Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX77960BEVKIT12#

Overview

MAX77960BEVKIT12# from Maxim Integrated is a fully assembled and tested evaluation kit designed to characterize the MAX77960B 3A USB Type-C® buck-boost battery charger IC for 2S Li-ion battery systems. It supports input voltage range of 3.5V–25.4V, delivers up to 3A charge current, and integrates I²C interface, USB micro-B connectivity, and Windows-based GUI software for real-time register control and telemetry.

For engineers reviewing the MAX77960BEVKIT12# datasheet, MAX77960BEVKIT12# pinout, MAX77960BEVKIT12# application, or MAX77960BEVKIT12# equivalent, this kit enables rapid validation of USB PD-compatible charging architecture, JEITA-compliant thermal management, and power-path configuration in portable electronics design.

Technical Context

The MAX77960BEVKIT12# implements the MAX77960B IC in a fixed 2S battery configuration (per J8 jumper default position), using a 1.5µH inductor (L1), integrated FETs, and on-board dummy thermistors for JEITA profile emulation. It features an FT2232HL USB-to-I²C bridge (U2) and MAX14611 level shifter (U4) to enable bidirectional communication with host PC.

Hardware includes configurable jumpers (J2–J13) for SCL/SDA/INTB routing, OTG_EN control, STBY mode selection, and programmable charge parameters (VSET, ISET, INLIM, ITO, THM). The board supports both real battery and simulated battery test setups with dedicated BATTP/BATTN and DCIN/GND terminals.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX77960BEVKIT12# is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB-C power delivery validation, battery management system prototyping, and JEITA thermal compliance testing requiring stable component supply and full technical support.

Supply support for MAX77960BEVKIT12# 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 applications in computing, communications, and consumer electronics.

The MAX77960B product line targets compact, high-efficiency USB-C battery charging solutions for portable devices with 2S/3S Li-ion packs, emphasizing integration, configurability, and USB PD compatibility.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX77960BEVKIT12#?

The MAX77960BEVKIT12# is a fully assembled evaluation kit that enables hardware and firmware validation of the MAX77960B 3A USB Type-C buck-boost charger IC. It provides immediate access to all critical functions-including input voltage regulation, battery charging, USB On-The-Go (OTG), JEITA thermal profiling, and I²C register control-without requiring custom PCB development. The MAX77960BEVKIT12# is preconfigured for 2S battery operation and ships with GUI software, USB cable, and documentation.

How does the MAX77960BEVKIT12# differ from the MAX77961BEVKIT12#?

The MAX77960BEVKIT12# evaluates the MAX77960B IC (3A max charge current), while the MAX77961BEVKIT12# evaluates the MAX77961B IC (6A max charge current). Both kits share identical board layout, GUI software, jumper architecture, and 2S configuration-but use different U1 ICs (MAX77960BEFV12+ vs. MAX77961BEFV12+) and optimized inductors (1.5µH for 3A vs. 1.5µH rated for higher peak current in MAX77961B variant). Component-level BOM differences are documented in Maxim's official EV kit schematics.

Does the MAX77960BEVKIT12# support 3S battery evaluation?

No-the MAX77960BEVKIT12# is factory-configured for 2S battery operation only, as confirmed by J8 jumper default position (1–2) and associated R5 value (8.66kΩ) per the MAX77960B_12 EV Kit Bill of Materials. To evaluate 3S, users must select MAX77960BEVKIT06# or MAX77961BEVKIT06#, which ship with J8 set to 2–3 and use 69.8kΩ for CNFG. Modifying J8 or R5 on MAX77960BEVKIT12# is not supported and may cause incorrect IC behavior.

What software and OS requirements are needed to operate the MAX77960BEVKIT12#?

The MAX77960BEVKIT12# requires the Windows-based MAX77960/MAX77961 EV Kit GUI software, downloadable from Maxim's Design Resources page. It supports Windows 7 or newer, requires .NET Framework 4.5+, and installs automatically via MAX77960_MAX77961GUISetupX.X.X.exe. USB driver installation is handled transparently during setup when internet connectivity is available. No Linux or macOS native support is provided.

Can the MAX77960BEVKIT12# be used for production-level testing or only bench evaluation?

The MAX77960BEVKIT12# is intended strictly for engineering evaluation and design verification-not for production line testing or end-product integration. It lacks production-grade certifications (e.g., UL, CE), has no conformal coating, and uses through-hole jumpers and test points unsuitable for automated test environments. For production validation, designers should migrate to custom PCBs implementing the MAX77960B per its datasheet layout guidelines and safety recommendations.