Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6660EVKIT

Overview

MAX6660EVKIT from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit for the MAX6660 remote-junction temperature-controlled fan-speed regulator IC. It provides a fully assembled, tested platform to validate thermal sensing accuracy (±1°C from +60°C to +100°C), SMBus-controlled closed-loop fan regulation, and 0.125°C-resolution temperature measurement using a remote diode sensor - enabling rapid integration into PC, server, and telecom thermal management systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX6660EVKIT datasheet, MAX6660EVKIT pinout, MAX6660EVKIT application, or MAX6660EVKIT equivalent, this kit supports real-time validation of remote-diode temperature acquisition, programmable fan threshold/gain settings, tachometer feedback loop behavior, and SMBus alert response timing - critical for system-level thermal control design and qualification.

Technical Context

The MAX6660EVKIT implements the MAX6660 IC in a 16-pin QSOP package with all necessary support circuitry: 0.1µF VCC bypass capacitor, 2200pF DXP–DXN noise filter, 5kΩ pull-up on SMBDATA, 50Ω series resistor on VCC, and discrete 2N3904/2N3906-compatible diode sensor interface. It exposes VFAN (+4.5V to +13.5V), VCC (+3V to +5.5V), TACH IN, ALERT, OVERT, and SMBus lines for host controller interfacing.

It enables hardware- and software-initiated one-shot conversions, standby mode verification (<10µA supply current), and full register access (THIGH, TLOW, TMAX, THYST, Fan Gain, Configuration) via SMBus Write Byte/Read Byte protocols - supporting ACPI-compliant overtemperature shutdown and SMBus timeout recovery (25ms reset).

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX6660EVKIT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for PC motherboard thermal validation, server cooling system prototyping, and telecom equipment fan-control qualification requiring stable component supply and documented reference design fidelity.

Supply support for MAX6660EVKIT 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) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management solutions for industrial, computing, and communications applications.

The MAX6660EVKIT belongs to Maxim's thermal management evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate development of SMBus-based, remote-diode-driven fan control systems in space-constrained, noise-sensitive environments like servers and notebooks.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX6660EVKIT?

The MAX6660EVKIT is an evaluation kit for the MAX6660 IC, providing a ready-to-use hardware platform to verify its core functions: remote-junction temperature sensing (±1°C accuracy), SMBus-programmable fan speed regulation, tachometer feedback integration, and overtemperature shutdown signaling. It includes all required passive components, test points, and interface headers to connect directly to a host controller for functional validation of the MAX6660 in real thermal control scenarios.

Does the MAX6660EVKIT support both hardware and software standby modes?

Yes, the MAX6660EVKIT fully supports both hardware and software standby modes of the MAX6660 IC. Driving the STBY pin low places the device in hardware standby (<10µA supply current), while writing to the RUN/STOP bit in the Configuration register enables software standby. In both modes, SMBus communication remains active, temperature registers retain data, and the fan driver is disabled - allowing low-power thermal monitoring without interrupting system-level control logic during MAX6660EVKIT testing.

Can the MAX6660EVKIT be used to validate SMBus timeout behavior?

Yes, the MAX6660EVKIT enables direct validation of the MAX6660's SMBus timeout feature, which resets the interface if SMBCLK or SMBDATA remains low for >25ms. This prevents bus lockup during firmware development or fault injection testing. The timeout can be disabled via bit 2 of the Fan Gain register (address 16h/1Bh), and the MAX6660EVKIT's exposed SMBus lines allow oscilloscope probing of clock/data timing margins and timeout recovery sequences during MAX6660 operation.

What remote diode sensors are verified for use with the MAX6660EVKIT?

The MAX6660EVKIT has been validated with discrete diode-connected transistors listed in Maxim's official documentation: 2N3904, 2N3906 (Central Semiconductor, Fairchild), SST3904 (Rohm), KST3904-TF (Samsung), SMBT3904 (Siemens), and FMMT3904CT-ND (Zetex). These devices meet the MAX6660's forward voltage requirements (0.25V–0.95V at 10µA–100µA) and base resistance limits (<100Ω), ensuring accurate temperature measurement across the full –40°C to +125°C range when used with the MAX6660EVKIT's DXP/DXN interface.

How does the MAX6660EVKIT support overtemperature system shutdown testing?

The MAX6660EVKIT supports overtemperature system shutdown testing through its dedicated OVERT output pin, which asserts active-low when the remote-junction temperature exceeds the TMAX register value (default +100°C). This signal can be directly connected to a power-supply enable line or microcontroller interrupt input. The MAX6660EVKIT also allows reprogramming TMAX and THYST thresholds via SMBus, verifying hysteresis behavior and confirming that OVERT deasserts only after temperature falls below THYST - validating safe, reliable thermal shutdown sequencing for the MAX6660 in production systems.