Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX748ACWE+
- Part No.:
- MAX748ACWE+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package:
- 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX748ACWE+.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK 3.3V 500MA 16SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MAX748ACWE+ from Maxim Integrated is a 3.3V-output, current-mode PWM step-down DC-DC converter IC supporting 3.3V–16V input and delivering up to 500mA load current with 85%–90% efficiency, ±5% output voltage accuracy, and 159kHz–212.5kHz fixed switching frequency-designed for compact, high-efficiency power conversion in portable instrumentation and battery-powered peripherals.
For engineers reviewing the MAX748ACWE+ datasheet, MAX748ACWE+ pinout, MAX748ACWE+ application, or MAX748ACWE+ equivalent, key selection criteria include input voltage range (3.3V–16V), shutdown current (0.2µA), soft-start programmability, undervoltage lockout (2.7V), and 16-pin wide SO package compatibility with industrial-grade thermal performance (0°C to +70°C).
Technical Context
The MAX748ACWE+ implements a current-mode PWM control architecture with dual feedback loops: an inner current-sense loop enabling cycle-by-cycle current limiting (1.2A short-circuit threshold) and an outer voltage loop regulating output via REF (1.23V bandgap) and OUT sense inputs. Its oscillator operates at 159kHz–212.5kHz over temperature with 0.04%/°C stability.
It integrates a P-channel power MOSFET switch (LX pin), internal reference (±50ppm/°C drift), soft-start timing controlled by external SS capacitor, and protection features including undervoltage lockout (2.7V turn-off), overcurrent limiting, and shutdown logic that discharges SS and disables REF. The device operates in continuous or discontinuous conduction mode depending on VIN, IOUT, and L1 value.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 3.3V ±5% over line, load, and temperature - ensures stable core logic supply without external resistor divider. |
| Input Voltage Range | 3.3V to 16.0V - supports wide-input battery systems (e.g., 4-cell Li-ion or 12V rail) without pre-regulation. |
| Max Output Current | 500mA at VIN ≥ 4.75V - sufficient for FPGA I/O banks, microcontroller cores, or RF front-end biasing. |
| Switching Frequency | 159kHz to 212.5kHz - enables use of small 22µH inductor and simplifies EMI filtering with predictable fundamental tone. |
| Quiescent Current | 1.7mA typical - minimizes no-load power loss in always-on subsystems like real-time clocks or sensor interfaces. |
| Shutdown Current | 0.2µA - preserves battery life during deep sleep modes in handheld computers and cellular phones. |
| Line Regulation | 0.13%/V - maintains tight output stability across varying battery discharge profiles. |
| Load Regulation | 0.001%/mA - delivers consistent voltage under dynamic load steps (e.g., processor burst activity). |
Pinout & Package
MAX748ACWE+ is housed in a 16-pin wide SO (SOIC-W) package with exposed pad thermal enhancement. All pins sharing the same name (e.g., V+, LX, GND) must be connected externally per manufacturer's layout guidance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| V+ (Pins 1, 15, 16) | Supply Input | Bypassed with 1µF ceramic + bulk electrolytic; supports 3.3V–16V input with UVLO activation at 2.7V. |
| LX (Pins 2, 3, 4) | Power Switch Drain | Connects to 22µH inductor and catch diode; handles peak currents up to 2.0A with 1.0Ω on-resistance. |
| GND (Pins 5, 6, 7) | Power Ground | Low-impedance return path for switch current and feedback loops; requires solid ground plane per layout guidelines. |
| OUT (Pin 8) | Voltage Sense Input | Direct connection to regulated 3.3V output; closes outer voltage feedback loop with CC compensation network. |
| CC (Pin 9) | Compensation Input | Receives 330pF capacitor to OUT for stable loop response across full load and input range. |
| SS (Pin 10) | Soft-Start Control | External 0.047µF capacitor sets startup ramp time and limits inrush current; also enables overcurrent fault recovery. |
| REF (Pin 11) | Reference Output | Provides 1.23V ±50ppm/°C bandgap reference (100µA sink capability); bypassed with 1000pF capacitor to GND. |
| SHDN (Pin 12) | Shutdown Input | Active-low logic control (VIH = 2.0V, VIL = 0.25V); pulls output to 0V and reduces supply current to 0.2µA when asserted. |
| N.C. (Pins 13, 14) | No Connect | Unbonded die pads - left floating or tied to GND per PCB design rules; no electrical function. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Current-mode PWM control | Enables precise cycle-by-cycle current limiting (1.2A) and fast transient response without external compensation tuning. |
| Programmable soft-start | Capacitor-controlled ramp prevents inrush current and allows orderly power-up sequencing in multi-rail systems. |
| Integrated 1.23V reference | Stable ±50ppm/°C bandgap source eliminates need for external reference IC in feedback networks. |
| Undervoltage lockout (UVLO) | Prevents erratic operation below 2.7V by disabling switching and discharging SS capacitor until V+ exceeds 2.95V. |
| Low shutdown current | 0.2µA draw enables >10-year battery standby in always-on IoT sensors and portable medical devices. |
| Fixed-frequency operation | 159–212.5kHz switching simplifies EMI filter design and avoids audible noise in audio-sensitive applications. |
Applications
| 5V-to-3.3V Conversion | Cellular Phone Power Management |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Converting 5V USB or battery-derived rail to clean 3.3V for baseband processors and memory interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary buck regulator providing regulated core voltage with fast load-transient response to handle burst data transmission. Use Value: Delivers 500mA at 88% efficiency with <50mVp-p ripple using only 22µH inductor and low-ESR capacitors-reducing BOM count and board area. |
Use Scenario: Supplying 3.3V to RF transceivers and display controllers in GSM/UMTS handsets operating from single-cell Li-ion (3.0–4.2V) or dual-cell packs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary regulator stepping down intermediate 5V rail to low-noise 3.3V for analog front-end circuitry. Use Value: UVLO and soft-start ensure reliable boot under weak battery conditions; 0.2µA shutdown extends talk time between charges. |
| Portable Instrumentation | Computer Peripherals |
