Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX9716EVKIT

Overview

MAX9716EVKIT from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit designed to accelerate development and validation of the MAX9716 mono 1.4W bridge-tied load (BTL) audio power amplifier. It supports rapid prototyping for portable audio devices with internal speakers, delivering ≤1% THD+N into 4Ω at 5V supply and enabling low-noise, click-and-pop–free operation with shutdown current under 10nA.

For engineers reviewing the MAX9716EVKIT datasheet, MAX9716EVKIT pinout, MAX9716EVKIT application, or MAX9716EVKIT equivalent, this kit provides verified reference design, thermal performance characterization, BTL/SE mode switching validation, and real-world gain-setting resistor optimization - all critical for mobile phone, PDA, and portable media player audio subsystem integration.

Technical Context

The MAX9716EVKIT implements the full signal chain for the MAX9716 IC: single-ended or differential input interface, adjustable gain configuration via external R_IN/R_F, BIAS node decoupling with 1µF capacitor, VCC bypassing, and dual-output BTL driving into 4Ω or 8Ω loads. It replicates the exact biasing, shutdown control (SHDN), and thermal management layout used in production designs.

It validates key operational behaviors including 25ms power-up time from shutdown, <5µs shutdown response, 73dB PSRR at 1kHz, and industry-leading click-and-pop suppression during startup/shutdown - all measured per the MAX9716's electrical characteristics tables across 2.7V–5.5V supply range and –40°C to +85°C temperature.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX9716EVKIT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for mobile phone audio subsystem validation, portable media player speaker driver qualification, and PDA embedded audio design requiring stable component supply and repeatable lab-to-production correlation.

Supply support for MAX9716EVKIT 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 MAX9716EVKIT belongs to Maxim's audio power amplifier evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to de-risk adoption of low-voltage, low-THD, BTL speaker drivers in space-constrained portable electronics.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX9716EVKIT?

The MAX9716EVKIT is a fully assembled and tested evaluation board that enables hardware validation, performance characterization, and rapid prototyping of the MAX9716 mono 1.4W BTL audio power amplifier. It provides access to all critical signals - including SHDN, BIAS, IN+, IN-, OUT+, OUT-, and VCC - allowing engineers to verify gain setting, THD+N, PSRR, shutdown behavior, and thermal performance under real-world conditions before committing to final PCB layout.

Does the MAX9716EVKIT support both differential and single-ended input configurations for the MAX9716?

Yes, the MAX9716EVKIT supports both configurations. For single-ended input, IN+ is pre-connected to the BIAS node via jumper; for differential input, the board provides dedicated pads and routing to accept balanced signals - matching the MAX9716's dual-mode capability as documented in the functional diagram and "Differential Input" section of the MAX9716 datasheet.

Can the MAX9716EVKIT be used to evaluate headphone output functionality?

No - the MAX9716EVKIT is designed exclusively for the MAX9716, which lacks the BTL/SE sense input required for headphone detection and single-ended mode switching. That feature is only present on the MAX9717 series. The MAX9716EVKIT validates BTL speaker driving only, with no provision for headphone jack sensing or SE output path testing.

What gain-setting resistors are populated on the MAX9716EVKIT by default?

The MAX9716EVKIT ships with 20kΩ R_IN and 20kΩ R_F resistors installed, configuring the MAX9716 for 6dB (2×) closed-loop gain - a common starting point for portable speaker applications. All resistor pads are accessible for easy replacement, supporting gain adjustments from 0dB to ≥12dB per the MAX9716's adjustable-gain architecture.

How does the MAX9716EVKIT validate click-and-pop suppression performance?

The MAX9716EVKIT enables direct oscilloscope measurement of OUT+ and OUT− waveforms during power-up and shutdown sequences, confirming the MAX9716's integrated click-and-pop suppression circuitry. With proper BIAS capacitor (1µF) and SHDN timing (25ms t_PU, <5µs t_SHDN) implemented per datasheet, the board demonstrates audibly silent transitions - validated using the test conditions specified in the "Click-and-Pop Suppression" section of the MAX9716 datasheet.