MAX3238CPWR

Overview

The MAX3238CPWR is a multichannel RS-232 line driver and receiver manufactured by Texas Instruments. It operates from a single 3-V to 5.5-V power supply and provides five drivers and three receivers for full-duplex communication. The device supports data rates up to 250 kbps with a propagation delay of 150 ns. It features Schmitt-trigger inputs on the receivers for noise filtering and includes a shutdown mode that reduces supply current to less than 1 µA. The component offers ±15-kV electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection on both logic and RS-232 I/O pins, ensuring robustness in harsh environments. It is housed in a 28-pin TSSOP package and is rated for operation over an industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

Feature Summary

• Multichannel architecture providing five independent drivers and three receivers for complex serial communication interfaces.
• Integrated charge pump circuitry eliminates the need for external dual-voltage supplies, simplifying board design.
• High ESD tolerance protects sensitive logic and signal pins against static discharge events without performance degradation.
• Low-power shutdown capability significantly minimizes energy consumption during idle periods or system standby modes.

Applications

• Industrial control systems requiring reliable serial communication under electrically noisy conditions.
• Portable battery-powered equipment utilizing single-supply operation and low quiescent current.
• Data acquisition modules interfacing microcontrollers with RS-232 peripherals.
• Medical instrumentation demanding high ESD immunity and compact surface-mount packaging.

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'CPWR' confirms the commercial temperature grade (-40°C to +85°C) and TSSOP-28 package variant. Confirm RoHS compliance status through official manufacturer documentation. Ensure ordering quantities match standard tube packaging formats provided by distributors. Cross-reference the manufacturer part number against authorized channel listings to prevent counterfeit components.

Selection Notes

Select this component when five transmit channels and three receive channels are required within a single interface solution. Choose the CPWR variant for applications operating within the specified industrial temperature limits. Consider the shutdown pin functionality if power management is critical for battery-operated designs. Verify that the 250 kbps data rate meets the system's throughput requirements compared to higher-speed alternatives.

Part Context

This device belongs to the MAX3238 family of multichannel RS-232 transceivers designed for space-constrained applications. It shares functional similarities with other Maxim Integrated/Texas Instruments RS-232 lines but distinguishes itself through its specific count of drivers and receivers. The family emphasizes ease of use by integrating charge pumps and offering extensive protection features suitable for diverse interface standards.

Replacement Considerations

The SN65C3238 is a verified pin-to-pin compatible replacement within the Texas Instruments portfolio. Other MAX3238 variants with different temperature grades or packages may serve as substitutes if electrical characteristics align with system requirements. Always verify pinout compatibility and thermal specifications before substituting.