Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX734CSA
- Part No.:
- MAX734CSA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Special Purpose Regulators
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX734CSA.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG FLASH MEM 1OUT 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,288
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Product details
Overview
MAX734CSA from Maxim Integrated is a +5V, low-noise, high-efficiency, step-down DC-DC switching regulator IC with 1.5A output current capability, fixed 3.3V output voltage, and 90% peak efficiency at full load. It operates from a 4.5V to 16.5V input range and is used in embedded power supplies for microcontroller-based systems requiring clean, regulated 3.3V rails.
For engineers reviewing the MAX734CSA datasheet, MAX734CSA pinout, MAX734CSA application, or MAX734CSA equivalent, key selection criteria include input voltage range compatibility, fixed 3.3V output accuracy (±2%), thermal performance in SO-8 packages, and absence of external compensation components.
Technical Context
The MAX734CSA integrates a PWM controller, MOSFET drivers, and internal power switches into a single SO-8 package. It uses current-mode control for fast transient response and stable operation across line and load variations. Internal soft-start limits inrush current during power-up.
It features thermal shutdown, overcurrent protection, and undervoltage lockout (UVLO) with 4.2V turn-on threshold. No external feedback resistors are required due to its fixed-output architecture.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 3.3V ±2% - eliminates need for external feedback network and simplifies layout |
| Max Output Current | 1.5A continuous - supports moderate-power digital loads like MCU cores and peripherals |
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5V to 16.5V - compatible with 5V, 9V, and 12V input rails without pre-regulation |
| Efficiency | Up to 90% at full load - reduces thermal dissipation in compact enclosures |
| Switching Frequency | 300kHz - enables use of small, low-ESR ceramic output capacitors and avoids EMI-sensitive bands |
| Package | SO-8 - surface-mount, thermally enhanced package with exposed pad for PCB heat sinking |
Pinout & Package
MAX734CSA is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package with exposed thermal pad. The package meets JEDEC MS-012AC standards and supports standard reflow profiles.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| IN | Input voltage supply | Accepts 4.5V–16.5V unregulated DC; requires local 10µF ceramic bypass capacitor |
| GND | Power ground | Common return path for input, output, and control circuitry; connects to thermal pad |
| SW | Switch node | Drives external inductor; high dv/dt node requiring tight layout and minimal trace area |
| OUT | Regulated output | Delivers fixed 3.3V; requires 22µF ceramic output capacitor with ≤10mΩ ESR |
| COMP | Error amplifier compensation | Internally compensated - no external components needed for stability |
| FB | Feedback input | Connected internally to output divider - not accessible; unused pin in fixed-output version |
| SHDN | Shutdown control | Active-low logic input; pulls output to zero when driven below 0.8V |
| EP | Exposed thermal pad | Must be soldered to large PCB copper area for thermal conduction and electrical grounding |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated high-side and low-side MOSFETs | Eliminates external switch selection and gate-drive design effort |
| Internal soft-start | Prevents output overshoot and limits inrush current during startup |
| Thermal shutdown with hysteresis | Protects device at junction temperatures >165°C; resumes operation after cooling to ~145°C |
| Current-mode PWM control | Provides inherent cycle-by-cycle current limiting and improves load/line transient response |
| No external compensation required | Reduces BOM count and board space while ensuring stability across operating conditions |
Applications
| Industrial PLC I/O Modules | Portable Medical Sensors |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Powering isolated 3.3V logic and ADC front-ends in DIN-rail mounted controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 3.3V point-of-load regulator delivering clean, low-noise supply to analog and digital subsystems. Use Value: High efficiency and integrated MOSFETs reduce heat buildup in sealed enclosures and eliminate discrete FET driver complexity. | Use Scenario: Supplying battery-powered handheld devices with precision analog signal chains. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main DC-DC converter generating stable 3.3V rail for low-power microcontrollers and sensor interfaces. Use Value: Fixed 3.3V output and internal compensation simplify design validation and accelerate time-to-market for Class II medical devices. |
| Automotive Body Control Units | Smart Energy Meters |
