The MAX17030 evaluation kit (EV kit) demonstrates the high-power, dynamically adjustable, multiphase IMVP-6.5 notebook CPU application circuit. This DC-DC converter steps down high-voltage batteries and/or AC adapters, generating a precision, low-voltage CPU core V_CC rail. The MAX17030 EV kit meets the Intel mobile IMVP-6.5 CPU's transient voltage specification, power-good signaling, voltage regulator thermal monitoring (active-low VRHOT), and power-good output (PWRGD). The MAX17030 EV kit consists of the MAX17030 3-phase interleaved Quick-PWM™ step-down controller and one external MAX8791 single synchronous MOSFET driver. The MAX17030 EV kit includes active voltage positioning with adjustable gain, reducing power dissipation and bulk output capacitance requirements. A slew-rate controller allows controlled transitions between VID codes, controlled soft-start and shutdown, and controlled exit suspend voltage. Precision slew-rate control provides "just-in-time" arrival at the new DAC setting, minimizing surge currents to and from the battery.

Two dedicated system inputs (active-low PSI and DPRSLPVR) dynamically select the operating mode and number of active phases, optimizing the overall efficiency during the CPU's active and sleep states.

The MAX17030 includes latched output undervoltagefault protection, overvoltage-fault protection, and thermal-overload protection. It also includes a voltage regulator power-good (PWRGD) output, a clock enable (active-low CLKEN) output, and a current monitor (IMON) output.

The MAX17030 provides a digitally adjustable 0 to 1.5000V output voltage (7-bit on-board DAC) from a 7V to 20V battery-input range. Each phase is designed for a 20A thermal design current, and delivers up to 22A peak output current for a total of 66A. The EV kit operates at 300kHz switching frequency (per phase) and has superior line- and load-transient response.

The MAX17030 EV kit also evaluates the MAX17000, MAX17007A, and MAX17028 DC-DC converters.