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

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
MAX17576EVKITB# Maxim Integrated	EVAL MAX17576	523
MAXM17536EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT MAXM17536	123
MAXREFDES112B# Maxim Integrated	EVAL BOARD FOR MAX17596	356
MAX17552ATBEVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAX17552	121
MAX17501HTEVKIT# Maxim Integrated	KIT EVAL FOR MAX17501H	112
MAX17550AUBEVKIT# Maxim Integrated	KIT EVALUATION MAX17550AUB	49
MAX1889EVKIT Maxim Integrated	KIT EVAL MAX1889	2
MAXREFDES116D# Maxim Integrated	EVAL BOARD FOR MAX17599	128
MAX17271EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL BOARD FOR MAX17271	11
MAX77680EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	MAX77680EVKIT FOR HIGHLY INTEGRA	15
MAX17595EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	KIT EVAL FOR MAX17595	33
MAX17505EVKITA# Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAX17505	18
MAX15066EVKIT+ Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT MAX15066	111
MAX38643AEVK#WLP Maxim Integrated	EVAL BUCK NANO MAX38643	215
MAX20414EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL MAX20414 PMIC	339
MAX1709EVKIT Maxim Integrated	EVAL BOARD FOR MAX1709	18
MAX8815AEVKIT+ Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT STEP-UP CONV MAX8815A	110
MAX16990EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	KIT EVALUATION MAX16990	112
MAX77596EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL BOARD FOR MAX77596	512
MAXM17633EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL MAXM17633	437

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