MAX3243IDWRE4

Overview

The MAX3243IDWRE4 is a low-power RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Texas Instruments, designed for multi-channel communication applications. It integrates three drivers and five receivers within a single SOIC-28 package, supporting full-duplex data transmission at rates up to 250 kb/s. The device operates on a single 3 V to 5.5 V power supply with a typical operating current of 1 mA. Key electrical specifications include a propagation delay of 0.15 µs and 15 kV ESD protection on all lines. It functions reliably across an industrial temperature range from -40°C to +85°C and includes a shutdown mode to minimize power consumption during idle periods.

Feature Summary

• Integrates three independent line drivers and five receivers for multi-drop RS-232 communication
• Provides robust 15 kV electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection on all signal lines
• Features a dedicated shutdown pin to significantly reduce quiescent power consumption

Applications

• Industrial control systems requiring reliable serial communication
• Portable battery-powered equipment utilizing low-power interface standards
• Modems and fax machines needing multi-channel RS-232 connectivity

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'RE4' against official manufacturer documentation to confirm tape-and-reel packaging and RoHS compliance status. Ensure the ordering part number matches the exact package variant required for your PCB footprint. Cross-reference the datasheet revision history to validate any changes in mechanical dimensions or electrical characteristics prior to final procurement decisions.

Selection Notes

Select this component when designing circuits that require multiple RS-232 channels within a compact surface-mount form factor. The SOIC-28 package offers a balance between pin count and board space efficiency. Consider the 250 kb/s data rate limit and the 3 V to 5.5 V operating voltage range to ensure compatibility with the target system's logic levels and power infrastructure.

Part Context

This part belongs to the MAX3243 family of multi-channel RS-232 transceivers from Texas Instruments. The family provides various package options including SOIC, SSOP, and TSSOP, catering to different density and thermal requirements. The IDWRE4 designation specifically indicates the industrial temperature grade, wide SOIC package, and reel-based packaging format.

Replacement Considerations

Direct replacements within the same series include MAX3243IDWR and MAX3243IDW. Verify pinout compatibility and electrical parameters before substituting. Other variants like MAX3243EIDWR offer higher data rates but may require different decoupling strategies.