19-0165; Rev 2; 1/96

5V, Step-Down,
Current-Mode PWM DC-DC Converters
__________________General Description ________________________________Features

MAX730A/MAX738A/MAX744A
The MAX730A/MAX738A/MAX744A are 5V-output ♦ 750mA Load Currents (MAX738A/MAX744A)
CMOS, step-down switching regulators. The MAX738A/
MAX744A accept inputs from 6V to 16V and deliver ♦ High-Frequency, Current-Mode PWM
750mA. The MAX744A guarantees 500mA load capa- ♦ 159kHz to 212.5kHz Guaranteed Oscillator
bility for inputs above 6V and has tighter oscillator fre-
Frequency Limits (MAX744A)
quency limits for low-noise (radio) applications. The
MAX730A accepts inputs between 5.2V and 11V and ♦ 85% to 96% Efficiencies
delivers 450mA for inputs above 6V. Typical efficien- ♦ 1.7mA Quiescent Current
cies are 85% to 96%. Quiescent supply current is
1.7mA and only 6µA in shutdown. ♦ 6µA Shutdown Supply Current
Pulse-width modulation (PWM) current-mode control ♦ Single Preselected Inductor Value,
provides precise output regulation and excellent tran- No Component Design Required
sient responses. Output voltage accuracy is guaran-
teed to be ±5% over line, load, and temperature varia- ♦ Overcurrent, Soft-Start, and Undervoltage
tions. Fixed-frequency switching allows easy filtering of Lockout Protection
output ripple and noise, as well as the use of small ♦ Cycle-by-Cycle Current Limiting
external components. These regulators require only a
single inductor value to work in most applications, so ♦ 8-Pin DIP/SO Packages (MAX730A)
no inductor design is necessary.
The MAX730A/MAX738A/MAX744A also feature cycle- _________________Ordering Information
by-cycle current limiting, overcurrent limiting, undervolt- PART TEMP. RANGE PIN-PACKAGE
age lockout, and programmable soft-start protection. MAX730ACPA 0°C to +70°C 8 Plastic DIP
___________________________Applications MAX730ACSA 0°C to +70°C 8 SO
MAX730AC/D 0°C to +70°C Dice*
Portable Instruments MAX730AEPA -40°C to +85°C 8 Plastic DIP
Cellular Phones and Radios MAX730AESA -40°C to +85°C 8 SO
Personal Communicators MAX730AMJA -55°C to +125°C 8 CERDIP
Distributed Power Systems Ordering Information continued at end of data sheet.
*Contact factory for dice specifications.
Computer Peripherals

__________Typical Operating Circuit _________________Pin Configurations

INPUT
6V TO 16V TOP VIEW
OUTPUT
V+ 33µH
68µF 5V
LX

SHDN 1 8 V+
MAX738A 100µF
REF 2 7 LX
MAX744A
ON/OFF SHDN OUT
MAX730A
SS 3 6 GND
MAX738A
CC 4 MAX744A 5 OUT

REF CC
DIP
SS GND

Pin Configurations continued on last page.

________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products 1

For free samples & the latest literature: http://www.maxim-ic.com, or phone 1-800-998-8800
 5V, Step-Down,
Current-Mode PWM DC-DC Converters
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
MAX730A/MAX738A/MAX744A

Pin Voltages Operating Temperature Ranges:

V+ (MAX730A) ......................................................+12V, -0.3V MAX7_ _AC_ _....................................................0°C to +70°C
V+ (MAX738A/MAX744A) .....................................+18V, -0.3V MAX7_ _AE_ _ .................................................-40°C to +85°C
LX (MAX730A) .................................(V+ - 12V) to (V+ + 0.3V) MAX7_ _AMJA ..............................................-55°C to +125°C
LX (MAX738A/MAX744A) ................(V+ - 21V) to (V+ + 0.3V) Junction Temperatures:
OUT .................................................................................±25V MAX7_ _AC_ _/AE_ _...................................................+150°C
SS, CC, SHDN .........................................-0.3V to (V+ + 0.3V) MAX7_ _AMJA.............................................................+175°C
Peak Switch Current (ILX) ........................................................2A Storage Temperature Range ............................-65°C to +160°C
Reference Current (IREF) ...................................................2.5mA Lead Temperature (soldering, 10sec).............................+300°C
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA = +70°C)
8-Pin Plastic DIP (derate 9.09mW/°C above +70°C)...727mW
8-Pin SO (derate 5.88mW/°C above +70°C) ...............471mW
16-Pin Wide SO (derate 9.52mW/°C above +70°C) .....762mW
8-Pin CERDIP (derate 8.00mW/°C above +70°C) .......640mW
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional
operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to
absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(Circuit of Figure 3, V+ = 9V for the MAX730A, V+ = 12V for the MAX738A/MAX744A, ILOAD = 0mA, TA = TMIN to TMAX,
unless otherwise noted.)
MAX730A MAX738A MAX744A
PARAMETER CONDITIONS UNITS
MIN TYP MAX MIN TYP MAX MIN TYP MAX
0mA < ILOAD < 450mA,
MAX730AC
V+ = 6.0V 0mA < ILOAD < 450mA,
4.75 5.00 5.25
to 11.0V MAX730AE
0mA < ILOAD < 300mA,
MAX730AM
0mA < ILOAD < 450mA,
MAX738AC/AE
0mA < ILOAD < 350mA,
V+ = 6.0V MAX738AM
4.75 5.00 5.25 4.75 5.00 5.25
Output Voltage to 16.0V 0mA < ILOAD < 500mA, V
MAX744AC/AE
0mA < ILOAD < 375mA,
MAX744AM
V+ = 10.2V to 16.0V,
4.75 5.00 5.25
0mA < ILOAD < 750mA
0mA < ILOAD < 750mA,
MAX744AC/AE
V+ = 9.0V
4.75 5.00 5.25
to 16.0V
0mA < ILOAD < 600mA,
MAX744AM
Input Voltage
5.2 11.0 6.0 16.0 6.0 16.0 V
Range
V+ = 5.2V to 11.0V 0.15
Line Regulation %/V
V+ = 6.0V to 16.0V 0.15 0.15

