Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAXREFDES100HDK#

Overview

MAXREFDES100HDK# from Maxim Integrated is a detachable programming and debug adapter for the MAXREFDES100 health sensor platform, implementing CMSIS-DAP over USB HID, USB MSC for drag-and-drop firmware loading, and USB CDC for serial communication. It supports 1.8V–3.3V I/O voltage, features a symmetrical USB Type-C interface shared with debug signals, and includes a 10-pin Cortex SWD header for target debugging.

For engineers reviewing the MAXREFDES100HDK# datasheet, MAXREFDES100HDK# pinout, MAXREFDES100HDK# application, or MAXREFDES100HDK# equivalent, key selection considerations include USB Type-C debug passthrough capability, mbed HDK compliance, SWD/UART signal access via 10-pin header, and dual-role USB connectivity without requiring dedicated debug connectors.

Technical Context

The MAXREFDES100HDK# implements a dual-mode USB interface: one path provides standard USB device functionality (MSC/CDC/HID), while another enables concurrent debug access through the same USB Type-C connector - eliminating need for separate debug headers. Its firmware-enforced CMSIS-DAP protocol ensures compatibility with ARM-based IDEs including Keil MDK and ARM GCC toolchains.

It integrates a configurable voltage translation block supporting 1.8V, 2.5V, and 3.3V I/O levels on its SWD and UART pins, and exposes SWDIO, SWCLK, nRESET, GND, VDD, TX, RX, CTS, RTS, and DTR signals via its 10-pin Cortex SWD header - all electrically isolated from host USB power domains.

Key Specifications

Availability

MAXREFDES100HDK# is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wearable health sensor development, mbed-based rapid prototyping, and low-power biomedical reference design validation requiring stable component supply and consistent debug infrastructure.

Supply support for MAXREFDES100HDK# 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) designs precision analog, mixed-signal, and high-reliability semiconductor solutions for industrial, healthcare, and communications applications.

The MAXREFDES100HDK# belongs to Maxim's reference design ecosystem for wearable health monitoring systems, engineered to accelerate evaluation and integration of MAX32620/MAX32625-based sensor platforms with standardized mbed toolchain support.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAXREFDES100HDK#?

The MAXREFDES100HDK# is a detachable programming and debug adapter designed specifically for the MAXREFDES100 health sensor board. It delivers CMSIS-DAP debug capability, USB MSC drag-and-drop programming, and USB CDC serial communication - all over a single USB Type-C connection. The MAXREFDES100HDK# enables full firmware development and real-time debugging without requiring additional hardware interfaces or layout changes on the target sensor board.

Does the MAXREFDES100HDK# require driver installation on Windows?

Yes, the MAXREFDES100HDK# requires a USB CDC serial driver on Windows to expose its virtual COM port for terminal communication. This driver is not needed for drag-and-drop programming (MSC mode) or CMSIS-DAP debugging (HID mode). The MAXREFDES100HDK# uses standard Windows INF files compatible with Windows 7 through 11, and driver setup instructions are published in Maxim's official MAXREFDES100HDK# documentation.

Can the MAXREFDES100HDK# debug other Cortex-M targets besides the MAXREFDES100 sensor board?

Yes, the MAXREFDES100HDK# can debug external Cortex-M devices via its 10-pin SWD header, supporting SWDIO, SWCLK, nRESET, and power sensing. It has been validated with MAX32620, MAX32625, and other ARMv7-M cores. The MAXREFDES100HDK# does not require modification to serve as a standalone CMSIS-DAP debugger for third-party boards meeting standard SWD electrical and protocol requirements.

How is USB debug passthrough implemented on the MAXREFDES100HDK#?

The MAXREFDES100HDK# routes host USB 2.0 D+/D− signals directly to the connected sensor board through internal traces, enabling full USB peripheral operation (e.g., USB HID sensors or CDC interfaces) while CMSIS-DAP debugging is active. This is achieved without multiplexing or switching - both debug and target USB functions operate concurrently using the same physical USB Type-C connector on the MAXREFDES100HDK#.

What firmware version is required for full MAXREFDES100HDK# functionality?

The MAXREFDES100HDK# requires firmware version 1.2.0 or later to enable simultaneous USB MSC, CDC, and HID operation, correct SWD signal timing, and reliable 1.8V–3.3V I/O level detection. Earlier versions may omit USB passthrough or misreport voltage settings. Firmware updates are performed by dragging a signed .bin file onto the MAXREFDES100HDK#'s enumerated USB mass storage drive - no external tools are needed to update the MAXREFDES100HDK#.