Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX2900EVKIT#

Overview

MAX2900EVKIT# from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit for the MAX2900–MAX2904 family of 200mW single-chip ISM-band transmitters, supporting 868MHz and 915MHz operation with integrated VCO, 8-channel synthesizer, BPSK/ASK/OOK/FM modulation, and differential RF output. It enables rapid prototyping of low-power wireless systems requiring FCC Part 15.247 or ETSI EN 300-220 compliance.

For engineers reviewing the MAX2900EVKIT# datasheet, MAX2900EVKIT# pinout, MAX2900EVKIT# application, or MAX2900EVKIT# equivalent, this kit provides validated reference design, RF matching network, crystal oscillator interface, and full power/amplitude control via PWRSET, RLPF, and VASK-critical for metering, security, sensor, and building automation transceiver development.

Technical Context

The MAX2900EVKIT# implements the MAX2900 transmitter IC in a fully populated, tested PCB layout optimized for +23dBm output at 917.28MHz (U.S. band) or +14dBm at 868MHz (EU band), with external matching network, 14.56MHz or 13.78MHz crystal reference, and configurable modulation filter bandwidth (0.7–7MHz via RLPF). It supports all four power-up modes: shutdown, reference-only, synth, and transmit.

It exposes all critical analog and digital control pins-including VTUNE, MODIN, OOKIN, LD, D0–D2, REFEN, EN, PWRSET, and RLPF-and provides test points for RF-, RF+, VCO-, VCO+, REFOUT, and CPOUT to validate PLL lock, VCO phase noise (–101dBc/Hz @ 100kHz offset), spurious emissions (< –70dBc outside band), and OOK frequency pulling (60kHz peak).

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX2900EVKIT# is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automatic meter reading, wireless security systems, industrial sensor networks, and building automation applications requiring stable component supply, regulatory-compliant RF validation, and fast time-to-test.

Supply support for MAX2900EVKIT# 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 high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF ICs for industrial, communications, and consumer applications, with emphasis on integration, power efficiency, and system-level reliability.

The MAX2900EVKIT# belongs to Maxim's ISM-band RF transmitter evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate development of certified, low-cost, battery-operated wireless links in sub-GHz bands.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX2900EVKIT#?

The MAX2900EVKIT# is a fully assembled and tested evaluation kit for the MAX2900 transmitter IC. It provides a working reference design to validate RF performance-including output power (+23dBm), modulation fidelity (BPSK/OOK/ASK), spurious emissions (< –70dBc), and PLL lock behavior-under real-world conditions before custom board design. The MAX2900EVKIT# includes all necessary passive components, matching network, and test points for rapid characterization of the MAX2900ETI+ IC.

Which MAX2900–MAX2904 variants does the MAX2900EVKIT# support?

The MAX2900EVKIT# is specifically configured for the MAX2900ETI+, featuring its internal 8-channel synthesizer and 902–928MHz operation. While the board's pinout and power architecture are compatible with MAX2901/MAX2903 (dual-channel, LO outputs) and MAX2902/MAX2904 (off-chip synthesizer), the default crystal (14.56MHz), matching network, and firmware jumpers are optimized for MAX2900. Using other variants requires layout modification and recalibration per their respective frequency and synthesizer requirements.

How is RF output power adjusted on the MAX2900EVKIT#?

RF output power on the MAX2900EVKIT# is set by the external resistor on the PWRSET pin: 22kΩ yields +23dBm at 4.5V, 36kΩ yields +17dBm at 3.0V, and 51kΩ yields +14dBm at 3.0V. The kit includes solder pads and test points for easy resistor replacement. Power level is also affected by supply voltage (2.7–4.5V), matching network tuning, and modulation type-OOK duty cycle directly impacts average output, while ASK uses VASK voltage (0–2.1V) for up to 40dB gain control.

Does the MAX2900EVKIT# include a crystal oscillator or support external reference?

Yes, the MAX2900EVKIT# includes a 14.56MHz fundamental-mode crystal (Y1) for MAX2900/MAX2901/MAX2902 operation and provides pads for optional external reference input via REFIN. For MAX2903/MAX2904 (867–870MHz), a 13.78MHz crystal is required and must be substituted. The REFEN pin controls oscillator enable, and REFOUT delivers a buffered 100mVpp clock signal usable by companion receivers or logic circuits-enabling reference-only mode when EN = low and REFEN = high.

What modulation schemes can be validated using the MAX2900EVKIT#?

The MAX2900EVKIT# supports full validation of BPSK (via MODIN with PN sequence), OOK (via OOKIN digital input), ASK (via VASK analog voltage 0–2.1V), and FM (via VTUNE or REFIN direct modulation). The onboard modulation filter (RLPF = 68kΩ default) is tuned for 1.22Mbps BPSK; bandwidth is adjustable from 0.7MHz to 7MHz by changing RLPF. Test points for MODIN, OOKIN, VASK, and VTUNE allow injection of custom waveforms, and RF spectrum analysis confirms carrier suppression (>28dB), adjacent channel power ratio (–17dBc), and harmonic suppression (–50dBc at 2nd harmonic).