2 _______________________________________________________________________________________
 5V, Step-Down,
Current-Mode PWM DC-DC Converters
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)

MAX730A/MAX738A/MAX744A
(Circuit of Figure 3, V+ = 9V for the MAX730A, V+ = 12V for the MAX738A/MAX744A, ILOAD = 0mA, TA = TMIN to TMAX,
unless otherwise noted.)

MAX730A MAX738A MAX744A

PARAMETER CONDITIONS UNITS
MIN TYP MAX MIN TYP MAX MIN TYP MAX
ILOAD = 0mA to 300mA 0.0005
Load Regulation %/mA
ILOAD = 0mA to 750mA 0.0005 0.0005
V+ = 9.0V, ILOAD = 300mA 92 90 90
Efficiency %
V+ = 12V, ILOAD = 750mA 87 87
1.7 3.0 1.7 3.0 1.7 3.0
V+ = 6.0V MAX744AC/AE 1.2 2.5
to 9.0V MAX744AM 3.0
Supply Current MAX744AC/AE 3.0
V+ = 9.0V
(includes switch mA
to 12.0V MAX744AM 3.5
current)
MAX744AC 4.0
V+ = 12.0V
MAX744AE 4.3
to 16.0V
MAX744AM 4.5
Standby Current SHDN = 0V (Note 1) 6.0 100.0 6.0 100.0 6.0 100.0 µA
Shutdown Input VIH 2.0 2.0 2.0
V
Threshold VIL 0.25 0.25 0.25
Shutdown Input
1.0 1.0 1.0 µA
Leakage Current
Short-Circuit Current 1.5 1.5 1.5 A
Undervoltage V+ rising 4.7 5.2 5.7 6.0 5.7 6.0
V
Lockout V+ falling 5.0 5.7
LX On Resistance ILX = 500mA 0.5 0.5 0.5 Ω
LX Leakage Current V+ = 12V, LX = 0V 1.0 1.0 1.0 µA
Reference Voltage V+ = 12V, TA = +25°C 1.15 1.23 1.30 1.15 1.23 1.30 1.15 1.23 1.30 V
Reference Drift 50 50 50 ppm/°C
130 170 210 130 160 190
Oscillator Frequency V+ = 6.0V MAX744AC/AE 159.0 185.0 212.5 kHz
to 16.0V MAX744AM 159.0 216.5
Compensation Pin
7500 7500 7500 Ω
Impedance

Note 1: The standby current typically settles to 25µA (over temperature) within 2 seconds; however, to decrease test time, the part
is guaranteed at a 100µA maximum value.

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 3
 5V, Step-Down,
Current-Mode PWM DC-DC Converters
__________________________________________Typical Operating Characteristics
MAX730A/MAX738A/MAX744A

(Circuit of Figure 3, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)

MAX730A MAX738A MAX744A

EFFICIENCY vs. OUTPUT CURRENT EFFICIENCY vs. OUTPUT CURRENT EFFICIENCY vs. OUTPUT CURRENT
100 100 100
(NOTES 3, 6) (NOTES 3, 6) (NOTE 3)

90 90 90

EFFICIENCY (%)
EFFICIENCY (%)

EFFICIENCY (%)

