Texas Instruments MAX3221ECPWR
- Part No.:
- MAX3221ECPWR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers
- Package:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX3221ECPWR.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRANSCEIVER FULL 1/1 16TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:80,957
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Product details
Overview
MAX3221ECPWR from Texas Instruments is a single-channel RS-232 transceiver IC with integrated charge pump, operating from 3V to 5.5V VCC, delivering ±15kV IEC 61000-4-2 ESD protection on RIN/DOUT pins, supporting up to 250 kbit/s data rate, and featuring auto-power-down with 1 µA standby current. It serves as the physical-layer interface between UART logic and RS-232 connectors in portable industrial terminals.
For engineers reviewing the MAX3221ECPWR datasheet, MAX3221ECPWR pinout, MAX3221ECPWR application, or MAX3221ECPWR equivalent, key selection criteria include its single-supply operation, IEC-level ESD robustness, INVALID status flag behavior, and compatibility with 3.3V/5V logic systems requiring low-power serial communication.
Technical Context
The MAX3221ECPWR integrates a dual-stage charge pump generating ±5.5V rails from a single 3V–5.5V supply, enabling true RS-232 voltage levels without external high-voltage sources. Its receiver input accepts ±25V RS-232 signals and provides TTL/CMOS-compatible ROUT output with 1.6mA drive capability.
Auto-power-down is triggered when FORCEON = low and FORCEOFF = high, disabling drivers and reducing ICC to 1 µA if RIN detects no valid signal for >30 µs; the INVALID pin asserts low under that condition. EN controls receiver enable/disable independently, while FORCEON/FORCEOFF provide flexible power-state control beyond automatic mode.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCC Supply Range | 3V to 5.5V - Enables direct integration with 3.3V or 5V system rails without level-shifting or auxiliary supplies. |
| Data Rate | Up to 250 kbit/s - Supports standard UART baud rates including 115.2 kbit/s and 230.4 kbit/s with margin. |
| ESD Protection | ±15kV IEC 61000-4-2 air-gap, ±8kV contact - Meets industrial equipment surge immunity requirements without external TVS diodes. |
| Driver Output Swing | ±5.4V min at 3kΩ load - Complies fully with TIA/EIA-232-F ±5V minimum swing specification. |
| Receiver Input Threshold | VIT+ = 1.6–2.4V, VIT− = 0.6–1.4V - Provides hysteresis (0.5V) for noise immunity on long or noisy RS-232 lines. |
| Standby Current | 1 µA typical - Enables battery life extension in handheld devices during serial port idle periods. |
| INVALID Response Time | tinvalid = 30 µs max - Delivers fast detection of disconnected or powered-off remote RS-232 peripherals. |
Pinout & Package
TSSOP-16 (PW) package: 5mm × 6.4mm body, 0.65mm pitch, surface-mount, RoHS-compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| EN (Pin 1) | Receiver enable control | High enables ROUT; low forces ROUT to high-impedance - allows software-controlled receiver shutdown. |
| C1+, C1−, C2+, C2− (Pins 2,4,5,6) | Charge pump capacitor terminals | Interface to four external 0.1µF (3.3V) or 0.047µF/0.33µF (5V) ceramic capacitors - generates ±5.5V internal rails. |
| V+ (Pin 3), V− (Pin 7) | Charge pump output rails | Provide +5.5V and −5.5V for RS-232 driver stage - not user-accessible; must remain unconnected externally. |
| RIN (Pin 8) | RS-232 receiver input | Accepts ±25V RS-232 signals; includes internal 5kΩ termination - connects directly to DB9 connector pin 3 or 2. |
| ROUT (Pin 9) | Receiver logic output | CMOS/TTL-compatible output (VOH ≥ VCC−0.6V, VOL ≤ 0.4V) - drives UART RX or microcontroller GPIO. |
| DOUT (Pin 13) | RS-232 driver output | Delivers ±5.4V RS-232 levels into 3kΩ load - connects directly to DB9 connector pin 2 or 3. |
| DIN (Pin 11) | Driver logic input | Accepts 3.3V/5V logic; 5V-tolerant with 3.3V VCC - interfaces directly to UART TX or GPIO. |
| FORCEON (Pin 12), FORCEOFF (Pin 16) | Auto-power-down control | Enable/disable automatic driver shutdown based on RIN activity - configure via hardware straps or MCU GPIO. |
| INVALID (Pin 10) | Receiver status indicator | Asserts low when RIN is floating/unpowered for >30 µs - signals loss of remote device or cable disconnect. |
| VCC (Pin 15), GND (Pin 14) | Power supply | Single 3V–5.5V input with 0.1µF bypass capacitor required - supports mixed-voltage system integration. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| IEC 61000-4-2 ESD protection | ±15kV air-gap and ±8kV contact on RIN/DOUT - eliminates need for external ESD protection components in certified designs. |
| Auto-power-down with status flag | Reduces ICC to 1 µA when remote RS-232 device is off or disconnected, signaled by INVALID pin - enables autonomous power management. |
| Single-supply RS-232 operation | Generates ±5.5V internally using four 0.1µF capacitors - removes requirement for ±12V supplies or discrete charge pumps. |
| 5V-tolerant logic inputs | DIN, FORCEON, FORCEOFF accept 0–5.5V regardless of VCC level - simplifies interfacing with legacy 5V controllers alongside 3.3V SoCs. |
| Receiver open-input default | ROUT outputs high when RIN is disconnected - prevents spurious UART framing errors during cable hot-plug events. |
Applications
| Industrial Handheld Terminals | Battery-Powered Data Loggers |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Ruggedized field terminal communicating with legacy RS-232 sensors and PLCs in oil/gas or utility metering. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Physical-layer transceiver converting UART signals to full RS-232 voltage levels with ESD-hardened I/O. Use Value: ±15kV IEC ESD rating ensures reliable operation in high-static environments; 1 µA auto-power-down extends battery life during wireless sleep cycles. |
Use Scenario: Compact environmental monitor logging temperature/humidity via RS-232 to SD card or LoRaWAN gateway. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-quiescent RS-232 interface enabling intermittent sensor polling without draining coin-cell or Li-ion batteries. Use Value: Single 3.3V supply eliminates dual-rail power design; INVALID pin alerts firmware to sensor cable disconnection before data corruption occurs. |
