MAX202CUE

Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers Overview

The MAX202CUE is a +5V RS-232 transceiver from the Analog Devices/MAXIM family, designed for single-supply operation. It integrates charge-pump circuitry to generate ±10V internal rails, eliminating the need for external bipolar supplies. The device features two drivers and two receivers, supporting data rates up to 120kbps with TTL/CMOS compatible inputs. It requires four external 0.1µF capacitors for voltage conversion. The 'C' suffix indicates an industrial temperature range of 0°C to +70°C, while the 'U' suffix denotes a 24-pin SSOP package.

Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers Feature Summary

• Integrates dual charge-pump voltage converters for generating internal ±10V rails from a single +5V supply
• Provides full duplex communication with two independent drivers and two receivers
• Features TTL and CMOS compatible input logic thresholds for direct microcontroller interfacing
• Includes internal pullup resistors on driver inputs to simplify unused pin handling

Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers Applications

• Battery-powered equipment requiring low component count
• Handheld diagnostic tools
• Portable communications interfaces

Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers Procurement Notes

Verify the specific ordering suffix against the manufacturer's current datasheet revision. Confirm that the 'U' package designation corresponds to the required 24-pin SSOP form factor and that the 'C' grade meets the operational temperature requirements for the intended environment. Cross-reference the part number with official distributor catalogs to ensure availability and authenticity.

Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers Selection Notes

Select this component when a compact solution for RS-232 communication is needed without external high-voltage generation. Ensure the design accommodates four external 0.1µF capacitors for the charge pump. Compare against the MAX203 or MAX205 if board space is extremely limited, as those variants integrate the capacitors internally. Verify that the 120kbps maximum data rate satisfies the system's baud rate requirements.

Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers Part Context

The MAX202CUE belongs to the broader MAX200-MAX209 series of +5V RS-232 transceivers. This family shares common architecture but varies in channel count, shutdown capabilities, and capacitor integration. The MAX202 specifically provides two drivers and two receivers, distinguishing it from the five-channel MAX200 or the zero-capacitor MAX203.

Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers Replacement Considerations

MAX202ESE+ (Industrial temp, Narrow SOIC)

Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers FAQ

What is the function of the external capacitors connected to C1 and C2?

The four external 0.1µF capacitors are used by the integrated charge pumps to double the +5V supply to +10V and invert it to -10V, creating the necessary internal voltage rails for RS-232 signal levels.

Does the MAX202CUE support a shutdown mode?

No, the standard MAX202 does not include a shutdown control pin. Only specific variants like the MAX200, MAX205, MAX206, MAX211, and MAX213 feature shutdown functionality to reduce power consumption.

How does the receiver input threshold compare to the EIA/TIA-232E specification?

The MAX202 guarantees tighter receiver input thresholds (+0.8V and +2.4V) than the standard ±3.0V required by EIA/TIA-232E, which improves noise margin and allows compatibility with TTL/CMOS logic levels.