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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX746CPE+
- Part No.:
- MAX746CPE+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX746CPE+.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK ADJ 3A 16PDIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
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Product details
Overview
MAX746CPE+ from Maxim Integrated is a high-efficiency, current-mode PWM step-down DC-DC controller that drives external N-channel logic-level MOSFETs for 5V or adjustable output regulation. It operates from 4V–15V input, delivers up to 3A load current with 93–96% efficiency, features 2V ±1.5% reference, cycle-by-cycle current limiting, and Idle-Mode™ PFM for light-load optimization-used in notebook computers and battery-powered equipment.
For engineers reviewing the MAX746CPE+ datasheet, MAX746CPE+ pinout, MAX746CPE+ application, or MAX746CPE+ equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning of specifications, validated alternative options, and supply-chain support for industrial and portable power designs.
Technical Context
The MAX746CPE+ implements dual-loop control: an inner current-feedback loop stabilized by slope compensation and an outer voltage-feedback loop dominated by output filter pole. Its 100kHz fixed-frequency PWM operation (heavy loads) transitions seamlessly to variable-frequency Idle-Mode™ PFM (light loads) via dual-comparator EXT control, reducing switching losses while maintaining <40mV output ripple at 125mA.
It integrates a charge pump generating HIGH = V+ + 5V for high-side N-FET gate drive, undervoltage lockout (4.3V above V+), soft-start with 1µA source current, and a precision 2V reference with ±1.5% tolerance over 0°C to +70°C-enabling stable 5V/3.3V conversion in Green PC and handheld applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 4V to 15V - supports wide-input battery and adapter supplies without external regulators. |
| Output Configuration | Fixed 5V (FB grounded) or adjustable 2V–14V (external resistor divider) - enables dual-mode flexibility across platforms. |
| Efficiency Range | 93% to 96% at 50mA–3A - achieved via current-mode PWM + Idle-Mode™ PFM, minimizing quiescent loss in portable systems. |
| Oscillator Frequency | 80–120kHz (typ 100kHz) - balances EMI, inductor size, and transient response for cost-sensitive 15W designs. |
| Reference Voltage | 2.00V ±1.5% - provides accurate feedback and low-battery detection threshold with minimal drift over temperature. |
| Quiescent Current | 950µA operating / 1.4µA shutdown - extends battery runtime in always-on or sleep-mode states. |
| Current Limit Threshold | 125mV–175mV (VLIMIT) - sets peak inductor current via RSENSE, enabling precise 3A output with 40mΩ sense resistor. |
Pinout & Package
MAX746CPE+ is housed in a 16-pin plastic DIP package (0°C to +70°C operating range), with separate analog/digital grounds (AGND/GND), dedicated high-current paths (V+, OUT, EXT), and integrated charge-pump outputs (CP, HIGH) for N-FET gate drive.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 LBO | Open-drain low-battery output | Goes low when LBI < 2V; requires external pull-up; disabled in shutdown - enables system-level battery monitoring. |
| 3 SS | Soft-start control | Sources 1µA to charge external capacitor; delays peak current limit rise to prevent inrush - protects weak supplies like aging batteries. |
| 4 REF | 2V reference output | ±1.5% accurate, 100µA sink/source - used for feedback scaling, comparator reference, or external circuit biasing. |
| 5 SHDN | Active-high shutdown input | Pulls supply current to ≤1.4µA; disables EXT, VOUT, and reference - enables ultra-low-power standby modes. |
| 6 FB | Feedback input | Grounded for fixed 5V; connected to resistor divider for adjustable output - defines regulation setpoint with internal 2V reference. |
| 9 OUT | Output voltage sense | Bypassed to AGND with 0.1µF; connects to internal divider - ensures stable feedback path for fixed-output configurations. |
| 10 CS | Current-sense inverting input | Paired with AV+ to measure RSENSE voltage drop - enables cycle-by-cycle current limiting and slope compensation. |
| 11 AGND | Analog ground | Quiet return for reference, error amplifier, and current-sense - must be separated from noisy power ground to avoid regulation noise. |
| 12 EXT | N-FET gate driver output | Swings between HIGH and GND; 270mA source / 160mA sink - directly drives logic-level N-FET gates without buffer. |
| 13 HIGH | Charge-pump regulated output | V+ + 5V (min), powers high-side gate drive - eliminates need for external bootstrap or isolated supply in buck topologies. |
| 14 CP | Charge-pump oscillator output | 50kHz square wave driving external capacitor-diode network - generates HIGH voltage autonomously from V+. |
| 15 V+ | Main power supply input | 4V–15V input; powers charge pump and internal circuitry - handles high-current transients during switching. |
| 16 GND | Power ground | High-current return for EXT, CP, and output stage - must be low-inductance connection to minimize switching noise coupling. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual-Mode™ Output | Hardware-selectable fixed 5V (FB = GND) or adjustable 2V–14V - eliminates firmware dependency for multi-rail systems. |
| Idle-Mode™ PFM | Reduces switching frequency at light loads while maintaining <40mV ripple - extends battery life without compromising regulation. |
| Cycle-by-Cycle Current Limit | 125mV–175mV threshold on CS–AV+ - prevents MOSFET failure during short-circuit or startup surges without external sensing. |
| Integrated Charge Pump | Generates V+ + 5V on HIGH pin - enables efficient high-side N-FET drive without external gate-driver ICs or transformers. |
| Precision Low-Battery Comparator | 2V ±1.5% reference + LBI/LBO pins - allows configurable trip point (e.g., 4.2V via resistor divider) for graceful system shutdown. |
Applications
| Notebook Power Regulation | Green PC 5V-to-3.3V Conversion |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Regulating 5V main rail down to 3.3V for CPU I/O and chipset logic in portable notebooks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Step-down controller managing external Si9410DY N-FET and Schottky diode in synchronous buck topology. Use Value: Achieves 94% efficiency at 3A load with <40mV ripple, enabling fanless thermal design and extended battery runtime. |
Use Scenario: Converting ATX 5V standby rail to 3.3V for USB controllers and SMBus interfaces in energy-efficient desktop PCs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-output DC-DC controller operating in continuous conduction mode with 100kHz switching. Use Value: Maintains tight line/load regulation (±2.5%) and low 950µA quiescent current - meets Energy Star® standby requirements. |
