MAX248C/D

Overview

The MAX248C/D is a +5V-powered, multichannel RS-232 driver and receiver integrated circuit designed for EIA/TIA-232E and V.28/V.24 communications interfaces. It features eight drivers and eight receivers with full-duplex operation. The device operates on a single +5V supply by utilizing an internal dual charge-pump DC-DC voltage converter to generate the required ±10V levels, eliminating the need for external bipolar supplies. It supports data rates up to 120 kbps and includes a shutdown mode that reduces power consumption to 5μW. The component is available in a PLCC-44 package and functions within a commercial temperature range of 0°C to +70°C.

Feature Summary

• Integrates dual charge-pump circuits to convert a single +5V supply into the necessary positive and negative voltages for RS-232 signaling.
• Provides eight independent transmitter channels and eight independent receiver channels for high-density serial communication.
• Includes a dedicated shutdown control input to minimize power consumption during idle periods.

Applications

• Multidrop RS-232 networks
• Portable diagnostics equipment
• Interface translation between TTL/CMOS logic and RS-232 standards

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'C' against official documentation to confirm the commercial temperature rating (0°C to +70°C). Ensure the PLCC-44 package matches the target PCB footprint. Confirm RoHS compliance status through the manufacturer's current product change notices or certification documents before finalizing procurement.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a system requires multiple RS-232 channels without the board space penalty of discrete capacitors. The integrated charge pump simplifies layout compared to older generations requiring external components. Verify that the 120 kbps data rate meets the application requirements and that the PLCC-44 package is compatible with the assembly process.

Part Context

This part belongs to the MAX220–MAX249 family of line drivers and receivers. This series was developed to provide flexible RS-232 interface solutions for applications where standard ±12V supplies are unavailable. The MAX248 variant specifically addresses designs needing a high channel count within a single integrated circuit form factor.

Replacement Considerations

Publicly confirmed substitute part numbers are not available in the provided source material.