What this part is — and what it is not
The MAX748ACPA from Maxim Integrated is a PWM step-down DC-DC controller in a buck topology, delivering a fixed 3.3 V output at up to 500 mA. It switches at 180 kHz and operates from a 3.3 V to 16 V input rail. The part comes in an 8-pin DIP through-hole package and is rated for the commercial temperature range of 0 °C to 70 °C. This is a straightforward, no-frills regulator for board-level point-of-load conversion where you need a single positive rail and can live without synchronous rectification.
Package and mounting
The 500 mA current rating is the continuous output this part can sustain.
RoHS non-compliant — plan accordingly
The MAX748ACPA is marked RoHS non-compliant. If your BOM requires lead-free assembly or your customer mandates RoHS, this part cannot be used. That is a hard gate for many designs.
Sourcing and supply position
For BOM lines that can accept a non-RoHS component, it is available through independent distribution and quoted to order against an RFQ.