Evaluation Boards - DC/DC & AC/DC (Off-Line) SMPS

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
MAXREFDES113A# Maxim Integrated	EVAL BOARD FOR MAX17596	111
MAX20075EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL MAX20075 CONVERTER	236
MAX17541GTBEVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAX17541	18
MAX20458EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAX20458 36V SYNC B	422
MAX5022EVKIT Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAX5022	113
MAX17290EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL BOARD FOR MAX17290	125
MAXREFDES112C# Maxim Integrated	EVAL BOARD FOR MAX17596	265
MAX77812EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	IC REG BUCK ADJ QUAD 20A	214
MAXM17516EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAXM17516	131
MAXM17543EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAXM17543	16
MAX15032EVKIT+ Maxim Integrated	KIT EVAL FOR MAX15032	213
MAX77681EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	MAX77681EVKIT FOR HIGHLY INTEGRA	315
MAX14750EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT MAX14750	16
MAX17551AUBEVKIT# Maxim Integrated	KIT EVALUATION MAX17551AUB	46
MAX1771EVKIT-SO Maxim Integrated	EVAL BOARD FOR MAX1771	1018
MAX17501BTEVKIT# Maxim Integrated	KIT EVAL FOR MAX17501B	15
MAXREFDES116A# Maxim Integrated	EVAL BOARD FOR MAX17599	58
MAX38650AEVK#WLP Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAX38650	184
MAX15038EVKIT+ Maxim Integrated	EVALUATION KIT FOR MAX15038	27
MAX17546EVKITB# Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAX17546	18

Evaluation Boards - DC/DC & AC/DC (Off-Line) SMPS

1. Overview

Evaluation boards (EVBs) for DC/DC and AC/DC switch-mode power supplies (SMPS) are specialized hardware platforms designed to demonstrate and validate the performance of power management integrated circuits (PMICs) and power modules. These boards enable engineers to assess critical parameters such as efficiency, thermal behavior, and dynamic response before integrating power solutions into end systems. With global demand for energy-efficient electronics growing, SMPS evaluation boards play a vital role in accelerating the development of power systems for applications ranging from consumer devices to industrial machinery.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Isolated AC/DC EVBs	Galvanic isolation, safety-certified designs	Medical power supplies, industrial SMPS
Non-Isolated DC/DC EVBs	Compact footprint, high-frequency operation	Point-of-load converters, telecom systems
Wide Bandgap (WBG) EVBs	GaN/SiC device evaluation, high-power density	Fast chargers, renewable energy systems
Digital Power EVBs	PMBus/PIC interfaces, programmable control	Server power, smart grid equipment

3. Structure and Components

Typical SMPS evaluation boards consist of: - PCB substrate with 2-10 layers for thermal management - Power stage components: MOSFETs, IGBTs, or wide-bandgap devices - Control circuitry: PWM controllers, gate drivers - Input/Output interfaces: Screw terminals, barrel connectors - Measurement points for voltage/current waveforms - Thermal vias and heatsinks for power dissipation

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description	Importance
Input Voltage Range	90-264V AC or 12-48V DC	Defines compatibility with power sources
Output Power	5W-1kW typical	Determines application suitability
Efficiency	>85% (varies by topology)	Energy saving and thermal performance
Switching Frequency	20kHz-5MHz	Affects component size and EMI
Protection Features	OVP/OCP/OTP	Ensures reliability under faults

5. Application Fields

Industrial: PLCs, motor drives, test equipment
Consumer: Laptop adapters, smart home devices
Automotive: On-board chargers (OBC), ADAS systems
Medical: Patient monitors, imaging equipment
Renewables: Solar inverters, energy storage systems

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Features
TI (Texas Instruments)	LMG3410EVM-001	GaN FET evaluation with 1200V rating
STMicroelectronics	STEVAL-ISA1850V1	650V SiC-based active clamp flyback
Infineon	IMW120R048M1H-EVM	WBG evaluation for 1200V/450A systems
Analog Devices	LTC7801EV	High-efficiency synchronous buck controller

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations include: - Matching input/output requirements to application needs - Isolation requirements for safety-critical systems - Availability of design files and software tools - Compliance with standards (e.g., IEC 61558 for medical) - Cost vs. performance trade-offs - Thermal management capabilities

8. Industry Trends

Emerging trends include: - Adoption of GaN/SiC devices enabling >95% efficiency - Integration of digital control via PMBus interfaces - Development of ultra-high-density converters (>100W/cm ) - Emphasis on low EMI designs for automotive applications - Cloud-connected evaluation platforms for remote testing