MAX232DWRE4

Overview

The MAX232DWRE4 is a dual driver and receiver RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Texas Instruments. It operates on a single +5V power supply, utilizing an internal charge pump to generate the required voltage levels for EIA/TIA-232-F communication without external negative supplies. The device features two drivers and two receivers, supporting full-duplex data transmission at rates up to 120 kbps. It is housed in a 16-pin SOIC package with wide-body dimensions (SOIC-16W). The component functions within a supply voltage range of 4.5V to 5.5V and includes built-in ESD protection rated at 15kV.

Feature Summary

• Integrates dual drivers and dual receivers for complete RS-232 signal conversion
• Utilizes internal charge pump circuitry to eliminate need for external negative voltage rails
• Provides robust electrostatic discharge protection compliant with industry standards

Applications

• Serial port interfacing between microcontrollers and PC-based systems
• Industrial control equipment requiring reliable asynchronous communication
• Embedded systems connecting to legacy RS-232 peripherals

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'E4' indicates lead-free compliance and RoHS status as per manufacturer documentation. Confirm the 'WR' designation corresponds to tape-and-reel packaging suitable for automated surface-mount assembly processes. Ensure compatibility with existing PCB footprints designed for standard SOIC-16W packages before finalizing procurement orders.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a single-supply solution is required for bidirectional serial communication. It serves as a direct replacement for standard MAX232 variants in designs needing industrial temperature ranges or enhanced ESD resilience. Consider the 120 kbps speed limit when evaluating high-throughput applications where faster transceivers might be necessary.

Part Context

This part belongs to the widely adopted MAX232 family, originally introduced by Maxim Integrated and now produced by Texas Instruments following their acquisition. The MAX232 series established the standard for single-chip RS-232 level shifting, remaining a prevalent choice in embedded design due to its simplicity and low external component count compared to older multi-chip solutions.

Replacement Considerations

Publicly confirmed substitutes include TRS232EIDWR and MAX232IDWR. These alternatives offer pin-compatible interfaces but may differ in data rate specifications or operating temperature ranges. Verify electrical parameters against original design requirements before implementing any cross-manufacturer replacements.