MAX3238EEAI

Overview

The MAX3238EEAI is a +3.0V to +5.5V, 250kbps RS-232 transceiver featuring five drivers and three receivers in a 28-pin SSOP package. It utilizes AutoShutdown Plus technology to achieve a 10nA supply current when idle. The device provides ±15kV ESD protection on all RS-232 I/O and logic pins. It operates within an industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

Feature Summary

• AutoShutdown Plus feature reduces power consumption by shutting down onboard power supplies and drivers during inactivity.
• Enhanced electrostatic discharge protection rated at ±15kV for both RS-232 I/O pins and logic I/O pins.
• Includes an always-active noninverting receiver output (R1OUTB) for monitoring ring indicators without forward biasing other devices.

Applications

• Cellular data cables
• Battery-powered equipment
• Modems

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific ordering suffix EEAI confirms the extended temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and SSOP-28 package type. Confirm RoHS compliance status with the manufacturer or authorized distributor before finalizing procurement specifications.

Selection Notes

Select this component for applications requiring low-power standby modes and high ESD immunity on logic interfaces. Ensure the system voltage remains between 3.0V and 5.5V. Verify that the standard logic thresholds meet the interface requirements, as opposed to the low-level threshold variant.

Part Context

This part belongs to the MAX3238E/MAX3248E family of multichannel RS-232 line drivers and receivers. The MAX3238E differs from the MAX3248E primarily in its input logic thresholds, with the MAX3238E utilizing standard CMOS/TTL thresholds suitable for 3V to 5.5V systems.

Replacement Considerations

Public confirmed substitute part numbers are not available in the provided documentation.

FAQ

How does the AutoShutdown Plus feature function?

It shuts down the onboard power supply and drivers when no valid signal transitions are detected on any receiver or transmitter inputs for 30 seconds, reducing supply current to 10nA.

What is the purpose of the R1OUTB pin?

R1OUTB is an always-active noninverting receiver output that allows monitoring of receiver activity, such as Ring Indicator signals, even when other receivers are in shutdown mode.

What ESD protection levels are supported?

The device supports ±15kV Human Body Model, ±8kV IEC 1000-4-2 Contact Discharge, and ±15kV IEC 1000-4-2 Air-Gap Discharge protection on RS-232 I/O and logic pins.