Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX38643AEVK#WLP

Overview

MAX38643AEVK#WLP from Maxim Integrated is a fully assembled and tested evaluation kit designed to characterize the MAX38643A ultra-low quiescent current step-down DC-DC converter in wafer-level package (WLP). It supports 1.8V–5.5V input, delivers up to 700mA output current, and enables resistor-configurable output voltages from 1.0V to 3.3V for power management validation in space-constrained portable electronics.

For engineers reviewing the MAX38643AEVK#WLP datasheet, MAX38643AEVK#WLP pinout, MAX38643AEVK#WLP application, or MAX38643AEVK#WLP equivalent, this kit provides verified 2-layer PCB layout, jumper-controlled enable/output selection, spare inductor option for solution size optimization, and terminal posts for direct instrumentation with DVM and electronic load.

Technical Context

The MAX38643AEVK#WLP implements the MAX38643AENT+ IC-a nano-power buck converter with 300nA quiescent current-on a dedicated PCB featuring dual inductor options (L1: 1.5µH/3.8A shielded, L1A: 1.5µH/2.7A shielded), input/output terminal posts, and test points TP5–TP7 for voltage monitoring. Jumper JU1 controls EN signal routing (internal, external TTL, or disabled), while JU2 selects fixed output voltages (1.0V, 1.5V, 1.8V, or 3.3V) per resistor network configuration.

Hardware design includes three 22µF X5R ceramic input capacitors (C1–C3), one 100µF aluminum-organic output capacitor (C5), and precision feedback resistors (R2–R5) supporting ±1% tolerance and 100ppm/°C TCR. The board uses 1oz copper and is RoHS-compliant.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX38643AEVK#WLP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered IoT sensors, wearable health monitors, and low-power microcontroller subsystems requiring stable component supply and rapid power architecture validation.

Supply support for MAX38643AEVK#WLP 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 power management ICs for demanding industrial, automotive, and communications applications.

The MAX38643A product line targets ultra-low-power battery-operated systems where nanoscale quiescent current and minimal solution footprint are critical-enabling multi-year operation from coin cells or energy-harvesting sources.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX38643AEVK#WLP?

The MAX38643AEVK#WLP is an evaluation kit that validates the electrical performance and layout implementation of the MAX38643AENT+ ultra-low IQ buck converter. It provides immediate access to key operating conditions-including configurable output voltage, full-load current testing, and EN control-without requiring custom PCB development. The MAX38643AEVK#WLP includes all passive components, jumpers, and test points needed for lab-based characterization of the MAX38643A.

Does the MAX38643AEVK#WLP support adjustable output voltages beyond the jumper settings?

Yes. While JU2 provides four factory-set output voltages (1.0V, 1.5V, 1.8V, 3.3V), the MAX38643AEVK#WLP schematic shows RSEL (R1 position) as an unpopulated 0Ω jumper site. Per the MAX38643A datasheet, populating R1 with appropriate resistor values allows continuous output adjustment from 0.7V to 3.3V using the device's internal feedback divider. The MAX38643AEVK#WLP supports this flexibility through its open R1 footprint and documented resistor calculation method.

What is the role of the spare inductor (L1A) on the MAX38643AEVK#WLP PCB?

The spare inductor L1A (DFE252012F-1R5M, 1.5µH/2.7A) mounted on the bottom side of the MAX38643AEVK#WLP PCB allows users to reconfigure the evaluation platform for smaller solution size or different saturation current requirements. Swapping between L1 (74437324015, 1.5µH/3.8A) and L1A changes thermal and transient response characteristics while maintaining identical inductance value-enabling comparative analysis of inductor selection impact on efficiency and regulation stability in the MAX38643A application.

Can the MAX38643AEVK#WLP be used to evaluate external enable control?

Yes. Jumper JU1 on the MAX38643AEVK#WLP supports three configurations: default (1–2) enables the MAX38643AENT+ internally; position 1–3 routes EXT_EN to the IC's EN pin for external TTL-level control; position 1–4 disables the device. This allows engineers to verify startup sequencing, power-state transitions, and system-level enable coordination-critical for battery-gated subsystems. The MAX38643AEVK#WLP includes dedicated pads and routing for clean external signal injection.

Is the MAX38643AEVK#WLP RoHS-compliant and production-ready?

Yes. The MAX38643AEVK#WLP is marked RoHS-compliant (denoted by # symbol in ordering code) and ships fully assembled and tested. Its 2-layer PCB layout, component placement, and thermal design reflect Maxim's recommended practices for the MAX38643A. While intended for evaluation, the MAX38643AEVK#WLP's bill of materials, schematic, and layout files are provided for direct reuse in production designs-reducing qualification time for applications matching its 700mA/1.8–5.5V operating envelope.