Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX31331SHLD#

Overview

MAX31331SHLD# from Analog Devices is a fully assembled and tested Arduino/Mbed-compatible shield evaluation kit designed to evaluate the MAX31331 ultra-low-power real-time clock (RTC) IC. It supports single-supply operation from +1.1V to +5.5V, integrates an onboard 32.768kHz crystal, and enables I²C-based configuration and monitoring of timekeeping, alarms, timestamping, and power management functions via a GUI-controlled MAX32625PICO interface.

For engineers reviewing the MAX31331SHLD# datasheet, MAX31331SHLD# pinout, MAX31331SHLD# application, or MAX31331SHLD# equivalent, this kit provides hands-on validation of RTC accuracy, 65nA timekeeping current, dual alarm interrupts (INTA/INTB), programmable CLKOUT, event timestamping, and VBAT backup switchover - all critical for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes, portable medical devices, and industrial logging systems.

Technical Context

The MAX31331SHLD# implements a hardware-accelerated evaluation platform for the MAX31331 RTC, leveraging a MAX32625PICO microcontroller board as its I²C host controller and USB bridge. It supports dual-package evaluation (WLP12 and TDFN10-EP variants of MAX31331) via configurable jumpers (JU2, JU4, JU7–JU16), enabling direct measurement of timekeeping current, alarm response timing, and backup supply switchover behavior.

Onboard circuitry includes level translators (NLSX4373MUTAG), analog switches (MAX14689AETB+), supercapacitor charging control, and test points (TP1–TP7) for probing VCC, VBAT, SDA, SCL, INTA, INTB/CLKOUT, and DIN signals - allowing full characterization of RTC register access, interrupt latency, timestamp resolution (1/128s), and RAM register usage (32 bytes).

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX31331SHLD# is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for rapid prototyping, firmware validation, and low-power timing qualification in battery-operated wearables, smart utility meters, and edge-sensor gateways requiring stable component supply and documented RTC performance.

Supply support for MAX31331SHLD# 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

Analog Devices, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, serving industrial, automotive, communications, and healthcare markets with precision timing, power, and sensing solutions.

The MAX31331SHLD# belongs to Analog Devices' precision timing evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate development of ultra-low-power real-time clock applications where nanoscale current consumption, sub-second timestamping, and robust backup power management are essential design requirements.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX31331SHLD#?

The MAX31331SHLD# is an evaluation shield that enables functional and performance validation of the MAX31331 ultra-low-power real-time clock IC. It provides physical connectivity, power conditioning, I²C interfacing via MAX32625PICO, and GUI-based control for configuring time/date, alarms, timestamps, CLKOUT, and power modes - all without requiring custom PCB design or firmware development.

Does the MAX31331SHLD# support both WLP and TDFN package variants of the MAX31331?

Yes, the MAX31331SHLD# includes both U1 (MAX31331_WLP, WLP12 package) and U2 (MAX31331_TDFN, TDFN10-EP package) mounted on the same board. Jumper configurations (JU2, JU4, JU7, JU15) allow users to isolate and evaluate either variant independently, including dedicated test points and routing for each device's VCC, VBAT, INTA, and INTB/CLKOUT pins.

How is the 65nA timekeeping current of the MAX31331 measured using the MAX31331SHLD#?

The MAX31331SHLD# enables direct measurement of the MAX31331's 65nA timekeeping current via jumper JU7: removing its shunt and inserting a picoammeter between pins 1 and 2 isolates U1's VCC path. With RTC_Config1 register (0x03) set to 0x01 (timekeeping-only mode), the meter reads only the MAX31331's quiescent current - verified in the EV kit documentation as ~65nA under nominal conditions.

Can the MAX31331SHLD# be used to evaluate timestamping functionality with external event inputs?

Yes, the MAX31331SHLD# supports timestamping of external events via the DIN pin (digital Schmitt trigger input) on U1/U2. Users can apply edge-triggered signals to TP1 (DIN), configure timestamp enable and event conditions via the GUI's TimeStamp tab, and read four consecutive 1/128-second-resolution timestamps from registers 0x20–0x2F - confirming precise event capture independent of host polling.

What software tools are required to operate the MAX31331SHLD#?

The MAX31331SHLD# requires the MAX31331EVKIT.exe installer (provided by Analog Devices) to deploy the GUI-based Real-Time Clock EV Kit Software on Windows PCs. This software communicates over USB with the MAX32625PICO board, enabling register-level read/write access, real-time monitoring, alarm configuration, CLKOUT setup, and timestamp logging - all without writing custom I²C drivers or firmware.