Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX25405EVKIT#

Overview

MAX25405EVKIT# from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit designed to demonstrate the MAX25405 optical IR sensor in gesture and proximity-sensing applications for automotive infotainment systems. It integrates a MAX32620FTHR ARM Cortex-M4F microcontroller, interface shield, and sensor board with a 6×10 IR pixel array, four PWM-controlled IR LEDs (SFH 4248/SFH 4249), and supports hand swipe (left/right/up/down), rotation (clockwise/counter-clockwise), air click, and linger-to-click gestures.

For engineers reviewing the MAX25405EVKIT# datasheet, MAX25405EVKIT# pinout, MAX25405EVKIT# application, or MAX25405EVKIT# equivalent, this kit enables rapid validation of IR-based touchless UI performance under ambient light up to 120kLux, AEC-Q100-compliant operation from –40°C to +85°C, and real-time heat map and gesture classification via Windows GUI.

Technical Context

The MAX25405EVKIT# implements a complete embedded gesture recognition system: the MAX32620FTHR MCU configures the MAX25405 sensor over I²C or SPI, processes raw 60-pixel IR frames, executes on-device gesture algorithms, and streams results via USB serial to the PC GUI. The sensor board uses external SQ1912EH N-channel FETs to drive four discrete IR emitters with precise PWM timing.

System-level functionality includes ambient light rejection (sunlight fault detection), dynamic frame-rate control (FPS configurable in GUI), and hardware interrupt-driven gesture event reporting via INTB signal. Power delivery is split: 3.3V for logic and 1.8V LDO output for sensor core, with all decoupling capacitors (10µF, 2.2µF, 1µF, 0.1µF) placed per layout-verified placement rules on the 4-layer PCB.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX25405EVKIT# is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive HMI development, infotainment system prototyping, and touchless UI validation requiring stable component supply, repeatable gesture accuracy, and production-intent sensor placement geometry.

Supply support for MAX25405EVKIT# 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 automotive, industrial, and communications applications.

The MAX25405EVKIT# belongs to Maxim's automotive optical sensing product line, engineered specifically to accelerate development of AEC-Q100-compliant, sunlight-robust, touchless human-machine interfaces for center console and dashboard integration.

FAQ

What does the MAX25405EVKIT# evaluate and how is it configured?

The MAX25405EVKIT# evaluates the MAX25405 optical IR gesture sensor IC. It consists of three physical boards: the MAX25405 sensor board with 6×10 IR pixel array and four OSRAM IR LEDs, an interface shield board, and the MAX32620FTHR microcontroller platform. Communication between the MCU and MAX25405 is configurable as I²C or SPI via jumper SEL. The MAX25405EVKIT# ships fully assembled and tested with included 3.3V power supply and USB cable.

Does the MAX25405EVKIT# require driver installation on Windows?

Yes, the MAX25405EVKIT# requires driver installation on Windows PCs. During setup, the MaximGestureSensorEVKit_SetupVx-x-x.exe installer deploys both the GUI application and the virtual COM port driver. Once installed, the device appears in Device Manager under "Ports" as "Maxim Serial Port" and connects automatically at 115200 baud. Failure to install the driver results in "COM Port Offline" error in the GUI.

How is firmware updated on the MAX25405EVKIT#?

Firmware updates target the MAX32620FTHR microcontroller. To update, connect the board via USB, enter bootloader mode by holding BOOT while pressing RESET, then release BOOT. The board mounts as a "BOOTLOADER" drive. Drag the new .bin file into that drive - the onboard LEDs blink during programming. After blinking stops, press RESET or reconnect USB to launch the updated firmware. The MAX25405 sensor firmware itself is not field-updatable; only the host MCU firmware is modifiable.

What gesture types are supported and how are they validated on the MAX25405EVKIT#?

The MAX25405EVKIT# validates five gesture types: left/right/up/down swipes, clockwise/counter-clockwise rotations, air click, wave, and proximity-based linger-to-click. Validation occurs in real time via the Windows GUI's Gesture tab, which displays icon feedback (chevrons, dials, filled circles), FPS counter, and position tracking. Correct execution requires unobstructed ±20° FOV, horizontal sensor orientation, and natural hand motion - e.g., palm perpendicular for swipes, two-finger 10cm-diameter circle for rotations.

Can the MAX25405EVKIT# operate under strong ambient light such as direct sunlight?

Yes, the MAX25405EVKIT# incorporates active sunlight rejection. When intense direct sunlight is detected, the MAX25405 sensor enters a fault state labeled "Sunlight Rejection" in the GUI, temporarily halting frame processing to prevent false positives. This behavior is algorithmically enforced and automatically clears once sunlight is removed. The system maintains functional integrity at ambient light levels up to 120kLux, verified per the MAX25405 datasheet and EV kit test reports.