MAX232DRG4

Overview

The MAX232DRG4 is a dual EIA-232 driver and receiver integrated circuit manufactured by Texas Instruments. It operates within a supply voltage range of 4.5 V to 5.5 V, with a typical operating voltage of 5 V. The device supports full-duplex communication at data rates up to 120 kb/s. It features two drivers and two receivers housed in a 16-pin SOIC-Narrow package. The component functions across an industrial temperature range from -40°C to +85°C and draws a typical operating supply current of 10 mA. It includes internal charge pump circuitry for voltage generation and provides ESD protection without requiring external shutdown control.

Feature Summary

• Integrates dual drivers and dual receivers for complete RS-232 signal conversion
• Utilizes internal charge pump technology to generate required voltage levels from a single supply
• Provides electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection for interface reliability

Applications

• Serial port interfacing between microcontrollers and PC-based systems
• Industrial equipment communication links requiring EIA-232 compliance
• Embedded system serial data transmission modules

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'G4' indicates lead-free and RoHS-compliant construction as per Texas Instruments standards. Confirm the package variant matches the SOIC-Narrow-16 specification required for the target PCB footprint. Check current lifecycle status, as availability may be limited due to end-of-life notifications associated with this product family. Ensure compatibility with existing design constraints regarding operating temperature and supply voltage ranges before finalizing procurement.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a dual-channel RS-232 transceiver is needed for standard 5 V logic systems. It is suitable for applications requiring full-duplex communication at speeds up to 120 kb/s. Consider the SOIC-Narrow-16 package for surface-mount assembly. Verify that the operating environment falls within the specified -40°C to +85°C range. This part is appropriate for legacy EIA-232 interfaces where higher speed or lower voltage operation is not required.

Part Context

The MAX232DRG4 belongs to the MAX232 series of RS-232 transceivers from Texas Instruments. It is a lead-free, RoHS-compliant version of the standard MAX232 device. The 'DR' suffix denotes the 16-pin SOIC package with tape-and-reel packaging, while 'G4' specifies the environmental compliance attributes. It serves as a direct replacement for earlier non-green variants within the same functional family.

Replacement Considerations

The MAX232DR is the non-green equivalent part number. For upgraded performance, consider the MAX3232EIDR for higher data rates and wider voltage support. Analog Devices offers the ADM232A as a CMOS alternative.