Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX17598EVKIT#

Overview

MAX17598EVKIT# from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit for the MAX17598 active clamp current-mode PWM controller, designed to accelerate development of isolated/non-isolated forward-converter power supplies operating from universal AC (85–265V_AC rectified) or telecom DC (36–72V_DC) inputs. It supports programmable 100kHz–1MHz switching frequency, zero-voltage switching (ZVS) via adjustable dead time, and integrated soft-start/soft-stop for controlled clamp capacitor discharge.

For engineers reviewing the MAX17598EVKIT# datasheet, MAX17598EVKIT# pinout, MAX17598EVKIT# application, or MAX17598EVKIT# equivalent, this kit enables rapid validation of active-clamp forward topology performance-including efficiency optimization, EMI reduction via frequency dithering, input UVLO/OVI protection tuning, and thermal shutdown behavior-under real-world load transients and startup/brownout conditions.

Technical Context

The MAX17598EVKIT# implements a complete active-clamp forward converter reference design centered on the MAX17598 IC, which integrates dual gate drivers (NDRV for main switch, AUXDRV for clamp MOSFET), programmable oscillator (RT pin), dead-time control (DT pin), and slope compensation (SLOPE pin). Its board-level implementation validates ZVS operation by coordinating NDRV and AUXDRV timing with user-adjustable dead time (25–250 ns range).

Key validated subsystems include the 7.4V internal LDO (VDRV) powering gate drivers, EN/UVLO and OVI resistive divider interfaces for input voltage supervision, and SS capacitor-based soft-start/soft-stop sequencing. The kit reproduces all critical electrical characteristics from the MAX17598 datasheet-including 305mV peak-current-limit threshold, 72.5% max duty cycle, and -102mV reverse-current limit-under -40°C to +125°C operating conditions.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX17598EVKIT# is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom power supply qualification, industrial forward-converter prototyping, and server PSU reference design validation requiring stable component supply and full-feature evaluation support.

Supply support for MAX17598EVKIT# 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 ICs for industrial, communications, and computing applications.

The MAX17598EVKIT# belongs to Maxim's high-efficiency power controller evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to demonstrate active-clamp forward converter advantages-including reduced switch stress, smaller magnetics, and higher efficiency versus passive reset topologies-in demanding industrial and telecom power systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX17598EVKIT#?

The MAX17598EVKIT# is an evaluation kit that implements a fully assembled, tested active-clamp forward converter reference design using the MAX17598 PWM controller. It enables engineers to validate key performance metrics-including efficiency, EMI behavior, ZVS operation, startup sequencing, and protection responses-without designing custom hardware. The kit directly supports evaluation of the MAX17598's core features such as programmable dead time, frequency dithering, and soft-stop functionality.

Does the MAX17598EVKIT# support both MAX17598 and MAX17599 controllers?

No-the MAX17598EVKIT# is specifically configured for the MAX17598 controller, which targets universal AC (85–265V_AC rectified) and telecom DC (36–72V_DC) input ranges. It is not compatible with the MAX17599, which is optimized for low-voltage industrial supplies (4.5–36V_DC) and features different UVLO thresholds, VDRV output (4.9V vs. 7.4V), and absolute maximum ratings. Using a MAX17599 on this board would violate input voltage and driver voltage specifications.

How does the MAX17598EVKIT# demonstrate zero-voltage switching (ZVS)?

The MAX17598EVKIT# demonstrates ZVS by leveraging the MAX17598's programmable dead time between NDRV (main switch driver) and AUXDRV (clamp switch driver). Through the DT pin resistor, users adjust dead time (25–250 ns) to ensure the clamp switch turns on before the main switch turns off-allowing resonant energy transfer that reduces voltage stress across the main MOSFET during turn-on. This behavior is observable on the board's test points using oscilloscope measurements of V_DS and gate drive waveforms.

Can the MAX17598EVKIT# be used to evaluate input overvoltage (OVI) and undervoltage (UVLO) protection?

Yes-the MAX17598EVKIT# provides accessible test points and jumper options to configure and verify both EN/UVLO and OVI functions per the MAX17598 datasheet. Users can adjust resistor dividers on the EN/UVLO and OVI pins to set custom startup voltage (e.g., 20V rising threshold for MAX17598) and overvoltage trip point (e.g., 1.21V at OVI pin), then observe hard shutdown and soft-start recovery behavior under controlled input voltage ramping or fault injection.

What thermal protection features are validated on the MAX17598EVKIT#?

The MAX17598EVKIT# validates the MAX17598's thermal shutdown feature, which triggers at 160°C junction temperature with 20°C hysteresis. During overload or high-ambient testing, the kit exhibits automatic shutdown followed by safe restart after cooling-confirming proper thermal sensor response, hiccup mode coordination, and soft-start reinitialization. This behavior is consistent with the MAX17598's specified thermal protection architecture and ensures reliable operation in enclosed industrial environments.