MAX3212CAI+

Overview

The MAX3212CAI+ is a +2.7V to +3.6V-powered, true RS-232 transceiver featuring three drivers and five receivers. It utilizes AutoShutdown technology to reduce supply current to 1µA when no valid signal is detected. The device guarantees a data rate of 235kbps and meets EIA/TIA-232E and EIA/TIA-562 specifications. It operates within a commercial temperature range of 0°C to +70°C and is housed in a 28-pin SSOP package.

Feature Summary

• Proprietary AutoShutdown mode reduces supply current to 1µA by shutting down the onboard power supply and drivers when valid receiver signals are absent.
• Integrated switch-mode power supply generates ±6.5V from a single low-voltage input using minimal external components.
• Complementary receiver output (R5OUTB) remains active during shutdown to monitor incoming RS-232 activity without forward-biasing connected devices.
• Three-state driver outputs on all receivers allow multiple interfaces to be wire-ORed at the UART.

Applications

• Notebook and Palmtop Computers
• Battery-Powered Equipment
• Peripherals
• Instruments

Procurement Notes

Verify the suffix 'AI' confirms the 28-pin SSOP package and the 'C' indicates the 0°C to +70°C commercial temperature range. Ensure the component is lead-free and RoHS compliant as indicated by the '+' designation. Confirm the manufacturer is Analog Devices or Maxim Integrated for authenticity.

Selection Notes

Select this component for applications requiring low-voltage operation between 2.7V and 3.6V with minimal standby power consumption. It is suitable for systems needing three transmit and five receive channels while maintaining compatibility with standard RS-232 protocols and mouse driveability requirements.

Part Context

This part belongs to the MAX3212 family of low-power RS-232 transceivers. Variants include the MAX3212EWI for extended industrial temperatures and different package options like the Wide SO. The CAI+ variant specifically denotes the commercial temperature range and surface-mount SSOP packaging.

Replacement Considerations

Direct substitutes include other MAX3212 variants such as MAX3212EWI for extended temperature ranges. Cross-family alternatives may require verification of pinout compatibility and voltage level matching.

FAQ

How does the AutoShutdown feature function?

AutoShutdown reduces supply current to 1µA by shutting down the onboard power supply and drivers when no valid RS-232 signal level is sensed on any receiver input for typically 30µs.

What is the purpose of the R5OUTB pin?

R5OUTB provides a complementary, always-active receiver output that allows monitoring of incoming RS-232 activity even when the main receivers are disabled or the device is in shutdown mode.

Can the MAX3212 drive serial mice?

Yes, the MAX3212 is specifically designed and tested to drive serial mice from low-voltage supplies, meeting their respective current and voltage requirements.