Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX726CCK
- Part No.:
- MAX726CCK
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package:
- TO-220-5
- Datasheet:
-
MAX726CCK.pdf
- Description:
- IC MULTI CONFIG ADJ 5A TO220-5
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,845
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Product details
Overview
The MAX726CCK from Maxim Integrated is a monolithic, bipolar, pulse-width modulation (PWM) switch-mode DC-DC regulator optimized for step-down conversion, featuring an integrated 2A NPN power switch, 100kHz fixed-frequency oscillator, and cycle-by-cycle current limiting. It operates from 8V to 40V input and delivers adjustable output from 2.5V to 35V, commonly used in high-current distributed power systems and industrial voltage conversion.
For engineers reviewing the MAX726CCK datasheet, MAX726CCK pinout, MAX726CCK application, or MAX726CCK equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, confirmed pin functions, real-world operating constraints (e.g., 2.6A current limit, TO-220 thermal resistance of 4.0°C/W), and validated alternative options for legacy design support.
Technical Context
The MAX726CCK implements a classic buck topology with internal oscillator, error amplifier, and current-limit comparator - all on a single bipolar die. Its transconductance error amplifier (5000 µmho typical) drives the VC pin for external RC compensation, enabling stable regulation across load and line variations.
It features dual protection modes: fast current-limit shutdown (<600ns response) at 2.6A and automatic oscillator frequency reduction (to ~20kHz) when FB falls below 1.3V - critical for short-circuit survival without external circuitry. The VSW pin supports swing to −35V relative to GND, enabling inverting and negative-boost configurations.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 8V to 40V - supports wide industrial bus voltages without pre-regulation |
| Output Current Limit | 2.6A typical - sets maximum safe continuous load before cycle-by-cycle shutdown |
| Switching Frequency | 100kHz fixed - balances efficiency, EMI, and external component size |
| Power Switch | Integrated 2A NPN transistor - eliminates need for external high-current switch and driver |
| Reference Voltage | 2.21V ±1.5% - defines feedback threshold for precise output voltage setting via resistor divider |
| Quiescent Current | 8.5mA typical - enables low standby power in always-on systems |
| Thermal Resistance θJC | 4.0°C/W - determines junction-to-case temperature rise under full load in TO-220 package |
Pinout & Package
The MAX726CCK is supplied in a 5-pin TO-220 package with staggered leads; case is internally connected to GND. Thermal pad must be soldered to copper pour for reliable operation at rated current.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VIN | Input Power Supply & Switch Collector | Supplies internal bias and connects to collector of on-chip NPN switch; requires ≥220µF low-ESR bypass capacitor |
| VSW | Switch Output Terminal | Drives external inductor; swings up to 35V below GND; rated for 2A continuous conduction |
| GND | Ground Reference | Reference for internal bandgap, error amplifier, and feedback; must be low-impedance single-point connection |
| VC | Error Amplifier Output | Compensation node; accepts series RC network to stabilize loop; also accepts external sync pulses (110–160kHz) |
| FB | Feedback Input | Inverting input of error amplifier; sets output voltage via resistor divider; biases at 2.21V reference |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 2A Power Switch | Eliminates external MOSFET and gate driver, reducing BOM count and layout complexity in buck converters |
| Fixed 100kHz Oscillator | Enables predictable EMI profile and simplifies filter design without requiring external timing components |
| Cycle-by-Cycle Current Limit | Protects against short-circuit and overload faults within 600ns, preserving device integrity without external sensing |
| Adjustable Output (2.5V–35V) | Supports diverse system rails using only two external resistors - no trimming or DAC required |
| −35V VSW Swing Capability | Enables inverting and negative-boost topologies without level-shifting circuitry or isolated supplies |
Applications
| Industrial Distributed Power | High-Voltage Step-Down |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Converting 24V or 48V factory bus to 5V/3.3V logic rails in PLC I/O modules and motor drive control boards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary step-down regulator delivering regulated 5V at up to 2A with minimal external parts. Use Value: Reduces bill-of-materials by integrating switch and controller; withstands 40V transients common in industrial environments. | Use Scenario: Down-converting 36V automotive battery supply to 12V for auxiliary systems during cold-crank conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Buck converter operating from 8V–40V input, maintaining regulation even at minimum VIN. Use Value: Wide input range avoids need for upstream pre-regulator; 2.6A limit supports moderate-power loads reliably. |
| Negative Output Generation | Isolated DC-DC Auxiliary Supply |
Use Scenario: Generating −5V rail from +24V input for op-amp biasing or analog sensor interfaces in test equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Inverting converter topology using GND pin tied to negative output node. Use Value: Eliminates need for isolated transformer or charge-pump IC; leverages same 100kHz switching for predictable noise spectrum. | Use Scenario: Providing isolated −12V/100mA auxiliary supply for gate drivers in half-bridge inverters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Flyback-configured regulator using transformer-coupled VSW output and opto-feedback. Use Value: Uses internal current limit and oscillator to simplify isolated design; avoids separate PWM controller IC. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar switch-mode DC-DC regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX726ECK | Same silicon, −40°C to +85°C extended temperature grade | Required for operation in automotive or outdoor industrial environments | Select MAX726ECK if ambient temperature exceeds +70°C or drops below 0°C |
| LM2596-ADJ | 3A switch, 150kHz, CMOS process, lower quiescent current (5mA), no VSW negative swing capability | Limited to buck-only; cannot configure as inverter or negative boost | Choose LM2596-ADJ only for new designs where negative output or wide VIN is not needed |
Compared with MAX726CCK, MAX726ECK offers identical electrical performance with broader temperature tolerance, while LM2596-ADJ trades topology flexibility for higher efficiency and modern process advantages - making it suitable only for basic buck applications without inversion requirements.
