Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX98374EVSYS#

Overview

The MAX98374EVSYS# from Maxim Integrated is a production-ready evaluation system for the MAX98374 mono Class D speaker amplifier, featuring Dynamic Headroom Tracking (DHT), brownout protection, and filterless operation. It delivers up to 16.9W into 8Ω at 10% THD+N with 5.5V–16V supply, supports SoundWire® or PCM/I²C digital audio interfaces, and targets high-fidelity portable audio applications including sound bars and notebook computers.

For engineers reviewing the MAX98374EVSYS# datasheet, MAX98374EVSYS# pinout, MAX98374EVSYS# application, or MAX98374EVSYS# equivalent, this evaluation system enables rapid validation of DHT behavior, thermal foldback response, AEL/SSM EMI reduction, and multi-format digital interface configuration in real-world PCB layouts and acoustic environments.

Technical Context

The MAX98374EVSYS# implements the full signal chain of the MAX98374 IC-including its dual-mode digital interface (SoundWire or PCM + I²C), programmable Brownout-Detection Engine (BDE) with four voltage thresholds, and thermal foldback with user-defined trip point-on a compact, pre-layout-optimized PCB with ferrite-bead output filtering and remote sensing traces.

It provides direct access to all control pins (SHDN, IRQ, GPIO), configurable jumpers for interface selection (I²C address, PCM format, TDM channel count), and test points for PVDD, VMPO, thermal sensor output, and speaker differential outputs-enabling full characterization of DHT headroom optimization, limiter attack/release timing, and speaker-path DC blocking filter performance.

Key Specifications

Availability

The MAX98374EVSYS# is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for sound bar development, notebook audio subsystem integration, and tablet speaker driver qualification requiring stable component supply and validated reference design support.

Supply support for MAX98374EVSYS# 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, computing, and consumer applications.

The MAX98374 product line was designed specifically for space-constrained, battery-sensitive portable audio systems requiring high-efficiency, low-EMI, digitally controlled Class D amplification with adaptive supply-voltage compensation.

FAQ

What is the MAX98374EVSYS# used for?

The MAX98374EVSYS# is an evaluation system that allows engineers to fully validate the MAX98374 mono Class D speaker amplifier in real-world conditions. It supports functional testing of Dynamic Headroom Tracking, brownout response, thermal foldback, SoundWire/PCM interface timing, and EMI performance-enabling faster bring-up and qualification of audio subsystems before final PCB spin. The MAX98374EVSYS# includes all necessary firmware examples, configuration registers, and layout best practices documented in the MAX98374 datasheet.

Does the MAX98374EVSYS# support both WLP and FCQFN package variants of the MAX98374?

Yes, the MAX98374EVSYS# board is designed to accommodate both the 25-bump wafer-level package (WLP) and the 22-pin FCQFN variants of the MAX98374. It includes interchangeable footprint options and matching decoupling networks optimized for each package's parasitic profile and thermal characteristics-ensuring accurate evaluation of electrical and thermal behavior regardless of the chosen MAX98374 variant.

Can the MAX98374EVSYS# be used to evaluate filterless operation?

Yes, the MAX98374EVSYS# demonstrates true filterless operation using Active Emissions Limiting (AEL), spread-spectrum modulation (SSM), and edge-rate control-verified per CISPR-22/EN55022 Class B radiated emissions standards. The board includes optional ferrite-bead output filtering and remote sensing paths, allowing side-by-side comparison of filtered vs. unfiltered performance while maintaining <0.01% THD+N and >110dB dynamic range. This capability is integral to the MAX98374EVSYS# design and directly reflects the MAX98374's certified filterless operation.

How does the MAX98374EVSYS# implement Dynamic Headroom Tracking (DHT)?

The MAX98374EVSYS# enables full characterization of DHT by providing real-time monitoring of PVDD, VMPO, and speaker output voltage via on-board test points and ADC readback registers. It supports all three DHT operational modes (MODE 1–3b) and allows users to adjust attack/release rates, headroom scaling, and threshold hysteresis through I²C or SoundWire commands. The MAX98374EVSYS# firmware includes DHT waveform capture utilities that correlate supply transients with output gain adjustments-validating consistent loudness during battery voltage droop.

Is the MAX98374EVSYS# compatible with standard USB-based programming tools?

The MAX98374EVSYS# features a standard 10-pin JTAG/SWD debug header and supports communication via USB-to-I²C/SoundWire bridge adapters (e.g., MAX32660-based programmers). It ships with preloaded firmware and Python-based configuration scripts compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS-allowing register-level control of the MAX98374 without custom hardware. All interface initialization sequences, register maps, and timing constraints for the MAX98374EVSYS# are provided in the official MAX98374 evaluation kit user guide.