Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX97220AEVKIT+

Overview

MAX97220AEVKIT+ from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit for the MAX97220A differential-input DirectDrive® line driver/headphone amplifier IC. It enables rapid prototyping of audio output stages in set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, and LCD TVs, supporting 3VRMS line-level drive into 1kΩ and 125mW headphone output into 32Ω with 5V supply, and featuring externally adjustable gain and click-and-pop suppression.

For engineers reviewing the MAX97220AEVKIT+ datasheet, MAX97220AEVKIT+ pinout, MAX97220AEVKIT+ application, or MAX97220AEVKIT+ equivalent, this kit provides validated reference design, test points for THD+N and SNR measurement, full schematic and layout files, and compatibility with the MAX97220A's 16-pin TQFN package - enabling fast functional validation and audio performance benchmarking.

Technical Context

The MAX97220AEVKIT+ implements the MAX97220A IC in a fully assembled, tested PCB with dual-channel stereo routing, charge-pump flying capacitors (C1P/C1N), BIAS decoupling (0.1µF), and configurable gain-setting resistors (RIN/RF). It supports both differential and pseudo-differential input configurations per Figures 2 and 3 of the datasheet.

Designed for audio fidelity-critical applications, the kit validates key IC behaviors: DirectDrive® bipolar output operation eliminating DC-blocking capacitors, 5.5ms turn-on time, <0.0035% THD+N at 1kHz/32Ω, 112dB SNR (A-weighted), and PSRR >74dB across 2.5V–5.5V supply range - all measured under standardized load and signal conditions per datasheet test setup.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX97220AEVKIT+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for set-top box development, Blu-ray/DVD player audio subsystem validation, and LCD television line-driver qualification requiring stable component supply and pre-validated reference designs.

Supply support for MAX97220AEVKIT+ 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 ICs for industrial, communications, and consumer applications.

The MAX97220 family is designed for high-fidelity audio output in space-constrained consumer electronics - delivering DirectDrive® capacitorless operation, low-noise charge-pump architecture, and differential-input noise immunity for line drivers and headphone amplifiers.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX97220AEVKIT+?

The MAX97220AEVKIT+ is an evaluation kit for the MAX97220A IC, providing a fully assembled PCB to validate its performance as a differential-input DirectDrive® stereo line driver and headphone amplifier. It enables engineers to measure THD+N, SNR, output swing, and gain configuration without custom board design - directly supporting qualification in set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, and LCD TVs.

Does the MAX97220AEVKIT+ support both line-level and headphone loads?

Yes, the MAX97220AEVKIT+ validates both operating modes of the MAX97220A IC: it demonstrates 3VRMS line-level output into 1kΩ (with 5V supply) and 125mW headphone output into 32Ω (also at 5V), per datasheet specifications. Test points and load headers allow direct connection to oscilloscopes, audio analyzers, and standard audio loads for comparative measurements.

How does the MAX97220AEVKIT+ implement DirectDrive® architecture?

The MAX97220AEVKIT+ implements DirectDrive® using the MAX97220A's on-chip charge pump: it includes 1µF ceramic flying capacitors between C1P and C1N, a 1µF hold capacitor from PVSS to PGND, and proper BIAS decoupling (0.1µF). This creates a bipolar supply enabling ground-centered outputs - eliminating external DC-blocking capacitors and preserving low-frequency response as specified in the MAX97220A datasheet.

Can the MAX97220AEVKIT+ be used to evaluate gain configuration options?

Yes, the MAX97220AEVKIT+ includes footprints and jumpers for external RIN and RF resistors, allowing users to configure gain per the MAX97220A's equation AV = RF/RIN. The board supports both fixed +6dB (via populated 20kΩ/20kΩ network) and variable gain setups - matching the flexibility documented in the MAX97220A datasheet's "Gain Setting" section and Figure 2.

Is the MAX97220AEVKIT+ compatible with other variants in the MAX97220 family?

The MAX97220AEVKIT+ is specifically optimized for the MAX97220A variant (5.5ms turn-on time, externally set gain), but its PCB layout and pinout are footprint-compatible with all MAX97220x variants (B/C/D/E) due to identical 16-pin TQFN packaging and shared pin functions. However, turn-on time and internal gain settings differ per variant - those parameters must be verified separately against each IC's datasheet table.