Description

The MAX20444B evaluation kit (EV kit) demonstrates the MAX20444B integrated, 4-channel, high-brightness LED driver with boost controller and I²C interface for automotive displays.

The EV kit operates from a DC supply voltage between 4.5V and 36V, and the switching frequency can be set at either 2.2MHz or 400kHz. The EV kit can be configured to operate in stand-alone mode or in I²C mode. Spread-spectrum mode (SSM) for EMI improvement is enabled by default, but it can be disabled trough a register bit. The EV kit demonstrates phase-shifted pulse-width modulation (PWM) dimming, which can be performed either externally using a PWM signal applied to the DIM PCB pad or internally by programming the desired dimming frequency and individual duty cycle using I²C. The hybrid dimming feature can also be enabled through a register bit to reduce EMI. The EV kit also demonstrates fault protection for short LED, open LED, boost output undervoltage and overvoltage, and overtemperature.

For operation at switching frequencies other than 2.2MHz or 400kHz, the external components should be chosen according to the calculations in the MAX20444B IC data sheet.

The EV kit provides an I²C interface that can operate in conjunction with the MINIQUSB+ adapter board or a third party I²C master. The EV kit also includes Windows^®-compatible software that provides a simple graphical user interface (GUI) for exercising the features of the IC.