Analog Devices Inc. MAX98415A/MAX98425A Evaluation Systems

The Analog Devices MAX98415A/98425A Evaluation Systems are designed for evaluating the MAX98435A or MAX98415A stereo Class-D audio amplifiers. These boards allow designers to test and evaluate audio systems and speakers with the help of additional peripherals that support USB connectivity.

Versatile Testing Peripherals to Streamline Audio Systems Evaluation

The MAX98425A and MAX98415A audio evaluation systems provide a flexible and standalone solution to test speakers and audio units. The system consists of the following units:

• MAX98415A or MAX98425A development board

• Analog Devices Audio Interface Board III (AUDINT3)

• USB Cable

The Audio interface and development board work in unison as they are connected together via a 3-row connector. The AUDINT3 is then further connected to a PC via a microUSB cable. Both units run on an external power supply and offer a plug-and-play option, i.e., USB-to-I2S interface. 

Therefore, it can connect to any computer that provides a 48KHz digital audio source. Thanks to a simplistic design, it is easy to set up and enables rapid testing of audio equipment without further dependency on external hardware.  

Automatic Board Detection and Regulation

The AUDINT3 board is smart and can distinguish between MAX98425A and 98415A development boards. Consequently, it configures the LDO regulators to provide optimal power according to the type of the DEV board connected to it. 

The board features a USB-to-PCM converter, which can automatically accept a USB audio stream from the computer and convert the stream to an I2S stream. Hence, it allows USB audio playback via development boards. Its digital audio interface (DAI) may be disabled while delivering the audio output. 

Flexible Evaluation as Standalone EV Boards

Since there is support for two external power supplies, there are options to evaluate the MAX98415A and MAX98425A development boards as standalone units. In this case, PVDD and VBAT are used to power the boards while audio signals are driven by the external audio test equipment.  

It requires the designers to populate the R33, R34m and R35 resistors with 0 Ohms resistance values. 

Wide-Ranging Power Supply Options for Multiple Operational Modes

Based on the mode of operations, there are various supply values needed by the board. It also allows multiple EV systems to be connected at once, supporting multichannel audio systems evaluation. The voltage ranges for various supply options are given below:

• VBAT: 2.4 to 5.5V

• PVDD: 3 to 22 V

• AVDD 1.71 to 1.89 V

• DVDD: 1.71 to 1.8 V

It’s a fully tested and assembled evaluation system allowing mono or stereo operations on a single board. It has designed-in output amplifier filters, extensive connection points extensive software support, making it an all-in-one package for audio systems testing.