company blog about Maxim MAXM20344EVKIT 2.5W Isolated Output DC/DC Step Down Power Modules Evaluation Board

Maxim MAXM20344EVKIT 2.5W Isolated Output DC/DC Step Down Power Modules Evaluation Board

Shenzhen Mingjiada Electronics Co., Ltd., as a renowned distributor of electronic components, provides a stable supply of the Maxim MAXM20344EVKIT evaluation board. The MAXM20344EVKIT is not merely a basic demonstration circuit, but a fully assembled and tested, ready-to-use high-performance power module development platform. It is designed to assist engineers in rapidly validating and integrating the MAXM20344 DC/DC buck-boost power module, which operates across an ultra-wide input voltage range and delivers up to 2.5W of isolated output.

【MAXM20344EVKIT Evaluation Board Core Overview: Designed for Plug-and-Play】

The core mission of the MAXM20344EVKIT evaluation board is to provide a ‘proven design’ enabling engineers to evaluate the full performance potential of the MAXM20344 module without hindrance. The module is pre-configured for a fixed 5V output, yet its output voltage is adjustable within the 2.5V to 5.5V range, demonstrating exceptional design flexibility.

The MAXM20344EVKIT evaluation board eliminates complex debugging procedures, delivering out-of-the-box functionality:

Fully Integrated: All essential thin surface-mount components, including compact ceramic input/output capacitors, are integrated onto the board, enabling a compact layout.

Reliable Layout: The PCB layout has been validated to ensure optimal electrical performance and thermal management, directly reducing design risks for users.

Full Functionality: The evaluation board comprehensively demonstrates the module's key features, such as fixed soft-start, Input Good (INGOOD) and Power Good (PGOOD) signals, which are essential for building reliable power management systems.

【Delving into the Core: The MAXM20344 Module's Outstanding Performance】

The exceptional performance of the MAXM20344EVKIT evaluation board stems from the groundbreaking technology inherent in the MAXM20344 itself, part of the “Himalaya” series of power modules.

Ultra-Wide Input Range and Intelligent Topology

The module's most notable feature is its exceptionally broad input voltage range of 0.5V to 5.5V. This enables efficient energy extraction directly from single-cell alkaline/NiMH batteries, photovoltaic cells, or other unstable low-voltage sources. Its secret lies in a unique non-inverting buck-boost topology and intelligent control algorithm. This enables seamless, smooth automatic switching between buck, buck-boost, and boost modes based on input voltage levels. This minimises output voltage ripple and subharmonic noise during mode transitions, ensuring exceptional output stability.

Ultimate Efficiency and Ultra-Low Quiescent Power Consumption

Under typical operating conditions of 3.3V input and 5V/300mA output, the MAXM20344 module achieves peak efficiency of up to 94.5%. Crucially, its quiescent current is as low as 3.5μA. Combined with an adaptive frequency switching mechanism, this significantly enhances efficiency under light loads or in standby mode. This represents a decisive advantage for battery-powered IoT and wearable devices requiring operational lifespans of several years.

High Integration and Exceptional Reliability

Housed in an advanced uSLIC package measuring just 3.5mm x 3.5mm x 1.45mm, the module integrates power switches, controllers, and inductors internally. This high level of integration minimises design complexity, delivering a true plug-and-play experience that substantially reduces time-to-market.

Concurrently, the module incorporates comprehensive protection features including overcurrent and overtemperature safeguards, while maintaining stable operation across a broad ambient temperature range of -40°C to +125°C. Its design complies with CISPR 32 Class B electromagnetic radiation standards and multiple mechanical reliability criteria, rendering it well-suited to withstand demanding industrial environments.

【MAXM20344EVKIT Typical Application】

The solution represented by the MAXM20344EVKIT excels in the following cutting-edge fields:

Industrial Sensors and Transmitters: Provides isolated, efficient, and wide-voltage-tolerant local power for 4-20mA loop-powered devices and vibration sensors.

Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWAN): Delivers stable power from batteries or energy harvesting devices (e.g., solar panels) to communication modules like NB-IoT and LoRa, maximising network node endurance.

Wearables and IoT Terminals: Optimises the entire discharge curve of batteries in devices such as smartwatches and health monitoring patches, sustaining critical system circuits even as battery voltage drops significantly.

Mingjiada Electronics maintains long-term supply of other Maxim evaluation board components, including but not limited to the following models:

MAX11410EVKIT

MAX11905EVKIT

MAX11960EVKIT

MAX1300AEVKIT

MAX22530EVKIT

MAX30001EVSYS

MAX30003WING2

MAX31856EVSYS

MAX31865EVKIT

MAX31865PMB1

MAX5216PMB1

MAX5719EVKIT

MAXREFDES11