V+ = 5.5V V+ = 6V V+ = 6.0V
80 80 80
V+ = 7V V+ = 8V V+ = 9.0V

V+ = 9V V+ = 12V V+ = 12.0V
70 70 70
V+ = 11V V+ = 16V V+ = 16.0V

60 60 60
0 200 400 600 800 1000 0 200 400 600 800 1000 0 200 400 600 800 1000
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA) OUTPUT CURRENT (mA) OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
MAXIMUM OUTPUT CURRENT vs. MAXIMUM OUTPUT CURRENT vs. QUIESCENT SUPPLY CURRENT
SUPPLY VOLTAGE SUPPLY VOLTAGE, NO R1 vs. TEMPERATURE
1400 1400 3.0
(NOTES 3, 6) (NOTES 3, 6) MAX730A, V+ = 9.0V
QUIESCENT SUPPLY CURRENT (mA) MAX738A, V+ = 12.0V
MAXIMUM OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)

MAXIMUM OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)

1200 2.5 MAX744A, V+ = 12.0V

1200 MAX738A 1000 2.0

MAX744A
800 MAX738A 1.5
MAX744A
MAX730A

1000 600 1.0

400 MAX730A 0.5

(NOTES 4, 5)
800 200 0
4 6 8 10 12 14 16 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V) SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V) TEMPERATURE (°C)

MAX738A/MAX744A MAX738A/MAX744A
QUIESCENT SUPPLY CURRENT PEAK INDUCTOR CURRENT STANDBY SUPPLY CURRENT
vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE vs. OUTPUT CURRENT vs. TEMPERATURE
2.5 1000 20
(NOTES 4, 5)
18 V+ = 16V
QUIESCENT SUPPLY CURRENT (mA)

STANDBY SUPPLY CURRENT (µA)

2.0 800 MAX738A/MAX744A

PEAK INDUCTOR CURRENT (mA)

16 ONLY
14
1.5 600 V+ = 12V
12
MAX738A/MAX744A
10 ONLY
UNDERVOLTAGE
1.0 400 V+ = 6.6V V+ = 8.0V TO 16.0V 8
LOCKOUT HYSTERESIS
6
UNDERVOLTAGE V+ = 9V
0.5 200 4
LOCKOUT ENABLED
L1 = 100µH
2 V+ = 6V
C4 = 150µF
0 0 0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160

4 _______________________________________________________________________________________
 5V, Step-Down,
Current-Mode PWM DC-DC Converters
____________________________Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

MAX730A/MAX738A/MAX744A
(Circuit of Figure 3, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)

MAX730A
OSCILLATOR FREQUENCY vs. OSCILLATOR FREQUENCY
SUPPLY VOLTAGE vs. TEMPERATURE
220 240
(NOTE 3)
(NOTE 4)
210 V+ = 11.0V
220
OSCILLATOR FREQUENCY (kHz)

MAX730A

OSCILLATOR FREQUENCY (kHz)

200
200
V+ = 5.5V
190
MAX744A 180
180
160
170 V+ = 7.0V
V+ = 9.0V
160 140
MAX738A
150 0
4 6 8 10 12 14 16 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V) TEMPERATURE (°C)

MAX738A MAX744A
OSCILLATOR FREQUENCY OSCILLATOR FREQUENCY
vs. TEMPERATURE vs. TEMPERATURE
200 210
(NOTE 4) (NOTE 4)
190
V+ = 6.0V
OSCILLATOR FREQUENCY (kHz)

V+ = 6.0V
SUPPLY CURRENT (mA)

180 200

V+ = 16.0V
170
V+ = 16.0V
160 190

150 V+ = 12.0V
V+ = 9.0V
140 V+ = 9.0V 180
V+ = 12.0V
130

120 170
-60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
TEMPERATURE (°C) TEMPERATURE (°C)

Note 3: Commercial temperature range external component values in Table 3.

Note 4: Wide temperature range external component values in Table 3.
Note 5: Standby and shutdown current includes all external component leakage currents. Capacitor leakage currents dominate at TA > +85°C,
Sanyo OS-CON capacitors were used.
Note 6: Operation beyond the specifications listed in the electrical characteristics may exceed the power dissipation ratings of the device.

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 5
 5V, Step-Down,
Current-Mode PWM DC-DC Converters
____________________________Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
MAX730A/MAX738A/MAX744A

(Circuit of Figure 3, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)

MAX738A/MAX744A MAX738A/MAX744A
SWITCHING WAVEFORMS, SWITCHING WAVEFORMS,
CONTINUOUS CONDITION DISCONTINUOUS CONDITION

12V 12V

A A

0V 0V

200mA 200mA
B B
0mA 0mA

C C

2µs/div 2µs/div
A: SWITCH VOLTAGE (LX PIN), 5V/div, 0V TO +12V A: SWITCH VOLTAGE (LX PIN), 5V/div, 0V TO +12V
B: INDUCTOR CURRENT, 200mA/div B: INDUCTOR CURRENT, 200mA/div
C: OUTPUT VOLTAGE RIPPLE, 50mV/div, AC-COUPLED C: OUTPUT VOLTAGE RIPPLE, 50mV/div, AC-COUPLED

