A 4-layer PCB with a solid ground plane and a separate power plane is recommended. Keep the analog and digital grounds separate and connect them at a single point. Use a 10uF capacitor between VCC and GND, and a 1uF capacitor between AVCC and AGND.
Apply power to VCC and AVCC simultaneously, with VCC rising first. Ensure the power supply is stable and within the recommended voltage range. Configure the device by writing to the control registers through the I2C interface.
The I2C interface on the MAX9180EXT+T supports data transfer rates up to 400 kHz in Fast Mode and 1 MHz in High-Speed Mode.
The MAX9180EXT+T has a thermal pad on the bottom of the package. Ensure good thermal contact between the thermal pad and the PCB. Use thermal vias to dissipate heat to the PCB's ground plane or a dedicated heat sink.
Use ESD protection devices such as TVS diodes or ESD arrays on the I2C bus lines and other sensitive inputs to protect the MAX9180EXT+T from electrostatic discharge.