Step-up regulator with a 450 mA switch
The MAX641ACSA+: It operates from a 2 V minimum input up to 16.5 V and can generate output voltages up to 18 V, configurable as either a fixed 5 V or adjustable from 1.31 V. The 45 kHz switching frequency is on the lower side by modern standards, which means the external inductor and capacitor will be physically larger than what you'd use with a 500 kHz part. The trade-off is lower switching losses and potentially better efficiency at light loads, but the board space budget needs to accommodate a bigger coil.
Package and rework considerations
Supplied in a tube, not tape-and-reel — if you're feeding a pick-and-place machine, you'll need to transfer the parts to a feeder-compatible carrier or order the tape-and-reel variant if one exists. For prototype or low-volume builds, the tube is fine.
Temperature grade and deployment context
This limits the MAX641ACSA+ to indoor, temperature-controlled environments — office equipment, bench-top instruments, telecom racks with active cooling. Not suitable for automotive under-hood or outdoor enclosures that see freezing or 85°C+ ambient. The output configuration is positive, single-output, non-synchronous (no internal synchronous rectifier). The external Schottky diode is on you — factor in the diode's forward drop and thermal dissipation when sizing the board layout.
Sourcing and compliance
Sourced through authorized and independent distribution channels. No official pin-compatible second source is listed — the part is single-sourced from Analog Devices.