MAX3232EEWE

Overview

The MAX3232EEWE is a dual driver and receiver RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated. It operates on a single 3V to 5.5V supply voltage and supports data rates up to 250kbit/s. The device incorporates a dual charge-pump circuit requiring four external capacitors, typically 0.1μF each, to generate the necessary internal voltages for RS-232 signaling. It provides ±15kV IEC ESD protection on all serial-port connection pins, including ground. The component is housed in a 16-pin TSSOP (PW) package with dimensions of 5mm x 6.4mm.

Feature Summary

• Dual drivers and receivers provide full-duplex communication capability between asynchronous controllers and serial connectors.
• Integrated dual charge pump eliminates the need for negative power supplies by utilizing small external capacitors.
• Robust ±15kV IEC electrostatic discharge protection is built into all serial port connection pins.

Applications

• Industrial PCs
• Wired networking equipment
• Data center and enterprise computing systems

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific ordering suffix against the manufacturer's current documentation to confirm exact packaging, temperature range, and automotive qualification status. Confirm that the intended application environment aligns with the specified operating temperature limits and electrical characteristics defined in the official datasheet.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a low-power, single-supply RS-232 interface is required for standard baud rates up to 250kbit/s. Ensure the design accommodates the four external capacitors for the charge pump and verify that the 16-pin TSSOP footprint matches the PCB layout constraints.

Part Context

This part belongs to the MAX3232E family of multichannel RS-232 line drivers and receivers. It serves as a standard interface solution for converting TTL/CMOS logic levels to RS-232 standards while maintaining compatibility with various microcontroller architectures.

Replacement Considerations

The SNx5C3232 series is identified as a pin-compatible alternative offering higher speed capabilities up to 1Mbit/s. Verify functional equivalence regarding ESD protection levels and capacitor requirements before substitution.

FAQ

What are the recommended values for the external charge pump capacitors?

The datasheet specifies using four 0.1μF capacitors for operation at 3.3V. For 5V operation, C1 should be 0.047μF while C2 through C4 remain 0.1μF or 0.33μF depending on specific stability requirements.

Does the MAX3232EEWE support automotive applications?

Yes, the MAX3232E-Q1 variant is qualified for automotive applications and meets the requirements of TIA/EIA-232-F and ITU v.28 standards.

How does the device handle input logic levels with a 3.3V supply?

The device accepts 5V logic inputs even when powered by a 3.3V supply, allowing direct interfacing with 5V microcontrollers without level shifting.