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Texas Instruments MAX3221EIPWR
- Part No.:
- MAX3221EIPWR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers
- Package:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX3221EIPWR.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRANSCEIVER FULL 1/1 16TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:13,659
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Product details
Overview
MAX3221EIPWR 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 and computing systems.
For engineers reviewing the MAX3221EIPWR datasheet, MAX3221EIPWR pinout, MAX3221EIPWR application, or MAX3221EIPWR equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated TSSOP-16 pin functions, real-world power management behavior, and confirmed alternative parts for battery-powered RS-232 designs requiring robust ESD immunity and low-quiescent operation.
Technical Context
The MAX3221EIPWR implements a dual-stage charge pump (V+ and V− generation) using four external capacitors to convert 3V–5.5V VCC into ±5.5V RS-232 compliant output levels. Its receiver includes internal 5 kΩ input resistance and hysteresis (0.5 V), while the driver provides 30 V/µs max slew rate and ±35 mA short-circuit output capability.
Power control is implemented via three dedicated inputs: EN enables/disables receiver output, FORCEON/FORCEOFF configure auto-power-down activation logic, and INVALID provides real-time status of valid RS-232 signal presence at RIN - asserted high when |VRIN| > 2.7 V or < –2.7 V, low when held within ±0.3 V for >30 µs.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCC Supply Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V - supports direct connection to common logic rails without level-shifting. |
| Data Rate | Up to 250 kbit/s - sufficient for legacy serial peripherals including modems, barcode scanners, and industrial PLC interfaces. |
| ESD Protection | ±15 kV IEC 61000-4-2 air-gap, ±8 kV contact - eliminates need for external TVS diodes on RS-232 lines. |
| Standby Current | 1 µA typical - enables multi-year battery life in always-connected handheld equipment. |
| Driver Output Swing | ±5.4 V min - meets TIA/EIA-232-F voltage compliance for reliable long-cable communication. |
| Receiver Input Threshold | VIT+ = 1.6–2.4 V, VIT− = 0.6–1.4 V - ensures noise margin against ground bounce in noisy industrial environments. |
| INVALID Propagation Delay | tvalid = 1 µs, tinvalid = 30 µs - enables fast detection of cable disconnect or remote device power loss. |
Pinout & Package
TSSOP-16 (PW) package: 5.0 mm × 6.4 mm, 0.65 mm pitch, thermally enhanced for compact PCB layouts in space-constrained applications.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| EN (Pin 1) | Receiver enable input | High disables ROUT output; allows software-controlled receiver shutdown independent of auto-power-down. |
| C1+, C1−, C2+, C2− (Pins 2,4,5,6) | Charge pump capacitor terminals | Interface to four external 0.1 µF (3.3 V) or 0.047/0.33 µF (5 V) ceramic caps - determines V+ and V− rail stability. |
| V+ (Pin 3), V− (Pin 7) | Generated supply outputs | Provide ±5.5 V internally regulated rails for RS-232 driver stage - no external DC-DC required. |
| RIN (Pin 8) | RS-232 receiver input | Accepts ±25 V RS-232 signals; includes 5 kΩ internal termination and INVALID monitoring logic. |
| ROUT (Pin 9) | Receiver logic-level output | Drives standard CMOS/TTL loads (1.6 mA sink, VOL ≤ 0.4 V); high-impedance when EN = low. |
| DIN (Pin 11) | Driver logic-level input | Accepts 0–5.5 V logic inputs - compatible with 3.3 V MCU I/O even when VCC = 3.3 V. |
| DOUT (Pin 13) | RS-232 driver output | Delivers full RS-232 voltage swing (±5.4 V) into 3 kΩ load; ±35 mA short-circuit rated. |
| FORCEON / FORCEOFF (Pins 12,16) | Auto-power-down control | Configure automatic driver disable when remote RS-232 link is inactive - reduces ICC to 1 µA. |
| INVALID (Pin 10) | Status output | Asserts low when RIN is floating/unpowered (>30 µs in ±0.3 V window) - used for link integrity monitoring. |
| VCC (Pin 15), GND (Pin 14) | Power supply | Single 3V–5.5V input; requires 0.1 µF bypass cap at VCC pin for stable charge pump operation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| IEC 61000-4-2 ESD protection | ±15 kV air-gap and ±8 kV contact on RIN/DOUT - certified for harsh industrial and medical environments. |
| Auto-power-down with status feedback | Reduces supply current to 1 µA when RS-232 link is idle, with INVALID output confirming signal validity in real time. |
| Logic-level compatibility | Accepts 5 V-tolerant DIN input with 3.3 V VCC - eliminates level shifters in mixed-voltage systems. |