COUT = 390µF, COUT = 390µF,

V+ = 12V, IOUT = 150µA, V+ = 12V, IOUT = 150µA

MAX730A LINE-TRANSIENT RESPONSE MAX738A/MAX744A LINE-TRANSIENT RESPONSE

A
A
16V
B
11V 10.2V
B
6V 0V

0V

100ms/div 100ms/div
A: VOUT, 50mV/div, DC-COUPLED A: VOUT, 50mV/div, DC-COUPLED
B: V+, 5V/div, 6.0V TO 11.0V B: V+, 5V/div, 10.2V TO 16.0V

IOUT = 300mA IOUT = 750mA

6 _______________________________________________________________________________________
 5V, Step-Down,
Current-Mode PWM DC-DC Converters
____________________________Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

MAX730A/MAX738A/MAX744A
(Circuit of Figure 3, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)

MAX730A MAX738A/MAX744A
LOAD-TRANSIENT RESPONSE LOAD-TRANSIENT RESPONSE

A A

300mA 750mA
B B
20mA 50mA

50ms/div 50ms/div
A: VOUT, 50mV/div, DC-COUPLED A: VOUT, 50mV/div, DC-COUPLED
B: IOUT, 200mA/div, 20mA TO 300mA B: IOUT, 500mA/div, 50mA TO 750mA

V+ = 9V V+ = 12V

______________________________________________________________Pin Description
PIN

8-PIN 16-PIN NAME FUNCTION

DIP/SO WIDE SO

Shutdown—active low. Ground to power-down chip, tie to V+ for normal operation.

1 2 SHDN
Output voltage falls to 0V when SHDN is low.

Reference-Voltage Output (+1.23V) supplies up to 100µA for extended loads.

2 3 REF
Bypass to GND with a capacitor that does not exceed 0.047µF.

Soft-Start. Capacitor between SS and GND provides soft-start and short-circuit protection.
3 7 SS
510kΩ resistor from SS to SHDN provides current boost.

Compensation Capacitor Input externally compensates the outer feedback loop.

4 8 CC
Connect to OUT with a 330pF capacitor.
5 9 OUT Output Voltage Sense Input provides regulation feedback sensing. Connect to +5V output.
6 10, 11 GND Ground pins are internally connected. Connect both pins to ground.
7 12, 13, 14 LX Drain of internal P-channel power MOSFET.

Supply-Voltage Input. Bypass to GND with 1µF ceramic and large-value electrolytic capaci-
8 1, 15, 16 V+
tors in parallel. The 1µF capacitor must be as close to V+ and GND pins as possible.
4, 5, 6 N.C. No Connect—no internal connections to these pins.

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 7
 5V, Step-Down,
Current-Mode PWM DC-DC Converters
_________________Detailed Description for overcurrent protection to function properly. A typical
MAX730A/MAX738A/MAX744A

