Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX9723DEVKIT+

Overview

MAX9723DEVKIT+ from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit for the MAX9723 stereo DirectDrive® headphone amplifier IC, designed to accelerate development of portable audio systems with space-constrained PCB layouts. It supports full characterization of 62mW output into 16Ω, 0.006% THD+N, 90dB PSRR, I²C/SMBus-controlled BassMax and 32-level volume, and operates from 1.8V–3.6V single supply - ideal for MP3 players and cellular handsets.

For engineers reviewing the MAX9723DEVKIT+ datasheet, MAX9723DEVKIT+ pinout, MAX9723DEVKIT+ application, or MAX9723DEVKIT+ equivalent, this kit enables rapid validation of DirectDrive architecture benefits - including elimination of DC-blocking capacitors, click-and-pop suppression, ±8kV HBM ESD protection, and thermal shutdown behavior - under real-world load and supply conditions.

Technical Context

The MAX9723DEVKIT+ provides a fully assembled, tested platform to evaluate the MAX9723 IC's integrated charge pump (600kHz switching), dual-channel Class AB amplifiers, and I²C register interface. It implements the exact UCSP-16 or TQFN-16 footprint options and includes all required bypass (1µF ceramic), flying (1µF), and optional BassMax filter components.

Kit functionality mirrors production IC behavior: hardware/software shutdown (5µA), 4µs turn-on/35µs turn-off timing, programmable gain variants (0dB/+6dB), and validated operation across –40°C to +85°C ambient - enabling direct correlation between bench measurements and final system performance.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAX9723DEVKIT+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable audio design, battery-powered headset integration, and consumer electronics qualification requiring stable component supply and fast-turn evaluation support.

Supply support for MAX9723DEVKIT+ 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, automotive, and consumer applications.

The MAX9723 product line targets ultra-low-power, space-sensitive portable audio systems - delivering ground-referenced headphone drive without DC-blocking capacitors while maintaining high-fidelity metrics (THD+N, PSRR, SNR) and robust system-level protection.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX9723DEVKIT+?

The MAX9723DEVKIT+ is an evaluation kit designed exclusively to prototype, test, and validate the MAX9723 stereo DirectDrive headphone amplifier IC. It provides a ready-to-use PCB with all necessary support circuitry - including charge-pump capacitors, I²C pull-ups, BassMax filter pads, and proper grounding - allowing engineers to measure real-world performance metrics such as output power, THD+N, PSRR, and click-and-pop suppression without custom layout.

Does the MAX9723DEVKIT+ support both UCSP and TQFN package variants of the MAX9723?

Yes, the MAX9723DEVKIT+ is configured to accommodate either the 2mm × 2mm UCSP-16 or 4mm × 4mm TQFN-16 package of the MAX9723 IC. The board includes footprint options and jumper-selectable routing for VDD, PVSS, and signal paths to match mechanical and thermal requirements of both packages during evaluation.

Can the MAX9723DEVKIT+ be used to verify BassMax functionality?

Yes, the MAX9723DEVKIT+ includes dedicated solder pads (R1, R2, C3) for each channel to implement the external low-pass feedback network required for BassMax. Engineers can populate these components to configure bass boost cutoff frequency and gain, then enable/disable it via the MAX9723's I²C command register - validating both analog response and digital control behavior of the feature.

What power supply requirements does the MAX9723DEVKIT+ have?

The MAX9723DEVKIT+ accepts a single 1.8V to 3.6V DC input, directly powering the MAX9723 IC's VDD and supporting its full operating range. Onboard decoupling (1µF ceramic) and charge-pump capacitor (1µF) placement follow Maxim's recommended layout, ensuring stable operation and accurate PSRR/THD+N measurement across the specified voltage range.

Is the MAX9723DEVKIT+ RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes, the MAX9723DEVKIT+ carries the '+' suffix per Maxim's ordering nomenclature, indicating full compliance with RoHS directives and lead-free assembly. All PCB materials, solder paste, and passive components meet JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity and reflow profile requirements for lead-free processing.