Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX748AEPA
- Part No.:
- MAX748AEPA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX748AEPA.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK 3.3V 500MA 8PDIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:986
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Product details
Overview
The MAX748AEPA from Maxim Integrated is a -40°C to +85°C industrial-grade, 3.3V-output, step-down DC-DC switching regulator with current-mode PWM control, 3.3V–16V input range, and up to 500mA output current. It integrates a P-channel power MOSFET, 1.23V bandgap reference, and programmable soft-start, and is used in battery-powered portable instruments requiring high-efficiency 5V-to-3.3V conversion.
For engineers reviewing the MAX748AEPA datasheet, MAX748AEPA pinout, MAX748AEPA application, or MAX748AEPA equivalent, key selection considerations include its guaranteed ±5% output voltage accuracy over line/load/temperature, 159kHz–212.5kHz oscillator frequency range, 0.2µA shutdown current, 1.7mA quiescent supply current, and compatibility with standard 22µH inductors without custom magnetics design.
Technical Context
The MAX748AEPA implements a fixed-frequency, current-mode PWM buck regulator architecture with dual-loop control: an inner current-sense loop enabling cycle-by-cycle current limiting at ~1.2A peak, and an outer voltage feedback loop using the REF (1.23V) and OUT pins for precise 3.3V regulation. Its undervoltage lockout activates at V+ falling below 2.7V and releases at ~2.95V.
Soft-start is externally programmable via capacitor on SS pin (e.g., 0.047µF yields ~4ms startup), simultaneously controlling inrush current and short-circuit protection threshold. The LX pin drives the internal P-channel MOSFET switch with typical on-resistance of 1.0Ω and supports discontinuous or continuous conduction modes depending on input voltage, load, and inductor value.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 3.3V ±5% over line, load, and temperature - ensures stable logic supply for 3.3V microcontrollers and peripherals. |
| 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 V+ ≥ 4.75V - delivers sufficient power for moderate-complexity embedded systems. |
| Oscillator Frequency | 159kHz to 212.5kHz - enables predictable EMI filtering and use of compact 22µH inductors. |
| Quiescent Supply Current | 1.7mA - minimizes no-load power loss in always-on subsystems. |
| Shutdown Current | 0.2µA - preserves battery life during extended sleep or standby modes. |
| Reference Voltage | 1.23V ±2.5% (±50ppm/°C drift) - provides stable feedback node for external resistor-divider configurations if reconfigured. |
Pinout & Package
MAX748AEPA is housed in an 8-pin plastic DIP package (0.300" width), rated for -40°C to +85°C operation and compatible with through-hole PCB assembly.
| Pin | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (V+) | Supply Input | DC input (3.3V–16V); requires parallel 1µF ceramic + bulk electrolytic bypass to GND for stability. |
| 2 (LX) | Switch Node | Drain of internal P-channel MOSFET; connects to inductor and catch diode anode - critical for EMI layout. |
| 3 (GND) | Power Ground | Primary return path for input/output currents; must tie directly to low-inductance ground plane. |
| 4 (OUT) | Voltage Sense Input | Feedback node tied to regulated 3.3V output; sets regulation point via internal 1.23V reference. |
| 5 (CC) | Compensation Input | Connects to output via 330pF capacitor to stabilize voltage-loop response and optimize transient performance. |
| 6 (SS) | Soft-Start Control | Capacitor-to-GND (e.g., 0.047µF) programs startup ramp time and limits inrush/short-circuit current. |
| 7 (REF) | Reference Output | 1.23V ±2.5% bandgap source (100µA max); bypassed with 1000pF to GND for noise immunity. |
| 8 (SHDN) | Shutdown Enable | Active-low logic input; pull to GND for 0.2µA shutdown, tie to V+ for normal operation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated P-channel MOSFET switch | Eliminates external high-side switch and associated gate-drive complexity in buck topology. |
| Programmable soft-start | Prevents output overshoot and inrush current damage using single external capacitor on SS pin. |
| Cycle-by-cycle current limiting | Guarantees safe operation up to ~1.2A peak switch current, independent of thermal conditions. |
| Undervoltage lockout (UVLO) | Blocks operation until V+ rises above ~2.95V, preventing erratic startup and MOSFET partial turn-on. |
| Fixed 22µH inductor support | Validated with off-the-shelf 22µH inductors (e.g., Coilcraft CTX series), removing need for custom magnetics design. |
Applications
| Portable Instrument Power | Hand-Held Computer Core Supply |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered multimeters and data loggers operating from 4-cell alkaline or Li-ion packs (4.8V–16.8V). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 3.3V step-down regulator delivering up to 500mA to MCU, ADC, and display driver. Use Value: 85–90% efficiency extends battery runtime; 0.2µA shutdown current enables multi-year shelf life in storage mode. |
Use Scenario: Ruggedized handheld terminals used in field service with variable input sources (USB, adapter, or battery). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main system regulator converting unregulated 5V–12V inputs to clean 3.3V for ARM-based SoC and memory interface. Use Value: ±5% output accuracy ensures reliable digital logic operation across temperature; UVLO prevents brownout resets during battery sag. |
| Computer Peripheral Interface | Cellular Phone Baseband Supply |
|
