Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX17632C5EVKIT#

Overview

MAX17632C5EVKIT# from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit for the MAX17632C adjustable-output synchronous step-down DC-DC converter, supporting 4.5V–36V input and delivering up to 2A at user-configurable output voltages (0.9V to 90% of VIN). It implements peak-current-mode control with selectable PWM/DCM/PFM operation, features internal compensation, and targets industrial point-of-load regulation in high-voltage single-board systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX17632C5EVKIT# datasheet, MAX17632C5EVKIT# pinout, MAX17632C5EVKIT# application, or MAX17632C5EVKIT# equivalent, this kit enables rapid validation of MAX17632C performance-including soft-start behavior with prebiased outputs, external clock synchronization (400kHz–2.2MHz), hiccup-mode overload protection, and RESET assertion based on FB voltage thresholds-under real-world thermal and load-transient conditions.

Technical Context

The MAX17632C5EVKIT# implements the full reference design for the MAX17632C IC, including a 10µH power inductor, 22µF output capacitor (X7R, 1210), 2.2µF VCC bypass, 0.1µF BST capacitor, and 5600pF soft-start capacitor. It supports all three operating modes via MODE/SYNC pin configuration and allows frequency tuning via RT resistor or external clock injection.

Designed for evaluation of the MAX17632C's adjustable-output capability, the kit includes test points for VIN, VOUT, EN/UVLO, SS, FB, MODE/SYNC, RT, RESET, and LX, plus solder jumpers for EN/UVLO biasing and RESET pull-up selection. Thermal performance is validated using a four-layer board layout matching land pattern 90-0032 and TQFN-16 (3mm × 3mm) footprint.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX17632C5EVKIT# is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control power supplies, distributed supply regulation, base station power supplies, and high-voltage single-board systems requiring stable component supply and fast evaluation turnaround.

Supply support for MAX17632C5EVKIT# 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 and mixed-signal semiconductor solutions for industrial, automotive, communications, and computing applications.

The MAX17632 product line delivers high-efficiency, high-voltage synchronous buck conversion for demanding industrial environments - emphasizing robustness (hiccup OCP, -40°C to +125°C operation), flexibility (adjustable output, multi-mode control), and minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX17632C5EVKIT#?

The MAX17632C5EVKIT# is a fully assembled evaluation platform for the MAX17632C synchronous step-down DC-DC converter. It enables engineers to validate key performance metrics-including efficiency across load and input voltage ranges, transient response, soft-start behavior with prebiased outputs, RESET timing, and external clock synchronization-without designing a custom PCB. The kit uses the exact 16-pin TQFN package and layout recommended in Maxim's datasheet.

Does the MAX17632C5EVKIT# support all three operating modes (PWM, DCM, PFM)?

Yes, the MAX17632C5EVKIT# supports all three modes via the MODE/SYNC pin: connect to SGND for forced PWM, leave open for PFM (pulse-skipping), or tie to VCC for DCM. The kit includes test points and jumpers to configure each mode, and its layout preserves signal integrity for accurate light-load efficiency measurement in PFM/DCM-critical for battery-backed or low-power industrial nodes where the MAX17632C operates.

Can the MAX17632C5EVKIT# be used to evaluate adjustable output voltages?

Yes - the MAX17632C5EVKIT# is specifically configured for the MAX17632C variant, which supports adjustable output from 0.9V up to 90% of VIN. The kit includes a resistor-divider network on the FB node that can be modified to set target output voltages (e.g., 3.3V, 5V, or custom values), and it validates regulation accuracy (±1.2%), line/load regulation, and stability across the full range using the internal compensation architecture.

What thermal performance data is validated by the MAX17632C5EVKIT#?

The MAX17632C5EVKIT# uses a four-layer PCB matching Maxim's land pattern 90-0032 and validates thermal performance per θJA = 38°C/W and θJC = 10°C/W. It demonstrates continuous 2A operation at +70°C ambient with proper airflow, and confirms thermal shutdown activation at +165°C junction temperature with 10°C hysteresis - directly supporting thermal design validation for industrial applications where the MAX17632C must operate reliably from -40°C to +125°C ambient.

Is external clock synchronization tested on the MAX17632C5EVKIT#?

Yes - the MAX17632C5EVKIT# includes dedicated SYNC input circuitry and test points to inject external clock signals from 1.1× to 1.4× the nominal switching frequency. Oscilloscope waveforms in the MAX17632 datasheet (e.g., Figures toc57–toc62) were captured using this kit, confirming jitter-free synchronization, stable phase alignment, and seamless frequency capture - essential for noise-sensitive systems like base stations or precision instrumentation where the MAX17632C must avoid EMI peaks.