value is 0.1µF.
The MAX730A/MAX738A/MAX744A switch-mode regu-
lators use a current-mode pulse-width-modulation Undervoltage Lockout
(PWM) control system coupled with a simple step-down The MAX738A/MAX744A’s undervoltage-lockout fea-
(buck) regulator topography. They convert an unregu- ture monitors the supply voltage at V+, and allows
lated DC voltage from 5.2V to 11V for the MAX730A, operation to start when V+ rises above 5.7V (6V guar-
and from 6V to 16V for the MAX738A/MAX744A. The anteed). When V+ falls, operation continues until the
current-mode PWM architecture provides cycle-by- supply voltage falls below 5.45V (see the
cycle current limiting, improved load-transient response MAX738A/MAX744A Quiescent Supply Current vs.
characteristics, and simpler outer-loop design. Supply Voltage graph in the Typical Operating
The controller consists of two feedback loops: an inner Characteristics). The MAX730A is similar, starting oper-
(current) loop that monitors the switch current via the cur- ation at V+ > 4.7V and continuing to operate down to
rent-sense resistor and amplifier, and an outer (voltage) 4.45V. When an undervoltage condition is detected,
loop that monitors the output voltage through the error control logic turns off the output power FET and dis-
amplifier (Figure 1). The inner loop performs cycle-by- charges the SS capacitor to ground. This prevents par-
cycle current limiting, truncating the power transistor on- tial turn-on of the power MOSFET and avoids excessive
time when the switch current reaches a predetermined power dissipation. The control logic holds the output
threshold. This threshold is determined by the outer loop. power FET off until the supply voltage rises above
For example, a sagging output voltage produces an error approximately 4.7V (MAX730A) or 5.7V (MAX738A/
signal that raises the threshold, allowing the circuit to MAX744A), at which time an SS cycle begins.
store and transfer more energy during each cycle.
Shutdown Mode
Programmable Soft-Start The MAX730A/MAX738A/MAX744A are shut down by
Figures 1 and 2 show a capacitor and a resistor con- keeping SHDN at ground. In shutdown mode, the output
nected to the soft-start (SS) pin to ensure an orderly drops to 0V and the output power FET is held in an off
power-up. Typical values are 0.1µF and 510kΩ. SS con- state. The internal reference also turns off, which causes
trols both the SS timing and the maximum output current the SS capacitor to discharge. Typical standby current in
that can be delivered while maintaining regulation. shutdown mode is 6µA. The actual design limit for stand-
by current is much less than the 100µA specified in the
The charging capacitor slowly raises the clamp on the
Electrical Characteristics (see Standby Current vs.
error-amplifier output voltage, limiting surge currents at
Temperature in the Typical Operating Characteristics).
power-up by slowly increasing the cycle-by-cycle cur-
However, testing to tighter limits is prohibitive because
rent-limit threshold. The 510kΩ resistor sets the SS
the current takes several seconds to settle to a final value.
clamp at a value high enough to maintain regulation,
For normal operation, connect SHDN to V+. Note that
even at currents exceeding 1A. This resistor is not nec-
coming out of shutdown mode initiates an SS cycle.
essary for lower-current loads. Refer to the Maximum
Output Current vs. Supply Voltage graph in the Typical Continuous-/Discontinuous-
Operating Characteristics. Table 1 lists timing charac- Conduction Modes
teristics for selected capacitor values and circuit condi- The input voltage, output voltage, load current, and induc-
tions. tor value determine whether the IC operates in continuous
The overcurrent comparator trips when the load or discontinuous mode. As the inductor value or load cur-
exceeds approximately 1.5A. An SS cycle begins when rent decreases, or the input voltage increases, the
either an undervoltage or overcurrent fault condition MAX730A/MAX738A/MAX744A tend to operate in discon-
triggers an internal transistor to momentarily discharge tinuous-conduction mode (DCM). In DCM, the inductor
the SS capacitor to ground. An SS cycle also begins at current slope is steep enough so it decays to zero before
power-up and when coming out of shutdown mode. the end of the transistor off-time. In continuous-conduc-
tion mode (CCM), the inductor current never decays to
Overcurrent Limiting zero, which is typically more efficient than DCM. CCM
The overcurrent comparator triggers when the load cur- allows the MAX730A/ MAX738A/MAX744A to deliver maxi-
rent exceeds approximately 1.5A. On each clock cycle, mum load current, and is also slightly less noisy than
the output FET turns on and attempts to deliver current DCM, because the peak-to-average inductor current ratio
until cycle-by-cycle or overcurrent limits are exceeded. is reduced.
Note that the SS capacitor must be greater than 0.01µF

8 _______________________________________________________________________________________
 5V, Step-Down,
Current-Mode PWM DC-DC Converters

MAX730A/MAX738A/MAX744A
Table 1. Typical Soft-Start Times
MAX730A CIRCUIT CONDITIONS SOFT-START TIME (ms) vs. C1 (µF)
R1 (kΩ) V+ (V) IOUT (mA) C4 (µF) C1 = 0.01 C1 = 0.047 C1 = 0.1 C1 = 0.47
510 6 0 100 2 6 11 28
510 9 0 100 1 4 6 15
510 11 0 100 1 2 4 11
510 9 150 100 1 4 8 21
510 9 300 100 1 5 9 27
510 9 150 390 3 6 9 23
510 9 150 680 4 6 9 24
None 6 0 100 16 34 51 125
None 9 0 100 10 22 34 82
None 11 0 100 8 18 28 66
None 9 150 100 34 134 270 1263
None 9 150 390 39 147 280 1275
None 9 150 680 40 152 285 1280

MAX738A/MAX744A CIRCUIT CONDITIONS SOFT-START TIME (ms) vs. C1 (µF)

R1 (kΩ) V+ (V) IOUT (mA) C4 (µF) C1 = 0.01 C1 = 0.047 C1 = 0.1 C1 = 0.47
510 7 0 100 1 4 6 18
510 12 0 100 1 2 3 8
510 16 0 100 1 1 2 6
510 12 300 100 1 3 5 3
510 12 750 100 1 5 8 21
None 7 0 100 12 27 40 100
None 12 0 100 7 16 25 54
None 16 0 100 6 13 20 68
None 12 300 100 27 112 215 1114

