Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX17122EVKIT+

Overview

MAX17122EVKIT+ from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit for the MAX17122 multiple-output power-supply IC, designed to generate all supply rails for TFT LCD TV panels. It supports 8V–16.5V input, integrates a 22V step-down regulator (3.3V fixed/adjustable), a 22V step-up regulator, a temperature-compensated 36V boost-buck regulator (negative output), and gate-on charge-pump controllers - all operating at 750kHz with high-efficiency PWM control.

For engineers reviewing the MAX17122EVKIT+ datasheet, MAX17122EVKIT+ setup guide, MAX17122EVKIT+ test procedure, or MAX17122EVKIT+ alternative evaluation platforms, this kit enables rapid validation of power sequencing, thermal compensation via NTC, gate-driver supply generation (GON/GOFF1/GOFF2), and fault-protection behavior across -40°C to +85°C operation in LCD TV panel reference designs.

Technical Context

The MAX17122EVKIT+ implements the full functional architecture of the MAX17122 IC, including independent enable/delay timing (EN1/EN2/DLY1/DLY2/DEL), programmable soft-start (SS), and dual power-good monitoring (RESET/GPGD). It validates simultaneous regulation of five critical rails: VL (5V), OUTB (3.3V), AVDD (step-up, up to 20V), GON (charge-pump positive), and GOFF1/GOFF2 (linear negative and temperature-compensated negative).

Hardware-level features verified include True Shutdown™ via GATE-driven external p-MOSFET, high-voltage stress mode (HVS/RHVS), latched thermal shutdown at +160°C, and timed fault restart (50ms trip / 160ms recovery). The kit supports configuration of Dual Mode™ step-down output, NTC-based GOFF2 temperature compensation, and adjustable power-up sequence using on-board RC networks.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX17122EVKIT+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LCD TV panel development, TFT display power architecture validation, and multi-rail PMIC qualification requiring stable component supply, pre-tested layout, and documented thermal/measurement data.

Supply support for MAX17122EVKIT+ 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, automotive, and consumer applications.

The MAX17122 product line was engineered specifically for TFT LCD TV panel power systems, integrating multiple regulators, gate-driver supplies, and temperature-aware biasing into a single compact IC to replace discrete power solutions.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX17122EVKIT+?

The MAX17122EVKIT+ is a fully assembled and tested evaluation platform for the MAX17122 power-management IC. It enables engineers to validate the IC's five regulated outputs - VL (5V), OUTB (3.3V), AVDD (step-up), GON (positive charge-pump), and GOFF1/GOFF2 (negative rails) - under real-world conditions including thermal compensation, sequencing, and fault response. The MAX17122EVKIT+ includes all necessary passives, layout-optimized PCB, and test points for oscilloscope probing of key nodes like LX1, LX2, LX3, and GATE.

Does the MAX17122EVKIT+ support temperature compensation for the GOFF2 rail?

Yes, the MAX17122EVKIT+ fully supports GOFF2 temperature compensation via the NTC and SET pins as specified in the MAX17122 datasheet. The kit includes solder pads and routing for connecting an external NTC thermistor network between NTC and AGND, and a resistor between SET and AGND to set the cold-temperature reference. Figure 1 and Typical Operating Characteristic toc14 in the MAX17122 datasheet confirm the resulting GOFF2 voltage variation over -40°C to +85°C, which the MAX17122EVKIT+ replicates in hardware.

How is power sequencing controlled on the MAX17122EVKIT+?

Power sequencing on the MAX17122EVKIT+ is implemented using on-board RC networks tied to EN1, EN2, DLY1, DLY2, and DEL pins. EN1 controls step-down startup; EN2 enables step-up and charge-pump regulators after step-down soft-start completes; DLY1 sets delay before GATE activation; DLY2 delays GON startup after AVDD stabilization; and DEL configures RESET assertion timing. All timing constants are user-adjustable by replacing onboard capacitors, enabling precise validation of sequencing per LCD TV panel requirements.

Can the MAX17122EVKIT+ be used to evaluate the True Shutdown™ feature?

Yes, the MAX17122EVKIT+ directly supports evaluation of True Shutdown™ via the GATE pin. When enabled, GATE drives an external p-channel MOSFET (U3 on the board) to disconnect the step-up regulator output (AVDD) from its load. This provides true zero-current shutdown of the AVDD rail - confirmed by measuring <1µA leakage at AVDD under shutdown conditions. The MAX17122EVKIT+ schematic and layout preserve the low-inductance GATE drive path required for reliable MOSFET switching as defined in the MAX17122 datasheet.

What fault-protection features can be validated using the MAX17122EVKIT+?

The MAX17122EVKIT+ allows validation of three key fault-protection mechanisms: (1) Timed fault detection (50ms duration) and auto-restart (160ms recovery) across all regulators, triggered by FBx fault-trip levels; (2) Latched thermal shutdown at +160°C, verified by heating the IC and observing permanent output disable until power cycle; and (3) Dual power-good monitoring - RESET (for OUTB) and GPGD (for GON) - with configurable hysteresis and delay. These behaviors are observable at test points and match electrical characteristics tables in the MAX17122 datasheet.