MAX3232ECD

Overview

The MAX3232ECD is an automotive-grade RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Texas Instruments. It integrates two drivers and two receivers with a dual charge-pump circuit, enabling operation from a single 3V to 5.5V supply. The device supports data rates up to 250kbit/s and features ±15kV IEC ESD protection on all serial port pins. It operates within a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C and consumes a typical standby current of 300μA. The component utilizes four external capacitors for charge pump functionality and meets TIA/EIA-232-F standards.

Feature Summary

• Automotive qualification compliant with AEC-Q100 standards
• Integrated dual charge pump requiring only four small external capacitors
• Full ±15kV IEC electrostatic discharge protection on input and output pins
• Compatible with 5V logic inputs while operating from a 3.3V supply

Applications

• Industrial PCs
• Wired networking equipment
• Data center and enterprise computing systems
• Battery-powered portable devices

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix against the official Package Option Addendum to confirm the exact package type, lead finish, and moisture sensitivity level. Ensure the ordering part number matches the required automotive grade and temperature range specifications before finalizing procurement orders.

Selection Notes

Select this component when designing for automotive environments requiring robust ESD immunity and low power consumption. Verify that the system voltage falls within the 3V to 5.5V range and that the application requires full-duplex communication at speeds up to 250kbit/s.

Part Context

This device belongs to the MAX3232 family of multichannel RS-232 line drivers and receivers. It serves as the automotive-qualified variant (MAX3232E-Q1) of the standard catalog MAX3232E, offering enhanced reliability for vehicle electronics while maintaining pin compatibility with other high-speed alternatives in the series.

Replacement Considerations

The catalog version MAX3232E provides equivalent electrical performance without automotive qualification. For higher speed requirements, the SNx5C3232 offers pin-compatible 1Mbit/s operation.