Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX3100CEE+T

Overview

MAX3100CEE+T from Maxim Integrated is a SPI/MICROWIRE-compatible universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter (UART) in 16-pin QSOP package, designed for microcontroller-based systems requiring compact, low-power serial interface. It integrates crystal oscillator, 8-word FIFO, IrDA SIR timing mode, and supports baud rates up to 230.4 kbps with 3.6864 MHz crystal. Used in isolated RS-232/RS-485 links and low-cost IR data links.

For engineers reviewing the MAX3100CEE+T datasheet, MAX3100CEE+T pinout, MAX3100CEE+T application, or MAX3100CEE+T equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI interface compatibility, 2.7V–5.5V supply operation, shutdown current ≤10 µA, IrDA timing support, and opto-coupler drive capability (TX/RTS sink 25 mA).

Technical Context

The MAX3100CEE+T implements a full UART core with programmable baud-rate generator using B0–B3 divisor bits, supporting standard and IrDA-compliant timing modes. Its SPI interface uses Schmitt-trigger DIN/SCLK inputs and open-drain IRQ output, with CS-controlled 16-bit word framing and register access via DOUT/DIN bit mapping.

It features dual shutdown control-hardware (SHDN pin) and software (SHDNi bit)-with immediate oscillator disable on hardware assertion and graceful transmit completion before software shutdown. The 8-word receive FIFO and four maskable interrupt sources (RM, TM, PM, RAM) enable efficient host processor interaction in resource-constrained embedded systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX3100CEE+T is housed in a 16-pin QSOP (Quad Small Outline Package) with 0.65 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant and lead-free. Package dimensions: 10.0 mm × 3.9 mm × 1.45 mm (L × W × H), thermal pad optional.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar UART interface applications.

Compared with MAX3107EEE+ and SC16IS752IPW, the MAX3100CEE+T offers the lowest quiescent current (10 µA shutdown), smallest QSOP-16 footprint, and simplest SPI interface-ideal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained, battery-operated UART extension where ESD robustness and deep FIFO are secondary.

Availability

MAX3100CEE+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for handheld instruments, intelligent instrumentation, and UART-in-SPI systems requiring stable component supply across commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C).

Supply support for MAX3100CEE+T 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

Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) is a semiconductor company specializing in analog and mixed-signal ICs for power, interface, sensing, and communication applications.

The MAX3100CEE+T belongs to Maxim's universal UART product line, engineered specifically for microcontroller-based systems needing compact, low-power, SPI-compatible serial bridging with integrated timing and isolation-ready I/O drive.

FAQ

What is the maximum baud rate supported by the MAX3100CEE+T?

The MAX3100CEE+T supports up to 230.4 kbps when using a 3.6864 MHz crystal oscillator. This is achieved with a baud-rate divisor of 2 (B3–B0 = 0001), yielding a 16× baud clock of 3.6864 MHz ÷ 2 = 1.8432 MHz. At 115.2 kbps, typical supply current is 250 µA with 5V supply and 1.8432 MHz crystal.

Does the MAX3100CEE+T require external crystal load capacitors?

No, the MAX3100CEE+T does not require external load capacitors for standard 1.8432 MHz or 3.6864 MHz parallel-resonant crystals. Its internal oscillator circuitry includes integrated capacitance; only the crystal itself (X1–X2) needs connection. Ceramic resonators with integral capacitors are also compatible.

How does the MAX3100CEE+T handle wake-up from shutdown mode?

The MAX3100CEE+T wakes from shutdown upon detecting a transition on the RX pin, setting the RA bit and asserting IRQ if RAM = 1. After wake-up, the oscillator restarts within ~25 ms; the first received characters may be garbled due to crystal startup delay, and a framing error is likely until stable operation resumes.

Can the MAX3100CEE+T drive RS-232 line drivers directly?

No, the MAX3100CEE+T outputs TTL/CMOS-level signals (V_OH ≥ V_CC − 0.5 V, V_OL ≤ 0.4 V) and cannot drive RS-232 voltage levels (±3V to ±15V) directly. It must interface with an RS-232 transceiver (e.g., MAX232, MAX3232) or opto-coupler (e.g., 6N136) for level translation and isolation.

What is the function of the TE (Transmit-Enable) bit in the MAX3100CEE+T write-data register?

The TE bit in the MAX3100CEE+T write-data register (bit D15 = 1, D14 = 0) controls whether data is loaded into the transmit buffer. When TE = 1, only the RTS output state is updated on CS rising edge; no data transmission occurs. When TE = 0, D0t–D7t bits are loaded and transmitted after start-bit insertion.