Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX2116EVKIT+

Overview

MAX2116EVKIT+ from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit for the MAX2116 direct-conversion DBS tuner IC, enabling rapid prototyping of satellite TV and VSAT receiver front-ends. It supports 850MHz–2175MHz RF input, provides single-ended I/Q baseband outputs (800mV_P-P), integrates monolithic VCOs and a full I²C-programmable synthesizer, and targets DVB/DSS/Internet-through-satellite systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX2116EVKIT+ datasheet, MAX2116EVKIT+ pinout, MAX2116EVKIT+ application, or MAX2116EVKIT+ equivalent, this kit delivers validated reference design, calibrated RF performance, and complete register-level control over gain, filter bandwidth (4–33MHz), LO phase noise (–99dBc/Hz @100kHz offset), and multi-tuner I²C addressing - critical for DBS tuner module development and production validation.

Technical Context

The MAX2116EVKIT+ implements the MAX2116 IC in a fully populated, impedance-matched PCB layout with calibrated RF input path (75Ω differential RFIN±), low-noise power regulation (VCCRF1/VCCRF2/VCCLO/VCCVCO/VCCCPX/VCCDIG/VCCBB), and buffered crystal oscillator (XTAL+/XTAL− → XTALOUT). It includes on-board 0.1µF IDC±/QDC± DC-offset correction caps and 0.22µF LOFLT/CFLT bypass capacitors per datasheet recommendations.

It enables full functional validation of the MAX2116's dual-stage gain control (60dB RF VGA + 24dB baseband VGA), 7th-order programmable Butterworth LPF (M/FDAC-controlled), quadrature accuracy (≤4° phase error, ≤1.2dB gain error), and I²C interface (400kHz fast mode, 8 selectable addresses via AS2/AS1/AS0) - all operating across 0°C to +85°C.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX2116EVKIT+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DBS tuner development, VSAT receiver qualification, and satellite Internet modem design requiring stable component supply, reference-grade RF validation, and production-ready register configuration support.

Supply support for MAX2116EVKIT+ 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF solutions for communications, industrial, and consumer applications.

The MAX2116EVKIT+ belongs to Maxim's DBS tuner evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate time-to-market for satellite receiver front-end designs by delivering fully characterized, production-representative hardware with documented register maps and RF calibration data.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX2116EVKIT+?

The MAX2116EVKIT+ is an evaluation kit for the MAX2116 direct-conversion satellite tuner IC. It provides a fully assembled, tested PCB that implements all recommended decoupling, matching, and biasing networks per the MAX2116 datasheet. Engineers use it to validate RF performance (e.g., IIP3, NF, LO leakage), configure the I²C interface, tune baseband filters, and verify interoperability with QPSK/8-PSK demodulators before custom board design. The MAX2116EVKIT+ itself contains no active logic - it is a hardware reference platform for the MAX2116 IC.

Does the MAX2116EVKIT+ support both MAX2116 and MAX2118 ICs?

No - the MAX2116EVKIT+ is specifically configured for the MAX2116 IC, which features single-ended I/Q baseband outputs. The MAX2118 uses differential outputs (IOUT±/QOUT±) and requires different termination and measurement setup. Maxim offers separate evaluation kits for each variant: MAX2116EVKIT+ for MAX2116 and MAX2118EVKIT+ for MAX2118. Using the MAX2116EVKIT+ with a MAX2118 IC would result in incorrect signal levels, mismatched impedance, and invalid DC offset correction due to differing pin functions and output architectures.

What RF input configuration does the MAX2116EVKIT+ support?

The MAX2116EVKIT+ supports 75Ω differential RF input via RFIN+ and RFIN− pins, with onboard 22pF AC-coupling capacitors and internal 75Ω termination. For single-ended operation, the user must externally terminate the unused input (e.g., RFIN−) with a 75Ω resistor to ground through a 22pF capacitor, as specified in the MAX2116 datasheet. The board does not include switchable input modes - its RF path is fixed per the MAX2116's recommended layout, ensuring repeatable return loss (>13.5dB across 850–2175MHz) and minimal LO leakage (<–63dBm).

How is the baseband lowpass filter bandwidth controlled on the MAX2116EVKIT+?

Filter bandwidth on the MAX2116EVKIT+ is controlled entirely through the MAX2116 IC's internal registers - not hardware jumpers or resistors. Users program the M divider (Byte 02, bits R2–R0) and FDAC value (Byte 03, bits F6–F0) via the I²C interface to set the 7th-order Butterworth LPF –3dB cutoff frequency from 4MHz to 33MHz using the formula f_3dB = f_XTAL/M × (4 + 0.145 × FDAC). The MAX2116EVKIT+ includes a 4MHz crystal, and default register settings yield ~25MHz bandwidth. Real-time adjustment is possible during operation without hardware changes.

Can the MAX2116EVKIT+ be used for production deployment?

No - the MAX2116EVKIT+ is strictly an evaluation and development tool, not a production-ready module. It lacks environmental hardening (e.g., conformal coating), has non-optimized thermal vias, uses through-hole test points unsuitable for automated assembly, and does not meet regulatory certifications (FCC/CE) as a standalone unit. Its purpose is functional verification, register tuning, and RF characterization. For production, designers must implement the MAX2116 IC on a custom PCB following Maxim's layout guidelines, thermal recommendations, and ESD protection requirements - referencing the MAX2116EVKIT+ as a proven implementation baseline.