Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1818EVKIT

Overview

MAX1818EVKIT from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit for the MAX1818 family of low-dropout linear regulators, configured with a fixed +1.8V output and capable of delivering up to 500mA from a +2.5V to +5.5V input. It features Power-OK monitoring, shutdown control via JU1 jumper, and surface-mount construction on a fully assembled PCB.

For engineers reviewing the MAX1818EVKIT datasheet, MAX1818EVKIT pinout, MAX1818EVKIT application, or MAX1818EVKIT equivalent, this kit supports rapid validation of LDO performance, adjustable voltage evaluation (via external resistors), shutdown behavior, POK signal timing, and regulator stability under load across industrial and portable power supply designs.

Technical Context

The MAX1818EVKIT implements the MAX1818EUT18 - a 6-pin SOT23 LDO with 1.25V internal reference, 93% POK threshold, and 0.1µA typical quiescent current in shutdown. It operates over 0°C to +70°C and supports evaluation of five additional fixed-output variants (+1.5V, +2.0V, +2.5V, +3.3V, +5.0V) by IC substitution.

Board-level design includes ceramic input/output capacitors (1µF/4.7µF), a 100kΩ feedback resistor (R3), and configurable jumper JU1 for enable/shutdown control. No soldering is required for default +1.8V operation.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX1818EVKIT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power management validation, LDO selection testing, and low-voltage rail qualification requiring stable component supply in prototyping, design verification, and production ramp-up phases.

Supply support for MAX1818EVKIT 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 analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for precision, efficiency, and integration-critical applications.

The MAX1818 product line delivers compact, low-quiescent-current LDOs optimized for battery-powered and space-constrained systems where regulated 1.25V–5.0V outputs and reliable Power-OK signaling are essential.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX1818EVKIT?

The MAX1818EVKIT is a fully assembled evaluation platform for the MAX1818 series of low-dropout linear regulators. It provides immediate +1.8V output at up to 500mA from a +2.5V–+5.5V input, enabling functional validation of regulation accuracy, load transient response, shutdown behavior, and Power-OK assertion without design-in effort. The MAX1818EVKIT includes all necessary passives and jumpers for out-of-box testing.

Can the MAX1818EVKIT be used to evaluate other output voltages besides +1.8V?

Yes - the MAX1818EVKIT supports adjustable output voltages from +1.25V to +5.0V using external feedback resistors R1 and R2, per the formula VOUT = 1.25V × (1 + R1/R2). It also evaluates five additional fixed-output variants (MAX1818EUT15/20/25/33/50) by replacing U1; Table 2 in the MAX1818EVKIT documentation maps each suffix to its corresponding output voltage.

How does the Power-OK (POK) signal work on the MAX1818EVKIT?

The POK signal on the MAX1818EVKIT is an open-drain, active-low output that goes low when VOUT falls below 93% of its nominal value (e.g., <1.674V for +1.8V output). This threshold is factory-trimmed and temperature-compensated. The POK pin connects directly to U1's POK terminal and requires an external pull-up resistor for proper logic-level interfacing in host systems.

What is the role of jumper JU1 on the MAX1818EVKIT?

Jumper JU1 configures the SHDN pin of the MAX1818EUT18. With shunt across pins 1–2, the regulator is enabled (VOUT = +1.8V). With shunt across pins 2–3, SHDN is grounded and the device enters shutdown (quiescent current ≈ 0.1µA). Leaving JU1 unshunted allows connection of an external TTL/CMOS control signal to the SHDN pad for programmable enable/disable sequencing.

Is the MAX1818EVKIT RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes - the MAX1818EVKIT uses RoHS-compliant, lead-free surface-mount components including the MAX1818EUT18 in 6-pin SOT23 package, Taiyo Yuden and TDK ceramic capacitors, and standard 0603 resistors. Board finish and assembly processes meet JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity and reflow profile requirements for lead-free soldering.