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

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
MAX20059EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL MAX20059 STEP DOWN	16
MAX17631BEVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVKIT FOR MAX17631B 4.5V TO 36V	27
MAX5069AEVKIT Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAX5069A	7
MAX20743EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL BOARD FOR MAX20743	111
MAX17030EVKIT+ Maxim Integrated	EVALUATION KIT FOR MAX17030	5
MAX77503AEVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVKITS FOR 14V INPUT, 1.5A HIGH-	318
MAX17633CEVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVALUATION KIT	421
MAX20471EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL MAX20471 BOOST CONVERT	323
MAX20029EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVALUATION KIT FOR AUTOMOTIVE QU	212
MAX17811EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	KIT EVAL FOR THE MAX17811	12
MAX17557EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL BUCK CTRLR MAX17557	2
MAX17231EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT MAX17231	27
MAX20034EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	36V DL HV CONTRLR W/LOW 17UA IQ	115
MAX17597EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVALUATION KIT FOR UNIVERSAL AC/	26
MAX38641AEVK#UDFN Maxim Integrated	TINY 300NA NANOPOWER BUCK CONVER	10
MAXM15066EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL BUCK MOD MAXM15066	528
MAX15062C2.5EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	KIT EVALUATION MAX15062C2.5	16
MAX20014EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL MAX20014 PMIC	340
MAX8969EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT STEP-UP 1A 3MHZ MAX8969	17
MAX5092EVKIT+ Maxim Integrated	KIT EVALUATION FOR MAX5092	6

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