Op amp evaluation kit provides design flexbility

18th April 2016

Mick Elliott

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Datasheet

The MAX44627EVKIT evaluation kit from Maxim Integrated is now on sale at Mouser Electronics. The kit provides the perfect design environment for evaluating Maxim’s high-precision, low-noise and low-drift MAX44267 Beyond-the-Rails single-supply dual operational amplifiers (op-amps). Performing over a wide voltage range to help optimise applications, the MAX44267 op-amps provide true-zero output that maximises the dynamic range of an analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) while also increasing overall resolution.

The board comes pre-installed with a MAX44267 op-amp, a 12V DC power supply, two precision voltage sources, and two digital multimeters to get engineers started in testing low power applications, including analog level shifting and conditioning, sensor interfaces, and programmable logic controller (PLC) analogue input/output (I/O) modules.

The kit incorporates a proven PCB layout to help engineers evaluate the on-board MAX44267, which integrates charge-pump circuitry that generates a negative voltage rail in conjunction with external capacitors for noise optimisation.

This functionality enables the MAX44267 to operate from a single +4.5V to +15V power supply, making it as effective as a normal dual-rail ±4.5V to ±15V amplifier. Since the MAX44267EVKIT architecture eliminates the need for isolating a negative supply rail, developers can save both system space and cost to optimise their designs.

Engineers can use the kit to evaluate the MAX44267 op-amp’s high-accuracy sensing over temperature capabilities, integrated electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter, and wide voltage range.

Engineers can also test the op-amp’s true-zero output, which allows the output extend below 0V to help maximise the dynamic range of the ADC and increase resolution.

Even though the circuit in the MAX44267EVKIT is preconfigured as a noninverting amplifier, engineers can change a few components to adapt the flexible circuit to other topologies or multiple op-amp configurations.