MAX238EWG+T

Overview

The MAX238EWG+T is a +5V-powered, multichannel RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Analog Devices Inc. under the Maxim Integrated brand. It features four drivers and four receivers in a full-duplex configuration, supporting data rates up to 120 kb/s. The device operates within a supply voltage range of 4.5 V to 5.5 V and draws 15 mA of quiescent current. It lacks internal ESD protection and does not include a shutdown mode. The component is housed in a 24-pin SOIC package with a propagation delay of 10 us and functions reliably across an operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

Feature Summary

• Provides four independent RS-232 drivers and four receivers for multichannel communication interfaces
• Operates exclusively on a single +5V power supply without requiring external negative voltages
• Supports standard EIA/TIA-232E and V.28/V.24 protocol compliance for serial data transmission

Applications

• Industrial control systems requiring multiple serial ports
• Data acquisition equipment with limited power supply options
• Embedded communication modules in environments without ±12V rails

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'T' indicates tape-and-reel packaging when sourcing. Confirm RoHS compliance status through official manufacturer documentation or authorized distributor certificates. Ensure the part number matches the exact SOIC-24 variant to avoid pinout mismatches. Cross-reference the datasheet revision date to confirm technical specifications align with current design requirements.

Selection Notes

Select this component only if a fixed +5V supply is available and no negative voltage generation is permitted. The absence of ESD protection requires careful circuit layout and external protection strategies. Compare against the MAX238CWG+T for identical electrical performance but different packaging formats. Evaluate thermal dissipation capabilities within the SOIC-24 enclosure for the intended application load.

Part Context

This part belongs to the MAX220–MAX249 family of line drivers designed for applications where ±12V supplies are unavailable. It serves as a direct interface solution for legacy serial standards using modern low-voltage logic levels. The MAX238 series specifically targets multichannel requirements, offering more I/O density than single-channel alternatives while maintaining compatibility with standard RS-232 signaling levels.