Texas Instruments DS14C232TM

Overview

DS14C232TM from Texas Instruments is a low-power, +5V-powered TIA/EIA-232 dual driver/receiver IC with integrated DC-DC converter, delivering ±8.5V/±9V RS-232 output levels and 3.0 mA max ICC. It features internal receiver noise filtering, TTL/CMOS-compatible I/O, and operates across −40°C to +85°C. Used in serial communication interfaces between DTE and DCE in industrial control panels and embedded instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the DS14C232TM datasheet, DS14C232TM pinout, DS14C232TM application, or DS14C232TM equivalent, key selection criteria include its single +5V supply operation, integrated charge-pump voltage generation, receiver hysteresis (0.2–1.0 V), slew-rate-controlled outputs, and SOIC-16 package compatibility with legacy MAX232 designs.

Technical Context

The DS14C232TM integrates a CMOS-based charge-pump DC-DC converter generating V+ ≥9.0 V and V− ≤−8.5 V from a single +5V input, eliminating external ±12V supplies. Its dual drivers produce TIA/EIA-232-E compliant outputs (VOH ≥5.0 V, VOL ≤−5.0 V) with internally set slew rate (4.0–30 V/μs), while dual receivers accept ±25V inputs and deliver TTL/CMOS outputs with 3.0–7.0 kΩ input resistance and 0.2–1.0 V hysteresis.

Driver inputs tolerate 0.8 V (VIL) to 2.0 V (VIH) logic thresholds and draw ≤±10 μA input current; receiver outputs drive ≥3.5 V (VOH) at −3.2 mA and ≤0.4 V (VOL) at +3.2 mA. Propagation delays are 1.0–4.0 μs (drivers) and 2.5–6.5 μs (receivers), with skew <1.0 μs (drivers) and <2.0 μs (receivers).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DS14C232TM is housed in a 16-pin SOIC (D package), 7.5 mm × 10.3 mm body, 1.27 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant lead finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RS-232 transceiver applications.

Compared with DS14C232TM, MAX3232ECDR offers superior power efficiency and ESD protection but demands more external capacitance and lacks −40°C qualification; SP3232EEN-L matches the SOIC-16 layout and voltage range but omits industrial temperature support, limiting deployment to benign environments.

Availability

DS14C232TM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI terminals, medical diagnostic equipment, and point-of-sale systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and legacy RS-232 interoperability.

Supply support for DS14C232TM includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The DS14C232TM belongs to TI's legacy RS-232 interface product line, engineered for robust, low-power serial communication in space-constrained industrial and instrumentation systems requiring guaranteed −40°C to +85°C operation.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range specified for the DS14C232TM?

The DS14C232TM is rated for operation from −40°C to +85°C, making it suitable for extended industrial environments where ambient temperatures exceed commercial-grade limits. This specification is explicitly defined in the Recommended Operating Conditions table of the official TI datasheet SNLS076C, and distinguishes DS14C232TM from the DS14C232C (0°C to +70°C) variant. The DS14C232TM maintains full electrical performance-including driver output voltage, receiver hysteresis, and propagation delay-across this full range.

Does the DS14C232TM require external capacitors, and if so, what values and ratings are mandatory?

Yes, the DS14C232TM requires four external 1.0 μF capacitors: C1+ and C1− (1.0 μF, 6.3V) connect to pins 1 and 3; C2+ and C2− (1.0 μF, 16V) connect to pins 4 and 5. These are essential for the internal charge-pump DC-DC converter to generate compliant ±8.5V/±9V RS-232 output levels. The datasheet specifies minimum values >1.0 μF and mandates voltage ratings exceeding the generated rail magnitudes-using undersized or lower-rated capacitors will cause output voltage collapse and communication failure.

Is the DS14C232TM pin-compatible with the MAX232, and what design considerations confirm this?

Yes, the DS14C232TM is explicitly pin-compatible with the industry-standard MAX232 in the SOIC-16 (D) package, as confirmed in TI's datasheet feature list and connection diagrams. Pin mapping for VCC, GND, driver inputs/outputs, receiver inputs/outputs, and capacitor terminals matches identically. No PCB layout changes are required for substitution; however, note that DS14C232TM uses a different internal charge-pump topology and delivers slightly higher V+ (≥9.0 V vs. ≥7.5 V) and deeper V− (≤−8.5 V vs. ≤−7.3 V), enhancing noise immunity without affecting compatibility.

What is the maximum data rate supported by the DS14C232TM, and how is it determined from its specifications?

The DS14C232TM supports reliable operation up to 230 kbps, derived from its worst-case propagation delay (6.5 μs for receivers, 4.0 μs for drivers) and slew-rate-limited outputs. At 230 kbps, the bit period is ~4.35 μs-well above the sum of driver and receiver delays-ensuring setup/hold margin. While not explicitly rated for higher speeds like some modern transceivers, its 1.0–4.0 μs driver tPLH/tPHL and 2.5–6.5 μs receiver delays, combined with internal noise filtering, make it suitable for standard UART applications including legacy modems, industrial PLCs, and instrumentation interfaces.

How does the DS14C232TM handle unused driver and receiver inputs?

The DS14C232TM provides built-in failsafe biasing: unused driver inputs (DIN1/DIN2) float HIGH via an internal 5 MΩ pull-up resistor, resulting in LOW output; unused receiver inputs (RIN1/RIN2) float LOW via a 4.7 kΩ internal pull-down, producing HIGH output. This eliminates need for external resistors and prevents floating nodes from causing undefined states or excessive current draw. The datasheet confirms these values in the PIN DESCRIPTIONS section and specifies behavior under open-circuit conditions for both input types.