MAX232DW

Overview

The MAX232DW is a dual EIA-232 driver and receiver integrated circuit manufactured by Texas Instruments. It operates from a single 5 V supply, utilizing internal charge pumps to generate the necessary positive and negative voltages for RS-232 signal levels. The device features two drivers and two receivers, supporting full-duplex communication with a data rate of up to 120 kb/s. It functions within a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C and draws a typical operating supply current of 10 mA. The component is housed in a 16-pin SOIC package.

Feature Summary

• Integrates dual drivers and dual receivers for complete RS-232 transceiver functionality on a single chip.
• Operates from a single 5 V power supply using internal charge pump circuits to eliminate external voltage sources.
• Provides robust electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection on all RS-232 lines to safeguard connected equipment.

Applications

• Serial port interface connections between microcontrollers and personal computers.
• Modem interfacing in embedded systems requiring asynchronous communication.
• Industrial control systems connecting serial devices over standard RS-232 cables.

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix against official Texas Instruments documentation to confirm package type and temperature grade. Confirm RoHS compliance status through the manufacturer's latest datasheet or product change notices. Ensure the ordering part number matches the required pinout and electrical specifications for the target design.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a single-supply solution is required for low-speed RS-232 communication. It is suitable for designs where space constraints limit the use of multiple voltage rails. Consider the 120 kb/s speed limit and 5 V operation requirements before finalizing the schematic.

Part Context

This device belongs to the MAX232 family of RS-232 transceivers, widely used for legacy serial communication interfaces. The DW suffix typically denotes a wide-temperature range variant in the SOIC package format. It serves as a bridge between TTL/CMOS logic levels and standard RS-232 voltage swings.

Replacement Considerations

MAX232IDWR

FAQ

What is the maximum data transmission rate supported by the MAX232DW?

The MAX232DW supports a maximum data signaling rate of 120 kb/s.

Does the MAX232DW require external voltage regulators?

No, it uses internal charge pumps to generate the required positive and negative voltages from a single 5 V supply.

How many drivers and receivers are included in this IC?

The device contains two independent drivers and two independent receivers.