Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX17505EVKITA#

Overview

MAX17505EVKITA# from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit for the MAX17505 high-efficiency, 4.5V–60V input, 1.7A synchronous step-down DC-DC converter with internal compensation and peak-current-mode control. It supports PWM/DCM/PFM operation modes, delivers 0.9V–90%VIN output, and features programmable soft-start, EN/UVLO, and open-drain RESET. Designed for industrial power supplies and high-voltage point-of-load applications.

For engineers reviewing the MAX17505EVKITA# datasheet, MAX17505EVKITA# pinout, MAX17505EVKITA# application, or MAX17505EVKITA# equivalent, this kit enables rapid validation of the MAX17505's performance across input ranges (12V–48V), load conditions (0–1.7A), switching frequencies (100kHz–2.2MHz), thermal behavior (–40°C to +125°C ambient), and mode transitions (PWM/DCM/PFM).

Technical Context

The MAX17505EVKITA# implements a complete reference design for the MAX17505 IC, including optimized 20-pin TQFN (4mm × 4mm) layout, integrated dual MOSFETs (R_DS-ONH = 325mΩ, R_DS-ONL = 150mΩ), and all-ceramic external component set (8 total). It validates the IC's internal compensation across 0.9V–5V outputs and demonstrates hiccup-mode current limiting with 2.8A peak threshold.

It supports full functional verification of MODE pin configuration (SGND = PWM, open = PFM, VCC = DCM), RT resistor-based frequency setting (40.2kΩ = 500kHz), and SYNC input synchronization (±40% capture range). The board includes prepopulated components for EN/UVLO threshold programming, soft-start timing (5600pF), BST capacitor (0.1µF), and feedback divider.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX17505EVKITA# is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, base station power supplies, and high-voltage single-board systems requiring stable component supply and fast prototyping support.

Supply support for MAX17505EVKITA# 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) designs precision analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications applications.

The MAX17505 product line targets high-input-voltage DC-DC conversion in space-constrained industrial systems, emphasizing wide VIN range, internal compensation, and multi-mode efficiency optimization without external loop components.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX17505EVKITA# evaluation kit?

The MAX17505EVKITA# is a fully assembled and tested evaluation platform for the MAX17505 synchronous step-down DC-DC converter. It enables engineers to validate key performance metrics-including efficiency (up to 92% at 1.7A), load/line regulation, soft-start behavior, RESET assertion timing, and mode-switching transitions-without designing custom hardware. The kit includes all necessary passive components, test points, and jumper-configurable settings for immediate bench testing of the MAX17505 IC.

Does the MAX17505EVKITA# support both MAX17505 and MAX17505S ICs?

No, the MAX17505EVKITA# is specifically designed and validated for the MAX17505 IC. While physically compatible due to identical 20-pin TQFN packaging, it does not support the MAX17505S variant's lower minimum on-time (55ns vs. 135ns) or higher-frequency operation beyond 2.2MHz. The board's component values-including inductor, input/output capacitors, and compensation network-are optimized for the MAX17505's electrical characteristics and thermal profile.

What input voltage and output configurations are pre-tested on the MAX17505EVKITA#?

The MAX17505EVKITA# has been pre-tested per Maxim's EV kit documentation with four standard configurations: 5V output from 12V/24V/36V/48V inputs (Figure 3), 3.3V output from same inputs (Figure 4), and two additional 5V/3.3V variants using the MAX17505S layout (Figures 5 & 6, not applicable to this kit). All tests confirm ±1.1% FB regulation accuracy, <100mV output ripple under 1.7A load, and stable operation across –40°C to +125°C ambient.

How is switching frequency configured on the MAX17505EVKITA#?

Switching frequency on the MAX17505EVKITA# is set either by populating the RT resistor (default 40.2kΩ for 500kHz) or applying an external clock to the SYNC pin. The kit supports synchronization within ±40% of the nominal f_SW, enabling noise-sensitive system-level timing alignment. Frequency range spans 100kHz (R_RT = 210kΩ) to 2.2MHz (R_RT = 8.06kΩ), with validated waveforms showing clean LX node transitions and minimal jitter in both PWM and DCM modes.

What safety and protection features can be verified using the MAX17505EVKITA#?

Using the MAX17505EVKITA#, engineers can verify hiccup-mode overcurrent protection (trip at 2.8A peak, runaway at 3.4A), thermal shutdown (165°C junction, 10°C hysteresis), output undervoltage detection (RESET asserts when FB falls below 92% V_FB-REG), and EN/UVLO turn-on threshold (1.215V rising, 1.09V falling). All protections are observable via test points and oscilloscope measurements on the RESET, EN/UVLO, and LX nodes during fault injection.