Internal Reference ____________Applications Information

The +1.23V bandgap reference supplies up to 100µA
Figure 3 shows the standard 5V step-down application
at REF. Connect a 0.01µF bypass capacitor from REF
circuits. Table 3 lists the components for the desired
to GND.
operating temperature range. These circuits are useful
Oscillator in systems that require high current at high efficiency
The internal oscillator of the MAX730A typically oper- and are powered by an unregulated supply, such as a
ates at 170kHz (160kHz for the MAX738A and 185kHz battery or wall-plug AC-DC transformer. These circuits
for the MAX744A). The MAX744A is guaranteed to operate over the entire line, load, and temperature
operate at a minimum of 159kHz and a maximum of ranges using the single set of component values shown
212.5kHz over the operating voltage and temperature in Figure 3 and listed in Table 3.
range, making it ideal for use in portable communica-
Inductor Selection
tions systems. The Typical Operating Characteristics
The MAX730A/MAX738A/MAX744A require no inductor
graphs indicate oscillator frequency stability over tem-
design because they are tested in-circuit, and are
perature and supply voltage.
guaranteed to deliver the power specified in the
Electrical Characteristics with high efficiency using a

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 9
 5V, Step-Down,
Current-Mode PWM DC-DC Converters
MAX730A/MAX738A/MAX744A

VIN = +6.0V TO +16.0V

SHDN V+ C2
C3*
1µF
OVERCURRENT COMPARATOR

SLOPE COMPENSATION
BIAS
GEN RAMP
GEN
OUT Σ
RSENSE
C5 CURRENT
330pF ERROR AMP F/F SENSE AMP
CC
R Q
L1 VOUT =
S LX
R1 1.23V +5V
PWM
510k BANDGAP COMPARATOR D1
C4*
REF 1N5817

C6 OSC MAX730A
0.01µF MAX738A
1M
±35% SS CLAMP MAX744A
SS
UNDERVOLTAGE
C1 LOCKOUT
0.1µF

VUVLO

GND

*SEE TABLE 2 FOR COMPONENT VALUES AND SUPPLIERS

Figure 1. Detailed Block Diagram with External Components

single 100µH (MAX7__AC) or 33µH (MAX7__AE/AM) Capacitor ESR rises as the temperature falls, and
inductor. The inductor’s incremental saturation current excessive ESR is the most likely cause of trouble at
rating should be greater than 1A, and its DC resistance temperatures below 0°C. Sanyo OS-CON series
should be less than 0.8Ω. Table 2 lists inductor types through-hole and surface-mount tantalum capacitors
and suppliers for various applications. The surface- exhibit low ESR at temperatures below 0°C. Refer to
mount inductors have nearly equivalent efficiencies to Table 2 for recommended capacitor values and sug-
the larger through-hole inductors. gested capacitor suppliers.
Output Filter Capacitor Selection Other Components
The primary criterion for selecting the output filter The catch diode should be a Schottky or high-speed
capacitor is low equivalent series resistance (ESR). silicon rectifier with a peak current rating of at least
The product of the inductor current variation and the 1.5A for full-load (750mA) operation. The 1N5817 is a
output capacitor’s ESR determines the amplitude of the good choice. The 330pF outer-loop compensation
sawtooth ripple seen on the output voltage. Also, mini- capacitor provides the widest input voltage range and
mize the output filter capacitor’s ESR to maintain AC best transient characteristics. For low-current applica-
stability. The capacitor’s ESR should be less than tions, the 510kΩ resistor may be omitted (see the
0.25Ω to keep the output ripple less than 50mVp-p over Maximum Output Current vs. Supply Voltage graph (R1
the entire current range (using a 100µH inductor). removed) in the Typical Operating Characteristics).

10 ______________________________________________________________________________________
 5V, Step-Down,
Current-Mode PWM DC-DC Converters

MAX730A/MAX738A/MAX744A
Table 2. Component Values and Suppliers
MAX730AC/MAX738AC/MAX744AC MAX730AE/M, MAX738AE/M, MAX744AE/M
Production Commercial Temp. Range Wide Temp. Range
Method
Inductors Capacitors Inductors Capacitors

L1 = 33µH to 100µH L1 = 33µH

C3 = 68µF, 16V C3 = 68µF, 16V
C4 = 100µF, 6.3V C4 = 100µF, 6.3V
Sumida (708) 956-0666 Sumida (708) 956-0666
CD54-101KC (MAX730AC) CD54-330N (MAX730AC)
Surface Matsuo (714) 969-2491 Matsuo (714) 969-2491
CD105-101KC CD105-330N
Mount 267 series 267 series
(MAX738AC/MAX744AC) (MAX738AE/M, MAX744AE/M)
Sprague (603) 224-1961 Sprague (603) 224-1961
Coiltronics (407) 241-7876 Coiltronics (407) 241-7876
595D/293D series 595D/293D series
CTX100 series CTX50 series

