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

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
MAXM17532EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAXM17532	1380
MAX15041EVKIT+ Maxim Integrated	KIT EVAL MAX15041ETE	26
MAX17501FTEVKIT# Maxim Integrated	KIT EVAL FOR MAX17501F	16
MAXM17545EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAXM17545	19
MAXM15463EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL MAXM15463	124
MAXREFDES114A# Maxim Integrated	EVAL BOARD FOR MAX17599	513
MAX17504EVKITA# Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAX17504	15
MAX16952EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT MAX16952	115
MAX8643EVKIT+ Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAX8643	111
MAX16920BEVKIT+ Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAX16920B	25
MAX17574EVKITA# Maxim Integrated	EVKIT FOR MAX17574	313
MAX77831WEVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVKIT FOR BUCK-BOOST CONVERTER	213
MAXM15062EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL MAXM15062	518
MAX17606SFBEVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL BOARD FOR MAX17606	7
MAX17220EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVALUATION KIT	817
MAXREFDES98# Maxim Integrated	REF DESIGN POE MAX5969A MAX17503	311
MAX17550ATBEVKIT# Maxim Integrated	KIT EVALUATION MAX17550ATB	110
MAXM17623EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL MAXM17623 STEPDOWN	363
MAX17541GTAEVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAX17541	19
MAXM17720EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVKIT FOR MAXM17720	612

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