Availability
MAX726CCK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power conversion, distributed bus regulation, and legacy system repair requiring stable component supply despite its Not Recommended for New Designs status.
Supply support for MAX726CCK includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, communications, and computing markets.
The MAX724/MAX726 product line was designed for cost-sensitive, high-current DC-DC conversion in non-automotive industrial systems where integration, ruggedness, and topology flexibility outweigh advanced features like light-load efficiency or digital control.
FAQ
What is the maximum output current capability of the MAX726CCK?
The MAX726CCK has a typical switch current limit of 2.6A, which defines its maximum continuous output current in buck configuration. Actual deliverable current depends on input/output voltage, thermal management, and inductor selection - e.g., with VIN = 24V, VOUT = 5V, and proper heatsinking, sustained 2A output is achievable. The device enters current-limit protection if this threshold is exceeded.
Can the MAX726CCK be used in inverting or negative-boost configurations?
Yes, the MAX726CCK supports inverting and negative-boost topologies due to its VSW pin's ability to swing up to 35V below GND. In inverting mode, GND is connected to the negative output node, allowing standard feedback resistor networks to function. In negative-boost mode, GND ties to the negative output while VIN applies to the negative input rail - both configurations are documented in the MAX726CCK datasheet.
What is the purpose of the VC pin on the MAX726CCK?
On the MAX726CCK, the VC pin is the error amplifier output and serves three key roles: (1) it accepts an external RC compensation network to stabilize the control loop; (2) it can be pulsed to ground (≥300ns) to synchronize the internal 100kHz oscillator to an external clock (110–160kHz); and (3) its voltage swing (−0.7V to +5.8V) directly controls switch duty cycle via the PWM comparator.
Why does the MAX726CCK reduce switching frequency during overload?
The MAX726CCK reduces switching frequency from 100kHz to ~20kHz when FB voltage drops below ~1.3V - indicating severe overload or short-circuit. This ensures the minimum switch on-time (~0.6µs) remains sufficient to maintain current control. At 100kHz, that on-time would yield excessive duty cycle under short-circuit; lowering fOSC allows narrower effective duty cycles while retaining cycle-by-cycle limiting.
Is the MAX726CCK still recommended for new designs?
No - the MAX726CCK is marked "Not Recommended for New Designs" because it was manufactured using a discontinued wafer process. While functional units remain available for legacy repair and continuity, Maxim recommends evaluating alternatives like the MAX726ECK (same functionality, extended temp) or modern replacements such as the LM2596-ADJ for new projects where topology flexibility is not required.
MAX726CCK Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- *
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-5
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Function:
- -
- Output Configuration:
- -
- Topology:
- -
- Output Type:
- -
- Number of Outputs:
- -
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- -
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- -
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- -
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- -
- Frequency - Switching:
- -
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220-5
MAX726CCK FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX726CCK through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX726CCK on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MAX726CCK reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX726CCK are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX726CCK is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX726CCK?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX726CCK transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX726CCK?
MAX726CCK orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX726CCK order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MAX726CCK?
For technical support, including MAX726CCK datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX726CCK requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX726CCK is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX726CCK products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MAX726CCK meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX726CCK?
All MAX726CCK units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX726CCK, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MAX726CCK part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX726CCK:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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