Question:
Is it necessary to connect a 32kHz crystal to WXIDIO and WXODIO pins?
Answer:
No. The 32 kHz crystal is not required for operation, and the pins can be left unconnected (floating).
The WXIDIO and WXODIO pins are multi-functional. In the MAX7037 EVKIT, the WXIDIO and WXODIO pins are routed through a jumper (J4) to allow connection to the 32kHz crystal (Z1) mounted close to the MAX7037, or to other input/output signal sources on the board. By default, the jumpers are not installed, and therefore WXIDIO and WXODIO are not connected to the crystal, or any signal input/output; the pins are essentially unconnected. Depending on how the MAX7037 is configured, the WXIDIO and WXODIO pins have different functions. The 32kHz crystal is used for a future MAX7037 feature: wristwatch crystal-based real-time clock.