystem qualification requiring stable component supply and full-function hardware verification.

Supply support for MAX17117EVKIT+ 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 industrial, computing, and consumer applications.

The MAX17117 product line was designed specifically for ultra-thin TFT-LCD panel power systems, integrating boost, LDO, op amp, and high-voltage scan functions into a single 5mm × 5mm package to eliminate discrete power rails and reduce PCB area.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX17117EVKIT+?

The MAX17117EVKIT+ is an evaluation kit that demonstrates and validates the full operation of the MAX17117 IC. It implements the exact circuit shown in the MAX17117 datasheet Figure 1, generating +8.5V (VMAIN), +23V (VGHON), −6V (VVGL), and driving VCOM via the integrated op amp - enabling engineers to verify timing, regulation accuracy, load transient response, and gate-shading functionality before system integration.

Does the MAX17117EVKIT+ support adjustable VMAIN output voltage?

Yes, the MAX17117EVKIT+ uses a fixed resistor divider (R1 = 102kΩ, R2 = 17.4kΩ) to set VMAIN to 8.5V as specified in the MAX17117 datasheet. However, the FB node is accessible, and R1/R2 can be replaced to adjust VMAIN across the MAX17117's supported range (VIN to 15V), maintaining the 1.24V feedback reference and ensuring stable regulation per the formula VMAIN = 1.24V × (1 + R1/R2).

Can the MAX17117EVKIT+ be used to evaluate gate-shading timing control?

Yes, the MAX17117EVKIT+ includes the DTS (Gate-Shading Discharge Time Adjust) input fully routed and accessible via test point. By applying a voltage or current signal to DTS, users can directly observe its effect on CKH1–CKH6 waveform shaping and timing skew - verifying the gate-shading feature that reduces crosstalk and improves image quality in high-resolution TFT panels, as documented in MAX17117 Electrical Characteristics Table.

What protection features of the MAX17117 are validated on the MAX17117EVKIT+?

The MAX17117EVKIT+ validates thermal shutdown (triggering above +145°C), overvoltage protection (disabling switching if OPAS exceeds 17V), and fault latch behavior (160ms timeout when FB falls below 1.1V). These protections are active by default and observable via status monitoring points and forced fault testing - confirming safe operation during abnormal conditions such as shorted outputs or excessive load.

Is the MAX17117EVKIT+ compatible with other MAX171xx family devices?

No, the MAX17117EVKIT+ is specifically designed for the MAX17117ETJ+ and is not pin-compatible or functionally interchangeable with other MAX171xx variants (e.g., MAX17116, MAX17118). Differences in scan channel count, op amp specs, LDO current rating, and gate-shading implementation mean hardware and firmware must be revalidated for each part - the MAX17117EVKIT+ provides no drop-in support for alternate family members.