The MAX17094 evaluation kit (EV kit) is a fully assembled and tested surface-mount PCB that provides the voltages and features required for active-matrix, thin-film transistor (TFT), liquid-crystal displays (LCDs). The EV kit contains a high-performance step-up switching regulator, a 250mA low-dropout (LDO) linear regulator, a high-speed op amp, a digitally adjustable VCOM calibrator, and seven high-voltage level-shifting buffers for scan-driver applications.

The EV kit operates from a DC supply voltage from +1.8V to +5.5V. The step-up switching regulator is configured for a +8V output providing at least 300mA from a +2.5V input. The positive charge pump is configured for a +21.5V output providing up to 30mA. The negative charge pump is configured for a -6.5V output providing up to 30mA. The op amp is capable of providing up to ±150mA peak and features a programmable output voltage initially configured for +3.2V. The low-voltage, low-dropout linear regulator can provide at least 250mA. The high-voltage, level-shifting scan driver buffers seven logic inputs and shifts them to a desired level to drive TFT LCD row logic.

The MAX17094 EV kit demonstrates low quiescent current and high efficiency (> 85%) for maximum battery life. Operation at 1.2MHz allows the use of tiny surface-mount components. The MAX17094 thin QFN package (0.8mm max height), with low-profile external components, allows this circuit to be less than 2mm high.

The MAX17094 EV kit provides an on-board I²C/SMBus™ interface and connects to the computer through the universal serial bus (USB) port. The EV kit includes Windows® 2000/XP® and Windows Vista®-compatible software that provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for control of the MAX17094's programmable features.