MAX232DWE4

Overview

The MAX232DWE4 is a dual RS-232 line driver and receiver manufactured by Texas Instruments, designed for EIA/TIA-232E and V.28/V.24 communications interfaces. It operates on a single 5V supply, eliminating the need for external negative voltage generators. The device features two drivers and two receivers, supporting full-duplex communication with a data rate of up to 120 kbps. It is housed in a 16-SOIC surface-mount package. The operating temperature range extends from 0°C to +70°C, and it draws a typical supply current of 1 mA. The component includes internal charge pumps requiring four external capacitors.

Feature Summary

• Integrates dual drivers and receivers for complete RS-232 signal conversion
• Operates directly from a single +5V power supply without external negative voltages
• Provides robust ±15kV electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection on all RS-232 lines
• Features low-power shutdown mode to minimize energy consumption

Applications

• Portable computers and battery-powered systems requiring serial communication
• Modems and interface translation between TTL/CMOS logic and RS-232 levels
• Industrial control systems utilizing multidrop RS-232 networks

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'DWE4' against the manufacturer's official documentation to confirm pinout compatibility and RoHS status. Confirm that the 0°C to +70°C commercial temperature rating aligns with the target application environment requirements before finalizing procurement decisions.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a dual-channel RS-232 transceiver is required in a surface-mount SOIC-16 package. Ensure the design accommodates the necessary four external capacitors for the internal charge pump circuitry. Verify that the 120 kbps data rate meets the system's throughput needs and that the commercial temperature range is sufficient for the operating conditions.

Part Context

This part belongs to the MAX232 family of multichannel RS-232 drivers and receivers. It serves as a cost-effective solution for converting between TTL/CMOS logic levels and standard RS-232 voltage levels. The 'E4' suffix typically indicates lead-free composition and environmental compliance according to Texas Instruments standards.

Replacement Considerations

The MAX232DRG4 is a direct equivalent variant within the same product family. Other compatible alternatives include the MAX232IDR and MAX232IDRG4, which share identical electrical characteristics but may differ in packaging or temperature ratings.