MAX238C/D

Overview

The MAX238C/D is a +5V-powered, multichannel RS-232 transceiver designed for EIA/TIA-232E and V.28/V.24 communication interfaces. It integrates four drivers and five receivers within a single package, supporting full-duplex data transmission at rates up to 120 kb/s. The device operates on a single 5V supply with a typical operating current of 15 mA. It features a propagation delay of 10 µs and functions reliably across an industrial temperature range from 0°C to +70°C. The component lacks built-in ESD protection and does not include a shutdown mode.

Feature Summary

• Integrates four independent line drivers and five receivers for comprehensive serial communication support
• Operates exclusively on a single +5V power supply without requiring external negative voltage generation
• Supports standard RS-232 protocols including EIA/TIA-232E and V.28/V.24 specifications

Applications

• Industrial control systems requiring robust serial communication links
• Data acquisition equipment interfacing with legacy RS-232 peripherals
• Embedded systems utilizing microcontrollers for serial data exchange

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix (C or D) against the manufacturer's official datasheet to confirm the exact pinout, package type, and electrical characteristics. Confirm RoHS compliance status and lead times directly with authorized distributors, as availability varies by region and manufacturing batch.

Selection Notes

Select this component when designing circuits that require multiple RS-232 channels driven by a single +5V source. Ensure the application environment remains within the specified 0°C to +70°C operating temperature range. Verify that the system does not require ESD protection or low-power shutdown modes, as these features are absent in this specific part number.

Part Context

This device belongs to the MAX220–MAX249 family of +5V-powered multichannel RS-232 drivers and receivers. This series was developed to simplify interface design by eliminating the need for dual supplies. The MAX238 variant specifically provides a high channel count suitable for complex serial bus architectures.

Replacement Considerations

The MAX238CWG+ is a verified equivalent offering identical functionality in a surface-mount SOIC-24 package. For through-hole applications, the MAX238CNG+ serves as a direct replacement with compatible electrical parameters.