Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX38902EVKIT#

Overview

MAX38902EVKIT# from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit for the MAX38902 family of low-noise, 500mA LDO linear regulators. It supports rapid validation of MAX38902A/B/C/D variants across TDFN and WLP packages, enabling engineers to verify 12µVRMS output noise (10Hz–100kHz), ±1% DC accuracy, 100mV dropout at full load, and programmable soft-start in real application circuits.

For engineers reviewing the MAX38902EVKIT# datasheet, MAX38902EVKIT# pinout, MAX38902EVKIT# application, or MAX38902EVKIT# equivalent, this kit provides immediate access to configurable voltage settings (pin-selectable, resistor-adjustable, or factory-trimmed), POK monitoring (MAX38902B), reverse-current protection, and thermal/overcurrent safety features under real-world load and transient conditions.

Technical Context

The MAX38902EVKIT# implements a complete test platform for evaluating all four MAX38902 variants: MAX38902A (9-pin-selectable outputs), MAX38902B (resistor-adjustable with active-low POK), MAX38902C (resistor-adjustable, no POK), and MAX38902D (factory-trimmed 0.7V–5.0V). Each variant shares core architecture including a 0.6V internal reference, BYP-controlled soft-start, and PMOS pass device with reverse-current blocking.

Kit-level design mirrors typical operating circuits: includes 4.7µF input/output ceramic capacitors (X5R/X7R), 10nF BYP capacitor, EN pull-up, optional FB divider (for B/C), and POK pull-up resistor (for B). All critical regulator pins - IN, GND, EN, OUT, BYP, FB/POK/SELA/SELB/OUTS - are accessible via test points or headers for probing, signal injection, and load switching.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX38902EVKIT# is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power integrity validation, audio supply rail qualification, high-resolution ADC/DAC reference design, and low-noise embedded system development requiring stable component supply and fast time-to-test.

Supply support for MAX38902EVKIT# 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 demanding industrial, communications, and automotive applications.

The MAX38902EVKIT# belongs to Maxim's high-performance LDO evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate design-in of ultra-low-noise, high-accuracy regulators in noise-sensitive systems like medical instrumentation and RF signal chains.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX38902EVKIT#?

The MAX38902EVKIT# is a fully assembled evaluation board designed to validate the electrical performance and application behavior of the MAX38902A/B/C/D family of 500mA, low-noise LDO regulators. It enables measurement of key parameters - including 12µVRMS output noise, ±1% output accuracy, 100mV dropout, and POK timing - using standard lab equipment without custom PCB design. The MAX38902EVKIT# supports all four variants and both TDFN and WLP packages via socketed or adapter-based mounting.

Which MAX38902 variants does the MAX38902EVKIT# support?

The MAX38902EVKIT# supports all four members of the MAX38902 family: MAX38902A (pin-selectable 1.2V–5.0V), MAX38902B (resistor-adjustable 0.6V–5.3V with POK), MAX38902C (resistor-adjustable, no POK), and MAX38902D (factory-trimmed 0.7V–5.0V). The kit accommodates both 8-pin TDFN and 6-bump WLP packages through dedicated footprints and jumper-configurable signal routing for SELA/SELB, FB, POK, and OUTS pins.

How is soft-start configured on the MAX38902EVKIT#?

Soft-start on the MAX38902EVKIT# is controlled via the BYP pin using the onboard 10nF capacitor, which sets a nominal startup slew rate of 5V/ms. Engineers can replace this capacitor with values from 0.001µF to 0.1µF to adjust the slew rate per the formula: Startup Slew Rate = (5V/ms) × (0.01µF / CBYP). This directly affects inrush current during startup and enables safe sequencing into sensitive downstream circuitry - a critical capability verified using the MAX38902EVKIT#.

Does the MAX38902EVKIT# provide access to protection features?

Yes, the MAX38902EVKIT# exposes all key protection signals for real-time observation: POK output (on MAX38902B), thermal shutdown status (via junction temperature monitoring), overcurrent limiting (observable as output voltage collapse under short-circuit), and reverse-current blocking (verifiable during VIN ramp-down while VOUT remains charged). Test points for EN, BYP, and FB allow active fault injection and recovery analysis - essential for validating robustness in the final MAX38902EVKIT#-based design.

Can the MAX38902EVKIT# be used to evaluate noise-sensitive applications like audio or ADC supplies?

Yes - the MAX38902EVKIT# is explicitly optimized for noise-sensitive use cases. Its layout minimizes parasitic inductance, incorporates low-ESR 4.7µF X5R/X7R ceramics at IN/OUT, and integrates the 10nF BYP capacitor required to achieve the specified 12µVRMS output noise (10Hz–100kHz). Engineers routinely use the MAX38902EVKIT# to validate clean power delivery to high-resolution SAR ADCs, MEMS microphones, and Class-D audio amplifiers where PSRR >70dB at 10kHz and sub-20µV noise are mandatory.