Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX9791AEVKIT+

Overview

The MAX9791AEVKIT+ from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit for the MAX9791AETI+ stereo Class D speaker amplifier with integrated DirectDrive® headphone amplifier and 4.75V LDO regulator. It enables rapid validation of audio performance, wake-on-beep functionality, ground-sense crosstalk correction, and filterless Class D operation in notebook, tablet, and portable media applications.

For engineers reviewing the MAX9791AEVKIT+ datasheet, MAX9791AEVKIT+ pinout, MAX9791AEVKIT+ application, or MAX9791AEVKIT+ equivalent, this kit provides hands-on verification of THD+N < 0.006% (headphone), PSRR > 107dB DC, click-and-pop suppression (< –54 dBV), and EN55022B-compliant emissions with 30cm speaker cable - critical for Windows Vista® Premium–compliant portable audio designs.

Technical Context

The MAX9791AEVKIT+ implements the full signal chain of the MAX9791AETI+, including dual BTL speaker outputs (2W into 4Ω), stereo DirectDrive headphone outputs (180mW into 32Ω), and a 4.75V/120mA LDO. It supports independent control of speaker (SPKR_EN), headphone (HP_EN), and LDO (LDO_EN) sections via on-board jumpers or external logic.

Ground-sense circuitry corrects voltage offset between jack ground and IC ground to suppress crosstalk and ground-loop noise; spread-spectrum modulation and active emissions limiting ensure low EMI without output filters. Wake-on-beep detection at the BEEP input triggers amplifier enablement upon valid audio tone detection.

Key Specifications

Availability

The MAX9791AEVKIT+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook computers, tablet PCs, and portable multimedia players requiring stable component supply, rapid audio subsystem validation, and Windows Vista® Premium compliance verification.

Supply support for MAX9791AEVKIT+ 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 MAX9791 product line delivers integrated audio power solutions targeting space-constrained portable devices needing simultaneous high-fidelity speaker and headphone output with minimal external components and robust EMI immunity.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX9791AEVKIT+?

The MAX9791AEVKIT+ is an evaluation kit designed to demonstrate and validate the MAX9791AETI+ audio power IC. It provides complete hardware-including input/output connectors, power regulation, and control jumpers-to verify stereo Class D speaker amplification (2W), DirectDrive headphone output (180mW), and 4.75V LDO functionality under real-world conditions. The MAX9791AEVKIT+ enables engineers to measure THD+N, PSRR, EMI, and wake-on-beep behavior without custom PCB development.

Does the MAX9791AEVKIT+ support both speaker and headphone output testing simultaneously?

Yes, the MAX9791AEVKIT+ supports concurrent operation of speaker and headphone sections via independent SPKR_EN and HP_EN controls. It routes the MAX9791AETI+'s dual BTL speaker outputs and stereo DirectDrive headphone outputs to separate jacks, allowing simultaneous measurement of crosstalk (≥77dB), ground-sense correction, and shared supply interactions - essential for validating coexistence in portable systems where both outputs may be active.

How does the MAX9791AEVKIT+ help meet EN55022B emissions requirements?

The MAX9791AEVKIT+ demonstrates the MAX9791AETI+'s built-in spread-spectrum modulation and active emissions limiting, enabling it to pass EN55022B radiated emissions tests using only 30cm of unshielded speaker cable - no external LC filters required. This capability is verified directly on the evaluation board, reducing design risk and time-to-certification for portable audio products targeting CE or FCC compliance.

Can the MAX9791AEVKIT+ be used to evaluate ground-sense functionality?

Yes, the MAX9791AEVKIT+ includes dedicated COM and SENSE test points that interface directly with the MAX9791AETI+'s ground-sense circuitry. Engineers can inject controlled ground offsets or connect external grounded equipment (e.g., PC line-out) to measure crosstalk reduction (up to 80dB) and ground-loop noise suppression - confirming the feature's effectiveness in real-world interconnect scenarios.

Is the MAX9791AEVKIT+ compatible with other variants in the MAX9791/MAX9792 family?

The MAX9791AEVKIT+ is specifically configured for the MAX9791AETI+ (stereo speaker, 4.75V LDO). While the board's layout accommodates the 28-pin TQFN package common to all MAX9791/MAX9792 variants, LDO voltage selection (1.8V/3.3V/4.75V) and mono/stereo configuration are fixed per kit version. For MAX9792 or alternate LDO options, separate evaluation kits (e.g., MAX9792EVKIT+) are required to ensure correct biasing and signal routing.