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

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
MAX17062EVKIT+ Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAX17062	37
MAX77874EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EV KIT MAX77874 BUCK REG	110
MAX20098EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	36V, >10A, 5UA, BUCK CONTROLLERE	710
MAX17690EVKITA# Maxim Integrated	EVAL BOARD FOR MAX17690	29
MAXREFDES108# Maxim Integrated	REF DESIGN POE MAX5969A MAX17505	140
MAX17691AEVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVALUATION KIT FOR MAX17691	410
MAX17559EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAX17559	5
MAX8686EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	BOARD EVAL FOR MAX8686	111
MAXM17504EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAXM17504	17
MAX17686EVKITA# Maxim Integrated	EVAL MAX17686 ISO-BUCK 5W	46
MAX20037EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL MAX20037 CONVERTER	332
MAX16992EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	KIT EVALUATION MAX16990	118
MAXREFDES112A# Maxim Integrated	EVAL BOARD FOR MAX17596	145
MAX5026EVKIT Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAX5026	411
MAXREFDES111B# Maxim Integrated	EVAL BOARD FOR MAX17498B	65
MAX17681EVKITF# Maxim Integrated	EVKIT FOR 1A, 42V,ISO-BUCK REGUL	15
MAX15059EVKIT+ Maxim Integrated	EVAL KIT FOR MAX15059	212
MAXM17904EVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVAL BUCK MOD MAXM17904	228
MAX17681EVKITE# Maxim Integrated	EVKIT FOR 1A, 42V,ISO-BUCK REGUL	18
MAX17671FEVKIT# Maxim Integrated	EVALUATION KIT FOR THEMAX176715V	224

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