Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAXM17545EVKIT#

Overview

MAXM17545EVKIT# from Maxim Integrated is an evaluation kit designed to demonstrate and validate the MAXM17545 Himalaya step-down power module - a 4.5V–42V input, 1.7A output, integrated inductor SiP DC-DC converter operating in PWM/DCM/PFM modes with adjustable 0.9V–12V output voltage and 100kHz–1.8MHz switching frequency. It supports rapid prototyping of industrial point-of-load supplies for FPGA, DSP, and base station applications.

For engineers reviewing the MAXM17545EVKIT# datasheet, MAXM17545EVKIT# pinout, MAXM17545EVKIT# application, or MAXM17545EVKIT# equivalent, this kit enables functional validation of MAXM17545's thermal performance, transient response, efficiency curves, EMI compliance (CISPR22 Class B), and configuration options including soft-start, frequency sync, and mode selection (PWM/DCM/PFM) under real-world load and input conditions.

Technical Context

The MAXM17545EVKIT# implements a complete reference design for the MAXM17545 power module, featuring all five required external components: input capacitor (3×2.2µF ceramic), output capacitor (2×100µF or 1×47µF), feedback resistors (RU/RB), soft-start capacitor (CSS), and optional RT resistor for frequency setting. It includes test points for VIN, VOUT, EN, SYNC, SS, FB, RESET, and LX, plus exposed thermal pads (EP1/EP2/EP3) connected per layout guidelines.

The board supports full characterization across the device's operating range: -40°C to +125°C ambient, 4.5V–42V input, 0.9V–12V output, and up to 1.7A continuous load. It enables measurement of key parameters including line/load regulation (≤1 mV/A), FB accuracy (±1.5%), hiccup-mode overload protection, RESET assertion at 92% VFB, and thermal shutdown at +165°C with 10°C hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAXM17545EVKIT# is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply development, FPGA/DSP point-of-load validation, and base station subsystem prototyping requiring stable component supply, traceable evaluation hardware, and documented reference designs.

Supply support for MAXM17545EVKIT# 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, automotive, communications, and computing markets.

The MAXM17545EVKIT# belongs to the Himalaya power module family, engineered to deliver cooler, smaller, and simpler power solutions by integrating controller, power switches, inductor, and compensation into a thermally optimized SiP package - targeting space-constrained, high-reliability industrial applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAXM17545EVKIT#?

The MAXM17545EVKIT# is an evaluation kit that provides a fully assembled, tested PCB reference design for the MAXM17545 step-down power module. It enables engineers to verify electrical performance-including efficiency, transient response, thermal behavior, and EMI-under real operating conditions before committing to custom board design. The kit includes all necessary external components and test points for comprehensive validation of MAXM17545 functionality.

Does the MAXM17545EVKIT# support adjustable output voltage?

Yes, the MAXM17545EVKIT# supports adjustable output voltage from 0.9V to 12V using the MAXM17545's feedback resistor divider (RU/RB). The board includes footprints and solder jumpers to configure common output voltages (e.g., 3.3V, 5V, 12V) as listed in Table 1 of the MAXM17545 datasheet. Output voltage is set by connecting appropriate resistor values between OUT and FB pins, enabling direct validation of target rail requirements for FPGA cores, DSP I/O, or sensor interfaces.

Can the MAXM17545EVKIT# be used to evaluate thermal performance?

Yes, the MAXM17545EVKIT# is designed with thermal validation in mind: it implements the exact copper area recommendations (1in×1in islands with multiple vias) for EP1 (SGND), EP2 (LX), and EP3 (OUT) as specified in the MAXM17545 datasheet. This allows accurate measurement of junction temperature rise under load, verification of thermal shutdown activation at +165°C, and correlation of ambient-to-junction thermal resistance (θJA = 30.8°C/W) in four-layer board configurations.

How does the MAXM17545EVKIT# support EMI compliance testing?

The MAXM17545EVKIT# includes the exact component layout and filtering configuration used in CISPR22 Class B radiated/conducted emissions testing (documented on page 10 of the MAXM17545 datasheet). It features optimized input/output capacitor placement, ground plane integrity, and optional C7/C17/C18 capacitor footprints to replicate the test setup that achieved compliance - enabling pre-compliance validation of enclosure integration, cable routing, and system-level EMI mitigation strategies before formal certification.

Is frequency synchronization supported on the MAXM17545EVKIT#?

Yes, the MAXM17545EVKIT# provides direct access to the SYNC pin (Pin 2) with a dedicated test point and series resistor footprint, allowing connection to an external clock source. The board supports synchronization across the full 1.1×fSW to 1.4×fSW range - enabling deterministic switching alignment in multi-rail systems to suppress beat frequencies and reduce conducted noise peaks, as verified in the "SYNC Frequency at 740kHz" oscilloscope plot (toc41) of the MAXM17545 datasheet.