Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX77960EVKIT-06#

Overview

MAX77960EVKIT-06# from Maxim Integrated is a fully assembled, surface-mount evaluation kit designed to characterize and validate the MAX77960 3A USB Type-C® buck-boost battery charger IC for 2S/3S Li-ion batteries. It supports input voltage range of 3.5V–25.4V, delivers up to 3A charge current, implements USB On-The-Go (OTG) functionality, and demonstrates JEITA-compliant thermal regulation using on-board dummy thermistors.

For engineers reviewing the MAX77960EVKIT-06# datasheet, MAX77960EVKIT-06# hardware setup, MAX77960EVKIT-06# GUI software operation, or MAX77960EVKIT-06# compatibility with MAX77960/MAX77961 ICs, this kit provides full I²C-controlled register access, jumper-configurable battery cell count (2S/3S), OTG enablement, and real-time monitoring of charging parameters via Windows-based GUI software requiring Windows 7 or newer.

Technical Context

The MAX77960EVKIT-06# integrates the MAX77960EFV06+ IC in a 48-pin TQFN package, paired with FT2232HL USB-to-I²C bridge (U2), MAX14611 level shifter (U4), and dual MAX8512 LDOs (U5/U6). It implements a complete test platform with dedicated DCIN, BATTP/BATTN, and VSYS power domains, plus configurable jumpers (J2–J13) for SCL/SDA/INTB routing, OTG_EN, STBY, CNFG (2S/3S selection), and analog programming inputs (VSET, ISET, INLIM, ITO, THM).

Hardware features include on-board current-sense resistors (R2 = 10mΩ), 3.3µH power inductor (L1), 12MHz crystal (Y1), and test points for CHGINS, CSINP/CSINN, STAT, and PGND. The GUI communicates at I²C slave address 0xD2 and unlocks register writes via Charger Settings Protection bitfield (Charger Configurations 6 register, value 0x3).

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX77960EVKIT-06# is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery management system development, USB-C power delivery validation, and portable electronics design requiring stable component supply and rapid prototyping support.

Supply support for MAX77960EVKIT-06# 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 industrial, automotive, communications, and consumer applications.

The MAX77960EVKIT-06# belongs to Maxim's battery charger evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate development of compact, high-efficiency USB-C powered devices with multi-cell Li-ion battery packs.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX77960EVKIT-06#?

The MAX77960EVKIT-06# is a fully assembled evaluation kit that enables functional validation and parameter tuning of the MAX77960 3A USB Type-C buck-boost battery charger IC. It provides hardware interfaces for DC input, battery connection, and USB communication, along with Windows GUI software for real-time register access, enabling engineers to verify charging profiles, OTG operation, JEITA compliance, and fault responses before integrating the MAX77960 into end systems.

Which IC does the MAX77960EVKIT-06# evaluate?

The MAX77960EVKIT-06# evaluates the MAX77960EFV06+ IC - a 3A, USB Type-C compliant buck-boost charger optimized for 2S or 3S Li-ion battery packs. It is distinct from the MAX77961EVKIT-06#, which evaluates the 6A variant. The board's silkscreen, BOM (U1 = MAX77960EFV06+), and schematic confirm exclusive compatibility with the MAX77960 IC.

Does the MAX77960EVKIT-06# support both 2S and 3S battery configurations?

Yes, the MAX77960EVKIT-06# supports both configurations via jumper J8. Position 1–2 configures the MAX77960 for 2S operation (default), while position 2–3 selects 3S mode by connecting CNFG to R5. This hardware-selectable setting directly controls the charger's cell-count detection logic and adjusts internal voltage thresholds accordingly.

How is communication established between the PC and the MAX77960EVKIT-06#?

Communication uses a USB Micro-B cable to connect the PC to J1 on the MAX77960EVKIT-06#. The on-board FT2232HL (U2) acts as a USB-to-I²C bridge, with MAX14611 (U4) providing level shifting. The GUI software detects I²C slave address 0xD2 after jumper connections (J2–J4 default to 1–2) are made and power is applied. Windows automatically installs drivers when connected to the internet.

Can the MAX77960EVKIT-06# be used without installing the GUI software?

Yes - the MAX77960EVKIT-06# operates independently as a functional charger once powered and configured via hardware jumpers (e.g., J5 for OTG, J8 for cell count). However, full register-level control, real-time monitoring, and configuration changes require the Windows GUI software. The GUI can launch without hardware attached, but active communication and parameter updates only occur after successful I²C connection and unlocking Charger Settings Protection (register value 0x3).