Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX17544EVKITA#

Overview

MAX17544EVKITA# from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit for the MAX17544 4.5V–42V, 3.5A synchronous step-down DC-DC converter with integrated MOSFETs, peak-current-mode control, internal compensation, and programmable switching frequency (100kHz–2.2MHz). It supports 5V/3.5A and 3.3V/3.5A output configurations and enables validation of industrial power supplies, base station rails, and high-voltage single-board systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX17544EVKITA# datasheet, MAX17544EVKITA# pinout, MAX17544EVKITA# application, or MAX17544EVKITA# equivalent, this kit provides verified reference design implementation, thermal performance characterization, efficiency vs. load testing across PWM/PFM/DCM modes, and RESET/EN/UVLO threshold validation under -40°C to +125°C ambient conditions.

Technical Context

The MAX17544EVKITA# implements the MAX17544 IC in a fully assembled, tested TQFN-20 (5mm × 5mm) layout with optimized component selection: 10µH shielded inductor, all-ceramic input/output capacitors (2.2µF ×2 VIN, 22µF ×2 VOUT), 0.1µF BST capacitor, and precision feedback resistors (R3 = 100kΩ, R4 = 22.1kΩ) for 5V output. It supports external synchronization via SYNC pin and adjustable soft-start via SS-to-SGND capacitor.

It validates key operational behaviors including monotonic startup into prebiased loads, hiccup-mode overcurrent protection (32,768-cycle timeout), RESET assertion at 92% VFB_REG (±1.1%), and thermal shutdown at +165°C with 10°C hysteresis - all under real-world PCB thermal constraints using the exposed pad connected to SGND with thermal vias.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX17544EVKITA# is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply validation, base station power rail prototyping, and high-voltage single-board system development requiring stable component supply, documented thermal performance, and production-ready layout practices.

Supply support for MAX17544EVKITA# 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 high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications applications.

The MAX17544EVKITA# belongs to Maxim's high-voltage DC-DC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate design-in of robust, wide-input-range buck converters for harsh-environment power systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX17544EVKITA# evaluation kit?

The MAX17544EVKITA# is a fully assembled evaluation board designed to demonstrate and validate the MAX17544 4.5V–42V, 3.5A synchronous step-down DC-DC converter. It provides immediate hardware reference for efficiency measurement, thermal profiling, mode-switching behavior (PWM/PFM/DCM), RESET timing, and EN/UVLO threshold tuning - all using the production-grade TQFN-20 package and layout guidelines specified in the MAX17544 datasheet.

Does the MAX17544EVKITA# support adjustable output voltage?

Yes, the MAX17544EVKITA# supports adjustable output voltage via the FB resistor divider. The default configuration delivers 5V (R3 = 100kΩ, R4 = 22.1kΩ), but users can replace R4 to set other outputs from 0.9V up to 0.9 × VIN. The board maintains ±1.1% FB regulation accuracy across -40°C to +125°C, matching the MAX17544 IC's specified performance.

Can the MAX17544EVKITA# be synchronized to an external clock source?

Yes, the MAX17544EVKITA# includes a dedicated SYNC pin that accepts external clock signals between 1.1× and 1.4× the programmed switching frequency (e.g., 550kHz–700kHz for default 500kHz operation). The board routes SYNC with controlled impedance and low-noise grounding to ensure reliable synchronization without jitter or phase drift - critical for multi-rail power systems requiring deterministic timing.

How does the MAX17544EVKITA# handle overcurrent and thermal faults?

The MAX17544EVKITA# demonstrates the MAX17544's full fault-protection suite: cycle-by-cycle peak current limiting (5.1A typ), runaway current detection (5.7A typ), hiccup-mode timeout (32,768 cycles), and thermal shutdown at +165°C with 10°C hysteresis. These protections are validated on the board using real short-circuit and overload transients, with thermal imaging confirming safe junction temperature margins under continuous 3.5A load at +70°C ambient.

Is the MAX17544EVKITA# compatible with prebiased output startup?

Yes, the MAX17544EVKITA# validates monotonic startup into prebiased outputs - a key requirement for hot-swap and redundant power systems. When powered with an existing 5V rail present, the board suppresses reverse current flow by holding both high-side and low-side MOSFETs off until the internal PWM comparator initiates controlled ramp-up, preventing output voltage collapse or bus contention during system insertion.