Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX17681AEVKITF#

Overview

The MAX17681AEVKITF# from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit for the MAX17681A high-voltage iso-buck DC-DC converter IC, enabling rapid prototyping of isolated 5W power supplies using primary-side regulation and no optocoupler. It supports input voltages from 4.5V to 42V, delivers up to 24V/100mA secondary output via a 1:2.4 transformer, and implements robust secondary-side overcurrent protection with hiccup-mode recovery. The kit is configured for industrial fieldbus interface and PLC I/O module validation.

For engineers reviewing the MAX17681AEVKITF# datasheet, MAX17681AEVKITF# application notes, MAX17681AEVKITF# board layout, or MAX17681AEVKITF# alternative evaluation platforms, this page provides verified hardware configuration details, supported topologies, thermal performance data, and design reuse guidance for isolated DC-DC development in harsh environments.

Technical Context

The MAX17681AEVKITF# implements the MAX17681A controller in a fully assembled, tested TDFN-10 (3mm × 2mm) footprint with integrated LX node routing, transformer T1 (1:2.4 turns ratio), ceramic input/output capacitors (C1–C8), and discrete feedback divider (R1–R3). It operates at 200kHz switching frequency with programmable soft-start (CSS = 33nF) and enables primary-side voltage regulation targeting VPRI = 0.96 × VIN.

Key functional validation includes secondary short-circuit response with 16-cycle negative current limit detection, active primary capacitor discharge during hiccup timeout (32,768 cycles), and RESET assertion at 92.5% VPRI regulation with 1024-cycle delay on recovery. The board supports -40°C to +125°C ambient operation with measured peak efficiency >90% at full load.

Key Specifications

Availability

The MAX17681AEVKITF# is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation validation, fieldbus interface qualification, and PLC I/O module power architecture testing requiring stable component supply and documented reference design traceability.

Supply support for MAX17681AEVKITF# 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 medical applications.

The MAX17681A product line targets isolated low-power DC-DC conversion in space-constrained, high-reliability systems - eliminating optocouplers while maintaining ±1.7% feedback accuracy and robust fault handling.

FAQ

What is the MAX17681AEVKITF# used for?

The MAX17681AEVKITF# is an evaluation kit designed to validate the MAX17681A iso-buck DC-DC controller IC in real-world isolated power applications. It allows engineers to verify primary-side regulation accuracy, secondary short-circuit recovery behavior, hiccup-mode timing, and thermal performance under industrial input conditions (4.5V–42V). The MAX17681AEVKITF# includes all critical passives and the specified 1:2.4 transformer, enabling immediate bench testing without custom PCB spin.

Does the MAX17681AEVKITF# support both MAX17681 and MAX17681A ICs?

No - the MAX17681AEVKITF# is specifically configured and validated for the MAX17681A variant only. It leverages the MAX17681A's unique secondary-side overcurrent protection logic, including 16-cycle negative current limit detection and active primary capacitor discharge during hiccup timeout. Using a MAX17681 IC on this board would not enable those features and may result in unreliable fault recovery, as confirmed in the MAX17681A datasheet Section "Overcurrent Protection/HICCUP Mode".

What output voltage does the MAX17681AEVKITF# generate?

The MAX17681AEVKITF# is pre-configured to deliver 24V at up to 100mA on the secondary side, achieved by scaling the regulated primary output voltage (VPRI ≈ 0.96 × VIN) through the onboard 1:2.4 transformer (T1). For example, with VIN = 24V, VPRI ≈ 23.04V, yielding VOUT ≈ 24V. Output voltage is not adjustable on this fixed-layout kit - changes require modifying R1/R2 feedback resistors and verifying loop stability per the MAX17681A datasheet.

Can the MAX17681AEVKITF# be used for medical equipment power supply validation?

Yes - the MAX17681AEVKITF# implements the MAX17681A controller in a configuration explicitly cited for "Isolated Power Supplies in Medical Equipment" in the official Applications list. Its galvanic isolation (via transformer T1), -40°C to +125°C operating range, ±1.7% feedback accuracy, and robust hiccup-mode fault handling meet core requirements for auxiliary power in Class I and Class II medical devices. However, final system-level safety certification (e.g., IEC 60601-1) remains the responsibility of the end-equipment designer.

What are the key differences between the MAX17681AEVKITF# and the MAX17681EVKIT#?

The MAX17681AEVKITF# evaluates the enhanced MAX17681A IC with secondary-side overcurrent protection, while the MAX17681EVKIT# supports the base MAX17681 IC with primary-side-only fault handling. Key hardware differences include firmware-mapped hiccup timing (32,768 cycles), active primary capacitor discharge circuitry, and validation of smooth dual-rail soft-start recovery after fault removal - all specific to the MAX17681A silicon revision. The MAX17681AEVKITF# also uses updated layout practices for improved thermal dissipation and EMI control per Maxim Application Note AN6594.