Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX9700BEVKIT

Overview

MAX9700BEVKIT from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit for the MAX9700B mono Class D audio power amplifier, designed to demonstrate filterless 1.2W output into 8Ω, 94% efficiency, low-EMI spread-spectrum modulation, and integrated click-and-pop suppression in portable audio systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX9700BEVKIT datasheet, MAX9700BEVKIT pinout, MAX9700BEVKIT application, or MAX9700BEVKIT equivalent, this kit enables rapid validation of differential-input audio amplification, SYNC-driven master-slave stereo configuration, FCC-compliant radiated emissions with 100mm unshielded cable, and shutdown current below 0.1μA in battery-powered designs.

Technical Context

The MAX9700BEVKIT implements the MAX9700B IC in a fully assembled, tested 10-pin TDFN (3mm × 3mm) footprint layout, featuring dual bypass capacitors (1µF on VDD/GND and PVDD/PGND), exposed-pad thermal management, and direct-access test points for IN+, IN−, OUT+, OUT−, SHDN, and SYNC. It supports all three operating modes-FFM at 1.1MHz or 1.45MHz, SSM at 1.22MHz ±120kHz, and external clock synchronization from 800kHz to 2MHz.

Board-level design incorporates differential input routing, star-grounded analog (GND) and power (PGND) planes, and optimized trace geometry to preserve >72dB PSRR at 217Hz and <0.01% THD+N at 125mW into 8Ω-enabling accurate characterization of the IC's filterless operation without external LC components.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX9700BEVKIT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular phone reference design validation, PDA audio subsystem prototyping, MP3 player functional verification, and portable audio system integration requiring stable component supply and documented performance benchmarks.

Supply support for MAX9700BEVKIT 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 semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power-management solutions for industrial, communications, and consumer applications.

The MAX9700 product line delivers compact, filterless Class D audio amplification targeting space-constrained, battery-operated devices where efficiency, EMI compliance, and low quiescent current are critical design requirements.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the MAX9700BEVKIT?

The MAX9700BEVKIT is an evaluation kit designed exclusively to demonstrate and validate the electrical performance of the MAX9700B mono Class D audio amplifier IC. It provides a ready-to-use PCB with proper layout, bypassing, grounding, and test points-enabling engineers to verify 1.2W output into 8Ω, 94% efficiency, spread-spectrum EMI reduction, and click-and-pop suppression without custom board development. The MAX9700BEVKIT itself is not a production component but a tool for rapid prototyping and measurement.

Does the MAX9700BEVKIT support stereo configuration testing?

Yes, the MAX9700BEVKIT supports stereo validation via master-slave cascading: one board acts as master (driving its OUT+ and OUT− differentially), and its unfiltered output feeds the SYNC input of a second MAX9700BEVKIT configured as slave. This locks switching frequencies, eliminates beat frequencies in the audio band, and maintains <0.01% THD+N and >80dB crosstalk rejection-directly demonstrating the capability documented in the MAX9700B datasheet for true stereo Class D implementation.

Can the MAX9700BEVKIT be used to evaluate FCC radiated emissions compliance?

Yes-the MAX9700BEVKIT is explicitly validated to pass FCC Part 15 radiated emissions standards using 100mm of unshielded speaker cable, confirming the filterless architecture's EMI robustness. Its layout follows Maxim's recommended grounding, decoupling, and trace routing guidelines, making it a reliable baseline for emissions pre-compliance testing in portable audio designs before full-system integration.

What power supply requirements does the MAX9700BEVKIT need?

The MAX9700BEVKIT operates from a single 2.5V to 5.5V DC supply applied to VDD and PVDD (tied together per default configuration), with separate GND and PGND connections. It draws 4mA quiescent current and drops to 0.1μA in shutdown-enabling direct evaluation in battery-simulated environments. No auxiliary supplies or level shifters are required, as all digital inputs (SHDN, SYNC) are TTL-compatible and referenced to the same VDD rail.

How does the MAX9700BEVKIT implement click-and-pop suppression?

The MAX9700BEVKIT leverages the intrinsic click-and-pop suppression circuitry of the MAX9700B IC: during power-up or exit from shutdown, internal soft-start (35ms ramp), input muting, and modulator bias pre-conditioning eliminate audible transients. Verified measurements show no detectable pop at startup/shutdown across 8Ω loads-even with volume controls in mid-position-confirming the design's fidelity to the IC's documented behavior without added firmware or external circuitry.