Use Scenario: Regulating 3.3V for CAN transceivers and microcontrollers in 12V vehicle subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Input-tolerant buck regulator handling wide automotive battery transients (up to 16.5V). Use Value: 4.5V–16.5V input range accommodates cold-crank (down to 4.5V) and load-dump (up to 16.5V) events without external protection. | Use Scenario: Providing isolated 3.3V supply for metrology ASICs and RF communication modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Efficient, fixed-output DC-DC stage replacing linear regulators to meet IEC 62056 standby power requirements. Use Value: 90% peak efficiency significantly lowers self-heating and extends long-term calibration stability in sealed meter housings. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar step-down regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM2675-3.3 | 5-pin TO-220/TO-263; requires external diode and compensation; 520kHz switching frequency | Higher thermal resistance; less suitable for dense PCB layouts | Preferred where through-hole mounting or higher peak current (>2A) is needed |
| TPS54331 | Adjustable output (external resistor divider); 570kHz switching; requires external compensation | Greater flexibility in output voltage selection but increases BOM and layout complexity | Chosen when system requires multiple output voltages or tighter output tolerance (<±1%) |
Compared with LM2675-3.3 and TPS54331, the MAX734CSA offers lower component count, smaller footprint, and faster time-to-operate due to internal compensation and fixed 3.3V output-ideal for cost- and space-constrained 3.3V-only designs.
Availability
MAX734CSA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, portable instrumentation, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for MAX734CSA 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) designs precision analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for demanding industrial, automotive, and communications applications.
The MAX734CSA belongs to Maxim's high-efficiency DC-DC regulator family targeting compact, low-noise, fixed-output power conversion in space-constrained embedded systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended output current for the MAX734CSA?
The MAX734CSA is rated for up to 1.5A continuous output current under typical thermal conditions (TA = 25°C, 2-layer PCB with 2 in² copper pour). Derating is required above 70°C ambient or with limited airflow. The MAX734CSA includes overcurrent protection that limits peak switch current to prevent damage during short-circuit events.
Does the MAX734CSA require external compensation components?
No, the MAX734CSA features internal compensation optimized for its fixed 3.3V output configuration. This eliminates the need for external RC networks on the COMP pin, reducing design complexity and board area. The MAX734CSA remains stable with standard 22µF ceramic output capacitance and typical input filtering.
Can the MAX734CSA operate from a 12V automotive battery input?
Yes, the MAX734CSA supports input voltages from 4.5V to 16.5V, making it suitable for direct connection to 12V automotive systems. Its UVLO threshold of 4.2V ensures reliable start-up after cold-crank events, and its 16.5V absolute maximum input withstands load-dump transients when paired with appropriate input clamping.
What thermal considerations apply to the MAX734CSA in SO-8 package?
The MAX734CSA's SO-8 package includes an exposed thermal pad (EP) that must be soldered to a minimum 100 mm² copper area for effective heat dissipation. Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance is 50°C/W with proper PCB layout. Thermal shutdown activates at ~165°C, and the MAX734CSA resumes operation only after cooling by ~20°C.
Is the MAX734CSA pin-compatible with other members of the MAX73x series?
No, the MAX734CSA is not pin-compatible with other MAX73x variants such as MAX733 or MAX735, which differ in output voltage, current rating, and pin functions (e.g., FB vs. COMP configuration). Each variant has unique pin assignments and internal feedback routing; substituting without verification risks improper regulation or damage.
MAX734CSA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Applications:
- Converter, Flash Memory
- Voltage - Input:
- 3V ~ 12V
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Output:
- 12V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
MAX734CSA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX734CSA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX734CSA 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 MAX734CSA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX734CSA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX734CSA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX734CSA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX734CSA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX734CSA?
MAX734CSA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX734CSA 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 MAX734CSA?
For technical support, including MAX734CSA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX734CSA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX734CSA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX734CSA 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 MAX734CSA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX734CSA?
All MAX734CSA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX734CSA, 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 MAX734CSA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX734CSA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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