| Cellular Phone Baseband Supply | Handheld PDA Core Voltage |
Use Scenario: Providing clean, regulated 3.3V supply to baseband processor and RF transceiver in GSM handsets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adjustable-output controller using external R4/R5 divider and soft-start to manage inrush during power-on reset. Use Value: Idle-Mode™ reduces no-load current to 1.4µA in sleep state while preserving fast wake-up response via 100kHz PWM burst. |
Use Scenario: Delivering 1.8V–2.5V core voltage to ARM-based PDA processors with dynamic voltage scaling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-mode controller configured for adjustable output, leveraging REF and FB pins for precision feedback. Use Value: 2V ±1.5% reference enables ±1.5% output accuracy across temperature - critical for memory interface timing margins. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar step-down controller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM2596-5.0 | Fixed 5V output only; no adjustable mode; 150kHz switching; no charge pump or Idle-Mode™ PFM. | Lacks low-battery detection, soft-start control, and high-side N-FET drive capability - requires external gate driver for N-FET. | Choose LM2596-5.0 only for cost-sensitive, fixed-output designs where light-load efficiency and battery monitoring are not required. |
| TPS5430 | 3A integrated FET buck regulator (not controller); 500kHz switching; no external N-FET drive; different pinout and compensation. | Eliminates external MOSFET but sacrifices flexibility in thermal management and layout - unsuitable for high-current discrete FET designs. | Choose TPS5430 when board space is constrained and integrated solution suffices; MAX746CPE+ remains preferred for discrete FET optimization and battery-aware systems. |
Compared with LM2596-5.0 and TPS5430, MAX746CPE+ uniquely combines external N-FET drive, Idle-Mode™ PFM, and integrated low-battery detection - making it optimal for battery-powered systems requiring both high efficiency and intelligent power management.
Availability
MAX746CPE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook computers, cellular phones, and battery-operated equipment requiring stable component supply across commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C).
Supply support for MAX746CPE+ 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 semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs for power, interface, and sensing applications.
The MAX746 product line was designed as a high-efficiency, N-channel FET–driven step-down controller for portable and battery-critical systems - emphasizing light-load efficiency, integrated protection, and flexible output configuration.
FAQ
What is the maximum output current supported by the MAX746CPE+?
The MAX746CPE+ supports up to 3A output current when paired with an appropriate external N-channel MOSFET (e.g., Si9410DY), inductor (e.g., 39µH), and sense resistor (e.g., 40mΩ). Peak inductor current is set by VLIMIT/RSENSE, with typical VLIMIT = 150mV. The device maintains 93–96% efficiency across the full 50mA–3A range, as confirmed in the datasheet's Typical Operating Characteristics.
Does the MAX746CPE+ require an external gate driver for N-channel MOSFETs?
No, the MAX746CPE+ does not require an external gate driver. Its integrated charge pump generates HIGH = V+ + 5V, and its EXT pin provides 270mA source / 160mA sink capability - sufficient to directly drive logic-level N-FETs like the Si9410DY. This eliminates external driver components and simplifies layout while maintaining fast switching transitions.
How does the Idle-Mode™ PFM function improve efficiency at light loads?
Idle-Mode™ PFM reduces switching frequency under light loads by skipping oscillator cycles - lowering switching losses while maintaining regulation. At 125mA and 9V input, output ripple stays below 40mV despite variable frequency. This contrasts with traditional PWM controllers that switch continuously, wasting energy. MAX746CPE+ achieves ≤1.4µA shutdown current and ~94% efficiency even at 50mA.
Can the MAX746CPE+ be used for adjustable output voltages below 5V?
Yes, the MAX746CPE+ supports adjustable output from 2V to 14V using an external resistor divider on the FB pin, referenced to its internal 2.00V ±1.5% reference. For example, a 3.3V output uses R4 = 10kΩ and R5 = 6.5kΩ. The datasheet confirms stable operation down to 2V, and Figure 1b demonstrates reliable 3.3V/3A operation - making MAX746CPE+ suitable for modern low-voltage core supplies.
What protection features are built into the MAX746CPE+?
The MAX746CPE+ includes cycle-by-cycle current limiting (via CS/AV+ differential sensing), undervoltage lockout (activates when HIGH < V+ + 4.3V), thermal shutdown (junction limit +150°C), and soft-start (SS pin controlled ramp). It also features a precision low-battery comparator (LBI/LBO) and 1.4µA shutdown current - providing comprehensive fault coverage for battery-powered systems without external supervision circuits.
MAX746CPE+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Function:
- Step-Down
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Buck
- Output Type:
- Adjustable
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 4V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 15V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 4.85V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 5.25V
- Current - Output:
- 3A
- Frequency - Switching:
- 100kHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- No
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-PDIP
MAX746CPE+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX746CPE+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX746CPE+ 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 MAX746CPE+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX746CPE+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX746CPE+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX746CPE+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX746CPE+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX746CPE+?
MAX746CPE+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX746CPE+ 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 MAX746CPE+?
For technical support, including MAX746CPE+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX746CPE+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX746CPE+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX746CPE+ 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 MAX746CPE+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX746CPE+?
All MAX746CPE+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX746CPE+, 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 MAX746CPE+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX746CPE+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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