C3 = 150µF, 16V
C4 = 220µF, 10V

Sanyo (619) 661-6322

C3 = 150µF, 16V
L1 = 33µH to 100µH L1 = 33µH OS-CON series
C4 = 150µF, 16V or
Low-ESR
Miniature 390µF, 6.3V
Sumida (708) 956-0666 Sumida (708) 956-0666 organic semiconductor
Through-
RCH654-101K (MAX730A) RCH654-330M (MAX730A) (Rated from -55°C to +105°C)
Hole Nichicon (708) 843-7500
RCH895-101K RCH895-330M
PL series
(MAX738A/MAX744A) (MAX738A/MAX744A) Mallory (317) 273-0090
Low-ESR electrolytics
THF series
C3 = 100µF, 20V
C4 = 220µF, 10V
(Rated from -55°C to +125°C)
C3 = 150µF, 16V
L1 = 100µH C4 = 390µF, 6.3V

Maxim Maxim
Low-Cost
MAXL001 MAXC001
Through-
100µH iron-power toroid 150µF, low-ESR
Hole
electrolytic
Renco (516) 586-5566
RL1284-100 United Chemicon
(708) 843-7500

Printed Circuit Layouts Output-Ripple Filtering

A good layout is essential for clean, stable operation. A simple lowpass pi-filter (Figure 3) can be added to
The layouts and component placement diagrams given the output to reduce output ripple to about 5mVp-p.
in Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7 have been successfully tested The cutoff frequency shown is 21kHz. Since the filter
over a wide range of operating conditions. Note that the inductor is in series with the circuit output, its resis-
1µF bypass capacitor (C2) must be positioned as close tance should be minimized so the voltage drop across
to the V+ and GND pins as possible. Also, place the out- it is not excessive.
put capacitor as close to the OUT and GND pins as pos-
sible. The traces connecting the input and output filter
capacitors and the catch diode must be short to mini-
mize inductance and capacitance. For this reason, avoid
using sockets, and solder the IC directly to the PC
board. Use an uninterrupted ground plane if possible.

______________________________________________________________________________________ 11
 5V, Step-Down,
Current-Mode PWM DC-DC Converters
MAX730A/MAX738A/MAX744A

FROM SHDN

R1
510k SS CLAMP

SS

1M
±35%

C1
1.23V MAX730A
MAX738A
MAX744A

Figure 2. Block Diagram of Soft-Start Circuitry

MAX730A +5.2V TO +11.0V

MAX738A/MAX744A +6.0V TO +16.0V
OPTIONAL LOWPASS OUTPUT FILTER
C2
1µF
L2 FILTER
C3* 25µH OUTPUT
8 OUTPUT C7
1 V+ 7 2.2µF
SHDN LX
D1
1N5817 L1*
R1 MAX730A
510k MAX738A OUT 5 OUTPUT
+5V
MAX744A C5 PART INPUT SUPPLY RANGE (V) GUARANTEED OUTPUT CURRENT AT 5V (mA)
330pF C4*
3 4
SS CC MAX730A 6.0 to 11.0 450

GND REF 6.0 to 16.0 450

C1 MAX738A
6 2 10.2 to 16.0 750
0.1µF C6
0.01µF 6.0 to 9.0 500
MAX744A
9.0 to 16.0 750

*SEE TABLE 2 FOR COMPONENT VALUES AND SUPPLIERS. NOTE: PIN NUMBERS REFER TO 8-PIN PACKAGES.

Figure 3. Standard +5V Step-Down Application Circuit

12 ______________________________________________________________________________________
 5V, Step-Down,
Current-Mode PWM DC-DC Converters

MAX730A/MAX738A/MAX744A
MAX730 EVALUATION KIT

Figure 4. DIP PC Layout, Through-Hole Component Placement Figure 5. DIP PC Layout, Component Side (1x scale)
Diagram (1x scale)

Figure 6. DIP PC Layout, Solder Side (1x scale) Figure 7. DIP PC Layout, Drill Guide (1x scale)

______________________________________________________________________________________ 13
 5V, Step-Down,
Current-Mode PWM DC-DC Converters
____Pin Configurations (continued) __Ordering Information (continued)
MAX730A/MAX738A/MAX744A

PART TEMP. RANGE PIN-PACKAGE

TOP VIEW
MAX738ACPA 0°C to +70°C 8 Plastic DIP
SHDN 1 8 V+ MAX738ACWE 0°C to +70°C 16 Wide SO
REF 2 7 LX MAX738AC/D 0°C to +70°C Dice*
MAX730A MAX738AEPA -40°C to +85°C 8 Plastic DIP
SS 3 6 GND
MAX738AEWE -40°C to +85°C 16 Wide SO
CC 4 5 OUT
MAX738AMJA -55°C to +125°C 8 CERDIP
SO MAX744ACPA 0°C to +70°C 8 Plastic DIP
MAX744ACWE 0°C to +70°C 16 Wide SO
V+ 1 MAX744AC/D 0°C to +70°C Dice*
16 V+
MAX744AEPA -40°C to +85°C 8 Plastic DIP
SHDN 2 15 V+
MAX744AEWE -40°C to +85°C 16 Wide SO
REF 3 14 LX MAX744AMJA -55°C to +125°C 8 CERDIP
N.C. 4 MAX738A 13 LX *Contact factory for dice specifications.
MAX744A
N.C. 5 12 LX

