MAX232IN

Overview

The MAX232IN is a dual EIA-232 driver and receiver manufactured by Texas Instruments. It operates from a single 5 V power supply, utilizing an internal charge pump to generate the necessary positive and negative voltages for RS-232 communication without requiring external bipolar supplies. The device supports data rates up to 120 kb/s and provides full-duplex transmission. It features two drivers and two receivers, with a typical propagation delay of 0.5 µs. The component functions within a supply voltage range of 4.5 V to 5.5 V and draws approximately 10 mA of operating current. It is housed in a 16-pin PDIP package and is rated for operation between -40°C and +85°C.

Feature Summary

• Single-supply operation enabled by integrated charge pump circuitry
• Dual driver and dual receiver configuration for full-duplex communication
• ESD protection mechanisms included for signal integrity

Applications

• Portable computers requiring serial interface connectivity
• Battery-powered RS-232 systems
• Low-power modems and interfaces translation

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific revision level and RoHS compliance status before procurement, as legacy variants may exist. Confirm that the PDIP-16 package aligns with your PCB footprint requirements. Ensure that the design accommodates the four external capacitors required for the charge pump circuit, as specified in the official datasheet. Check for end-of-life notifications or obsolescence warnings associated with this specific part number.

Selection Notes

Select the MAX232IN when a through-hole solution is required for dual-channel RS-232 interfacing. This part is suitable for designs constrained to a single 5 V supply rail. Consider alternative packages such as SOIC if surface-mount technology is preferred. Verify that the 120 kb/s data rate meets the system's baud rate requirements. Ensure the operating temperature range covers the environmental conditions of the final application.

Part Context

The MAX232 series is a widely used family of RS-232 transceivers designed to bridge TTL logic levels with standard RS-232 voltage swings. The 'IN' suffix denotes the PDIP-16 package variant. This component simplifies serial communication by eliminating the need for complex external voltage generation circuits. It serves as a foundational interface chip for legacy serial ports in industrial and consumer electronics.

Replacement Considerations

The ST232B is documented as compatible with the MAX232. Other pin-compatible alternatives include the ADM232A and ADM232L from Analog Devices. Verify electrical specifications and pinout compatibility before substituting.