Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1932EVKIT

Overview

The MAX1932EVKIT from Maxim Integrated is a fully assembled and tested surface-mount evaluation kit for the MAX1932 step-up switching regulator with integrated 8-bit DAC and SPI-compatible serial interface. It delivers adjustable high-voltage output (40V–90V) at up to 2mA, accepts 4.5V–5.5V input (reconfigurable down to 3V), and includes overcurrent protection. It is used to evaluate high-voltage bias generation in photomultiplier tube (PMT) and avalanche photodiode (APD) power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the MAX1932EVKIT datasheet, MAX1932EVKIT pinout, MAX1932EVKIT application, or MAX1932EVKIT equivalent, this page provides verified board-level specifications, jumper configuration guidance, software interface details, and hardware reconfiguration options for PC-controlled or stand-alone microcontroller-based testing of the MAX1932 IC.

Technical Context

The MAX1932EVKIT implements a boost converter topology using the MAX1932ETC+ (12-pin thin QFN) and a MAX1841EUB+ level translator. It supports two operational modes: PC-controlled via DB-25 parallel port (using bit-banged SPI signals CLK_P/CS_P/DIN_P) or stand-alone via external microcontroller connected to CS/SCLK/DIN pads after jumper reconfiguration.

Output voltage range (40V–90V) is set by resistor divider network (R5/R6/R8); DAC code 0x01 yields ~90V, 0xFF yields ~40V. The board integrates current-limit protection, uses surface-mount components occupying <0.54in² PCB area, and operates across 0°C to +70°C ambient (PCB-limited).

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX1932EVKIT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for photomultiplier tube biasing, avalanche photodiode power supplies, and high-voltage sensor interface development requiring stable component supply and rapid functional validation.

Supply support for MAX1932EVKIT 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, communications, and sensing applications.

The MAX1932EVKIT belongs to Maxim's high-voltage evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate design-in of programmable boost regulators with integrated DAC control for optical sensor biasing and instrumentation-grade HV generation.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX1932EVKIT?

The MAX1932EVKIT is a fully assembled evaluation platform for the MAX1932 step-up switching regulator with integrated 8-bit DAC. Its primary function is to enable rapid validation of programmable high-voltage output (40V–90V) generation under PC or microcontroller control. The MAX1932EVKIT simplifies testing of biasing circuits for photomultiplier tubes and avalanche photodiodes without requiring custom PCB design or firmware development.

Can the MAX1932EVKIT operate without a Windows PC?

Yes, the MAX1932EVKIT supports stand-alone operation. By removing shunts from jumpers JU2–JU4 and cutting JU1, users isolate the MAX1841 level translator and connect an external microcontroller directly to the CS, SCLK, and DIN test pads on the board. This allows full SPI control of the MAX1932ETC+ without Windows software or parallel port dependency - the MAX1932EVKIT remains functional as a hardware reference design.

What output voltage ranges does the MAX1932EVKIT support beyond the default 40V–90V?

Beyond the default 40V–90V range, the MAX1932EVKIT can be reconfigured for 4.5V–15V, 4.5V–45V, or 20V–60V output ranges by replacing resistors R5, R6, and R8 with values specified in the MAX1932 data sheet. These alternate ranges retain the same 8-bit DAC control resolution and current capability (up to 2mA), enabling flexible adaptation to different sensor or detector requirements.

How is overcurrent protection implemented on the MAX1932EVKIT?

The MAX1932EVKIT implements overcurrent protection through the internal current-limit circuitry of the MAX1932ETC+ IC, which monitors switch current via the MOSFET N1 (BSS123_NL) and shuts down the regulator if threshold is exceeded. No external sense resistor or additional protection IC is required - the protection is inherent to the evaluated device and active during all operating modes of the MAX1932EVKIT.

Which software versions are compatible with the MAX1932EVKIT?

The MAX1932EVKIT ships with Windows 95/98/2000-compatible evaluation software that installs via INSTALL.EXE and provides a menu-driven GUI with SPI diagnostic utilities. While officially unsupported on modern OS versions, the software runs reliably under Windows XP compatibility mode and functions correctly when LPTCON.VXD is present in the executable directory - no drivers or .NET frameworks are required for basic MAX1932EVKIT operation.