N.C. 6 11 GND
SS 7 10 GND

CC 8 9 OUT

Wide SO

__________________________________________________________Chip Topographies

MAX730A MAX738A/MAX744A
SHDN V+
SHDN V+

REF REF

LX
LX
0.116" 0.131"
(2.946mm) (3.327mm)

SS
GND
GND
SS
CC OUT
0.072"
(1.828mm)
CC OUT
0.116"
TRANSISTOR COUNT: 274 (MAX730A)
286 (MAX738A/MAX744A); (2.946mm)
SUBSTRATE CONNECTED TO V+.

14 ______________________________________________________________________________________
 5V, Step-Down,
Current-Mode PWM DC-DC Converters
________________________________________________________Package Information

MAX730A/MAX738A/MAX744A
INCHES MILLIMETERS
D1 DIM
MIN MAX MIN MAX
A – 0.200 – 5.08
A1 0.015 – 0.38 –
A2 0.125 0.175 3.18 4.45
A3 0.055 0.080 1.40 2.03
B 0.016 0.022 0.41 0.56
B1 0.050 0.065 1.27 1.65
C 0.008 0.012 0.20 0.30
D 0.348 0.390 8.84 9.91
E
D1 0.005 0.035 0.13 0.89
E1 E 0.300 0.325 7.62 8.26
D
E1 0.240 0.280 6.10 7.11
A3 e 0.100 BSC 2.54 BSC
A2 eA 0.300 BSC 7.62 BSC
A eB – 0.400 – 10.16
L 0.115 0.150 2.92 3.81
α 0˚ 15˚ 0˚ 15˚
21-324A
L A1 α
8-PIN PLASTIC
C DUAL-IN-LINE
e
B1 eA
B
PACKAGE
eB

INCHES MILLIMETERS
DIM
MIN MAX MIN MAX
A 0.053 0.069 1.35 1.75
A1 0.004 0.010 0.10 0.25
B 0.014 0.019 0.35 0.49
C 0.007 0.010 0.19 0.25
D 0.189 0.197 4.80 5.00
E H E 0.150 0.157 3.80 4.00
e 0.050 BSC 1.27 BSC
H 0.228 0.244 5.80 6.20
h 0.010 0.020 0.25 0.50
L 0.016 0.050 0.40 1.27
α 0˚ 8˚ 0˚ 8˚
21-325A

D h x 45˚
α
A
0.127mm 8-PIN PLASTIC
0.004in.
e
A1
SMALL-OUTLINE
C L PACKAGE
B

______________________________________________________________________________________ 15
 5V, Step-Down,
Current-Mode PWM DC-DC Converters
___________________________________________Package Information (continued)
MAX730A/MAX738A/MAX744A

INCHES MILLIMETERS
DIM
MIN MAX MIN MAX
A – 0.200 – 5.08
S1 S
B 0.014 0.023 0.36 0.58
B1 0.038 0.065 0.97 1.65
B2 0.023 0.045 0.58 1.14
C 0.008 0.015 0.20 0.38
D – 0.405 – 10.29
E 0.220 0.310 5.59 7.87
E1 0.290 0.320 7.37 8.13
E1 e 0.100 BSC 2.54 BSC
D
L 0.125 0.200 3.18 5.08
E L1 0.150 – 3.81 –
A B2
Q 0.015 0.060 0.38 1.52
S – 0.055 – 1.40
S1 0.005 – 0.13 –
α 0˚ 15˚ 0˚ 15˚
21-326D
Q α

L L1
e C 8-PIN CERAMIC
B1 DUAL-IN-LINE
B
PACKAGE

INCHES MILLIMETERS
DIM
MIN MAX MIN MAX
A 0.093 0.104 2.35 2.65
A1 0.004 0.012 0.10 0.30
B 0.014 0.019 0.35 0.49
C 0.009 0.013 0.23 0.32
D 0.398 0.413 10.10 10.50
E H E 0.291 0.299 7.40 7.60
e 0.050 BSC 1.27 BSC
H 0.394 0.419 10.00 10.65
h 0.010 0.030 0.25 0.75
L 0.016 0.050 0.40 1.27
α 0˚ 8˚ 0˚ 8˚
21-589B

D h x 45˚
α
A
0.127mm 16-PIN PLASTIC
0.004in.
e
A1
SMALL-OUTLINE
B C L (WIDE)
PACKAGE

Maxim cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim product. No circuit patent licenses are
implied. Maxim reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time.

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