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

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
MAX13256EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	KIT EVAL FOR MAX13256	116
MAX17544EVKITB# Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAX17544	27
MAX8569EVKIT+ Maxim Integrated	EVALUATION KIT FOR MAX8569	2
MAXREFDES114D# Maxim Integrated	EVAL BOARD FOR MAX17599	125
MAX20734EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL BOARD BUCK REG MAX20734	114
MAX17681EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAX17681	151
MAX25231EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVKIT FOR MAX25231 - 600MA/1.2A,	222
MAX77324EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL MAX77324 BUCK 1.5A	158
MAX77597EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	MAX77597 EVALUATION KIT	317
MAX1676EVKIT Maxim Integrated	EVAL BOARD FOR MAX1676	17
MAXREFDES48# Maxim Integrated	REF DESIGN EFD20 TRANSFORMER PS	417
MAXREFDES112D# Maxim Integrated	EVAL BOARD FOR MAX17596	239
MAXM17514EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAXM17514	124
MAX16932EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVALS BOARD FOR MAX16932	325
MAX17244EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVKIT FOR 17244	141
MAX1797EVKIT Maxim Integrated	EVAL BOARD FOR MAX1797	15
MAX17536EVKITA# Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAX17536	19
MAX15062BEVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAX15062	37
MAX17094EVKIT+ Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAX17094	1
MAX17270EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVKIT FOR NANOPOWER TRIPLE/DUAL-	316

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