Use Scenario: Powering precision ADCs, op-amps, and microcontrollers in handheld multimeters and oscilloscopes powered by alkaline or NiMH batteries. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main system regulator maintaining ±5% output accuracy across battery discharge (3.3V–16V input range) and temperature extremes. Use Value: Fixed-frequency PWM and integrated compensation eliminate external loop components-improving design repeatability and reducing qualification time. |
Use Scenario: Generating 3.3V for USB hubs, docking stations, and external storage enclosures drawing from unregulated 5V or 12V wall adapters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current buck stage replacing linear regulators to minimize thermal dissipation in compact enclosures. Use Value: 85–90% efficiency at 500mA reduces heatsink requirements and enables fanless operation in consumer-grade peripherals. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar step-down DC-DC converter applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX763ACSA+ | 8-pin SO package; narrower 3.3V–11V input range; identical 3.3V output, 500mA rating, and 0.2µA shutdown current. | Optimized for lower-voltage systems (e.g., 5V bus supplies); lacks MAX748ACWE+'s 16V tolerance for wide-input battery designs. | Select MAX763ACSA+ when input never exceeds 11V and PCB space constraints favor 8-pin SO. |
| TPS62231DRVR | 3MHz synchronous buck; 2.05V–6.5V input; 3.3V output; 0.5µA shutdown; smaller 6-pin WSON package. | Higher frequency enables sub-1µH inductors but sacrifices efficiency at >300mA loads; not rated for >6.5V input. | Choose TPS62231DRVR for ultra-compact, low-IQ applications where input stays below 6.5V and size outweighs efficiency. |
Compared with MAX763ACSA+, MAX748ACWE+ offers broader input range (16V vs. 11V) and higher thermal dissipation (762mW vs. 471mW), making it suitable for industrial battery systems; versus TPS62231DRVR, it trades switching speed for robustness at high input voltages and higher continuous current capability.
Availability
MAX748ACWE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, cellular phone power management, and computer peripheral designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed commercial-temperature performance (0°C to +70°C).
Supply support for MAX748ACWE+ 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, automotive, and communications markets.
The MAX748A series belongs to Maxim's legacy high-efficiency DC-DC converter product line, designed specifically for compact, low-noise, wide-input buck regulation in battery-powered and space-constrained embedded systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage supported by the MAX748ACWE+?
The MAX748ACWE+ supports an absolute maximum input voltage of +17V on the V+ pin, with guaranteed operation across 3.3V to 16.0V. Operation above 16V risks exceeding absolute maximum ratings and may cause permanent damage. For reliable 16V operation, ensure proper input capacitance and thermal management per the datasheet layout guidelines.
Does the MAX748ACWE+ require external compensation components?
Yes, the MAX748ACWE+ requires external compensation: a 330pF capacitor between CC and OUT pins stabilizes the voltage feedback loop, and a 1000pF capacitor from REF to GND filters reference noise. These values are validated for 22µH inductor and standard output capacitor configurations per Figure 3 of the datasheet.
Can the MAX748ACWE+ operate with input voltages below 3.3V?
No-the MAX748ACWE+ requires minimum 3.3V input to maintain regulation. Undervoltage lockout disables switching below ~2.7V, and output voltage drops out of specification when V+ falls below 3.3V under load. For sub-3.3V inputs, consider a boost or buck-boost topology instead.
What is the purpose of the N.C. pins on the MAX748ACWE+ 16-pin wide SO package?
Pins 13 and 14 on the MAX748ACWE+ are No Connect (N.C.) terminals-unbonded die pads with no internal circuit connection. They may be left floating or tied to GND for mechanical stability or EMI reduction, but must not be used for signal routing or power distribution per Maxim's packaging specifications.
How does the soft-start function work on the MAX748ACWE+?
The MAX748ACWE+ uses an external capacitor on the SS pin to control startup ramp time and limit inrush current. A typical 0.047µF capacitor provides ~4ms soft-start at 8V input. During startup or after shutdown release, the SS pin voltage ramps up, gradually increasing the current-limit threshold to prevent output overshoot and stress on external components.
MAX748ACWE+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Function:
- Step-Down
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Buck
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 3.3V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 16V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 3.3V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 500mA
- Frequency - Switching:
- 180kHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- No
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-SOIC
MAX748ACWE+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX748ACWE+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX748ACWE+ 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 MAX748ACWE+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX748ACWE+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX748ACWE+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX748ACWE+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX748ACWE+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX748ACWE+?
MAX748ACWE+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX748ACWE+ 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 MAX748ACWE+?
For technical support, including MAX748ACWE+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX748ACWE+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX748ACWE+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX748ACWE+ 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 MAX748ACWE+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX748ACWE+?
All MAX748ACWE+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX748ACWE+, 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 MAX748ACWE+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX748ACWE+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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