Use Scenario: USB-powered docking stations supplying 3.3V to FPGA I/O banks and level translators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary regulator deriving 3.3V from 5V USB VBUS, supporting hot-plug transients. Use Value: Fast load-transient response (<5ms recovery) maintains signal integrity during burst data transfers; 1.7mA quiescent current avoids USB power budget violations. |
Use Scenario: Legacy 2G/3G feature phones requiring efficient 3.3V core supply from single-cell Li-ion (3.0V–4.2V) or dual-cell configurations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Buck converter powering baseband processor and RF ICs during active call or data sessions. Use Value: Operates down to 3.3V input (with reduced output current), enabling deeper battery discharge; soft-start prevents audio pop during power-up. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX763AEPA | Lower input range (3.3V–11V), 1.4mA quiescent current, same 8-pin DIP package and -40°C to +85°C rating. | Suitable where input never exceeds 11V (e.g., USB-powered devices), offering slightly lower no-load consumption. | Select MAX763AEPA only if maximum input voltage is capped at 11V; MAX748AEPA remains preferred for 12V/16V systems. |
| TPS62231DRVR | 3MHz fixed-frequency synchronous buck, 2.05V–6.5V input, 300mA output, 17µA quiescent current, 6-pin WSON package. | Better suited for space-constrained, ultra-low-IQ applications but lacks UVLO, soft-start programmability, and 16V tolerance. | Choose TPS62231DRVR for compact, low-power designs with ≤6.5V input; MAX748AEPA is required for industrial 16V input and robust fault protection. |
Compared with MAX763AEPA, the MAX748AEPA supports higher input voltage (16V vs. 11V) at the cost of 0.3mA higher quiescent current; versus TPS62231DRVR, it trades higher IQ for wider VIN range, integrated P-FET, and comprehensive protection features essential in harsh environments.
Availability
MAX748AEPA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instruments, hand-held computers, and computer peripherals requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX748AEPA 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, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.
The MAX748A series belongs to Maxim's legacy high-voltage buck regulator product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-component-count 3.3V power conversion in battery-operated and wide-input industrial equipment.
FAQ
What is the guaranteed output voltage accuracy of the MAX748AEPA?
The MAX748AEPA guarantees ±5% output voltage accuracy over full line (3.3V–16V), load (0–500mA), and temperature (-40°C to +85°C) variations. This specification is validated per the Electrical Characteristics table in the official datasheet and ensures consistent 3.3V rail performance for sensitive digital loads without external trimming.
Can the MAX748AEPA operate with an input voltage below 3.3V?
No - the MAX748AEPA requires a minimum input voltage of 3.3V for regulation. Its undervoltage lockout disables switching below ~2.7V, and stable 3.3V output is only achieved when V+ exceeds 3.3V under no-load conditions. Operation below 3.3V is not supported and may result in unregulated or zero output.
What external components are mandatory for basic MAX748AEPA operation?
Four components are mandatory: a 22µH power inductor between LX and VOUT, a Schottky catch diode (e.g., 1N5817) from LX to GND, a 0.047µF soft-start capacitor from SS to GND, and a 330pF compensation capacitor from CC to OUT. Input/output bulk capacitors (1µF ceramic + 150µF electrolytic) are also required for stability and ripple suppression.
Does the MAX748AEPA require an external MOSFET?
No - the MAX748AEPA integrates a P-channel power MOSFET switch internally. The LX pin connects directly to the drain terminal, eliminating the need for external high-side switching elements and simplifying board layout and bill-of-materials for buck converter designs.
How does the MAX748AEPA handle overcurrent conditions?
The MAX748AEPA provides two-tier overcurrent protection: cycle-by-cycle current limiting triggers at ~1.2A peak switch current to prevent instantaneous failure, while sustained overload initiates a soft-start cycle that discharges the SS capacitor and holds the output in current-limited mode until fault clears - protecting both IC and load without latch-off.
MAX748AEPA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- 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:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-PDIP
MAX748AEPA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX748AEPA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX748AEPA 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 MAX748AEPA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX748AEPA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX748AEPA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX748AEPA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX748AEPA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX748AEPA?
MAX748AEPA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX748AEPA 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 MAX748AEPA?
For technical support, including MAX748AEPA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX748AEPA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX748AEPA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX748AEPA 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 MAX748AEPA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX748AEPA?
All MAX748AEPA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX748AEPA, 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 MAX748AEPA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX748AEPA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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