| Medical Point-of-Care Devices | Network Equipment Console Ports |
|
Use Scenario: Portable ultrasound or infusion pump with diagnostic RS-232 port for service technician access and firmware updates. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Isolated RS-232 bridge providing safe, compliant patient-connected equipment interface per IEC 60601-1. Use Value: Meets TIA/EIA-232-F and ITU v.28 standards; ±25V receiver input tolerance accommodates long hospital cabling runs. |
Use Scenario: Managed switch or firewall with RJ45-to-DB9 console port for out-of-band CLI access during network outages. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust serial interface ensuring reliable configuration access even during EMI-heavy rack environments. Use Value: 30 V/µs slew rate limits radiated emissions; 250 kbit/s supports rapid firmware uploads without timeout errors. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RS-232 transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SN65C3221E | Same pinout, 1 Mbit/s max data rate, identical ESD and supply specs - higher-speed variant with same footprint. | Required where legacy 115.2 kbit/s is insufficient and 250–1000 kbit/s operation needed (e.g., high-throughput diagnostics). | Select SN65C3221E only if 1 Mbit/s timing margin is required; otherwise MAX3221ECPWR offers lower EMI and proven stability at 250 kbit/s. |
| MAX3232ECPWR | Two drivers/two receivers, same 250 kbit/s and ESD rating, but larger SSOP-20 package - not pin-compatible. | Suitable for designs needing dual RS-232 channels (e.g., simultaneous modem + debug port) without adding second IC. | Choose MAX3232ECPWR only when dual-channel functionality justifies PCB area increase and layout redesign. |
Compared with SN65C3221E and MAX3232ECPWR, the MAX3221ECPWR delivers optimal balance of ESD robustness, ultra-low standby power, and compact TSSOP-16 footprint for space-constrained single-channel implementations - making it preferred for portable and battery-critical designs.
Availability
MAX3221ECPWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial handheld terminals, battery-powered data loggers, and medical point-of-care devices requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for MAX3221ECPWR 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 specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, with over 50 years of innovation in industrial, automotive, and communications ICs.
The MAX3221E product line targets low-power, ESD-hardened RS-232 communication for portable and harsh-environment applications - designed to replace legacy ±12V transceivers with single-supply simplicity and enhanced reliability.
FAQ
What is the maximum data rate supported by the MAX3221ECPWR?
The MAX3221ECPWR supports a maximum data signaling rate of 250 kbit/s under standard load conditions (CL = 1000 pF, RL = 3 kΩ). This meets or exceeds common UART baud rates including 115.2 kbit/s and 230.4 kbit/s with timing margin. Operation above 250 kbit/s is not guaranteed and may result in increased bit error rate due to slew-rate limiting and propagation delay accumulation.
Does the MAX3221ECPWR require external charge pump capacitors?
Yes, the MAX3221ECPWR requires four external ceramic capacitors (C1–C4) to operate its internal charge pump. At 3.3V VCC, use 0.1 µF for all four; at 5V VCC, use 0.047 µF for C1 and 0.33 µF for C2–C4. These capacitors generate the ±5.5V rails needed for RS-232 compliance and cannot be omitted.
How does the INVALID pin function on the MAX3221ECPWR?
The INVALID pin on the MAX3221ECPWR outputs low when the RIN input remains within –0.3V to +0.3V for more than 30 µs - indicating loss of valid RS-232 signal (e.g., disconnected cable or powered-off peripheral). It outputs high when RIN voltage exceeds ±2.7V, confirming active remote driver presence. This status is independent of FORCEON/FORCEOFF states.
Can the MAX3221ECPWR operate with a 3.3V supply while interfacing to 5V logic inputs?
Yes, the MAX3221ECPWR accepts 5V-tolerant logic inputs on DIN, FORCEON, and FORCEOFF pins across its full 3V–5.5V VCC range. With VCC = 3.3V, these pins safely handle 0–5.5V input voltages, enabling direct connection to 5V microcontrollers or FPGAs without level shifters.
What is the standby current consumption of the MAX3221ECPWR in auto-power-down mode?
In auto-power-down mode - activated when FORCEON = low, FORCEOFF = high, and RIN detects no valid signal - the MAX3221ECPWR draws 1 µA typical supply current (ICC). This ultra-low quiescent draw is confirmed across the full operating temperature range and enables multi-year battery life in always-on portable instrumentation.
MAX3221ECPWR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Transceiver
- Protocol:
- RS232
- Number of Drivers/Receivers:
- 1/1
- Duplex:
- Full
- Receiver Hysteresis:
- 500 mV
- Data Rate:
- 250kbps
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-TSSOP
MAX3221ECPWR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX3221ECPWR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX3221ECPWR on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MAX3221ECPWR reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX3221ECPWR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX3221ECPWR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX3221ECPWR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX3221ECPWR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX3221ECPWR?
MAX3221ECPWR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX3221ECPWR order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MAX3221ECPWR?
For technical support, including MAX3221ECPWR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX3221ECPWR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX3221ECPWR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX3221ECPWR products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MAX3221ECPWR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX3221ECPWR?
All MAX3221ECPWR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX3221ECPWR, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MAX3221ECPWR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX3221ECPWR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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