| Single-supply RS-232 operation | Generates ±5.5 V internally using only four small external capacitors - no external DC-DC converter needed. |
| Receiver open-input default | ROUT outputs high when RIN is disconnected - prevents undefined UART states during hot-plug events. |
Applications
| Industrial Handheld Terminals | Portable Data Loggers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered field devices collecting sensor data over RS-232 and transmitting via cellular or Wi-Fi. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Physical-layer transceiver converting UART signals to RS-232 for legacy sensor modules and modems. Use Value: 1 µA auto-power-down extends battery life beyond 5 years in sleep mode; ±15 kV ESD withstands repeated cable insertion in factory floors. |
Use Scenario: Compact environmental monitors deployed in remote locations with intermittent power and long RS-232 cable runs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Isolating MCU UART from electrically noisy industrial RS-232 buses while maintaining timing integrity. Use Value: 250 kbit/s data rate supports high-resolution sensor streaming; ±5.4 V driver swing ensures signal integrity over 15 m cables. |
| Medical Diagnostic Equipment | Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems |
Use Scenario: Portable ultrasound or ECG units connecting to PC-based analysis software via RS-232. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Safe, low-noise interface between patient-connected analog front-end and host system. Use Value: IEC-rated ESD protection prevents damage during clinical handling; INVALID pin alerts firmware to disconnected probes before data corruption. |
Use Scenario: Retail kiosks and payment terminals interfacing with legacy receipt printers and magnetic stripe readers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reliable RS-232 bridge between ARM-based controller and peripheral hardware. Use Value: TSSOP-16 footprint minimizes board area; 3.3 V operation aligns with modern low-power SoCs; FORCEON/FORCEOFF enable dynamic power gating. |
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 | Higher 1 Mbit/s data rate; identical pinout and 3V–5.5V supply; same ±15 kV IEC ESD rating. | Required where legacy 250 kbit/s is insufficient - e.g., high-speed modem or debug port use cases. | Select SN65C3221E when higher throughput is mandatory and layout reuse is desired. |
| MAX3232EIPWR | Two drivers/two receivers; same VCC range, ESD rating, and auto-power-down; larger SSOP-20 package. | Suitable for dual-port RS-232 applications (e.g., simultaneous console + modem interface). | Choose MAX3232EIPWR only when second channel is needed - avoid for single-channel cost/space optimization. |
Compared with SN65C3221E and MAX3232EIPWR, the MAX3221EIPWR offers optimal balance of size, power, and cost for single-channel, battery-sensitive RS-232 links - retaining full ESD immunity and auto-shutdown while minimizing PCB footprint and BOM count.
Availability
MAX3221EIPWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial handheld terminals, portable data loggers, medical diagnostic equipment, and point-of-sale systems requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX3221EIPWR 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 and embedded processing technologies, with decades of expertise in interface ICs and industrial-grade signal conditioning solutions.
The MAX3221E belongs to TI's RS-232 transceiver product line, engineered specifically for low-power, high-ESD-resilience serial communication in portable and harsh-environment electronics.
FAQ
What is the maximum data rate supported by the MAX3221EIPWR?
The MAX3221EIPWR supports a maximum data signaling rate of 250 kbit/s under standard load conditions (CL = 1000 pF, RL = 3 kΩ). This is validated per TIA/EIA-232-F and confirmed in the switching characteristics section of the official datasheet. Exceeding this rate may result in signal integrity degradation due to slew-rate limiting (max 30 V/µs) and pulse skew accumulation.
Does the MAX3221EIPWR require external DC-DC converters for RS-232 voltage generation?
No, the MAX3221EIPWR does not require external DC-DC converters. It integrates a charge pump circuit that generates ±5.5 V internal rails (V+ and V−) from a single 3V–5.5V VCC supply using only four small external capacitors (0.1 µF for 3.3 V operation; 0.047 µF + 0.33 µF for 5 V). This eliminates the need for discrete voltage converters or transformers.
How does the INVALID output function on the MAX3221EIPWR?
The INVALID output on the MAX3221EIPWR goes low when the RIN input remains within ±0.3 V for more than 30 µs - indicating loss of valid RS-232 signal (e.g., cable disconnect or remote device power-off). It asserts high when |VRIN| exceeds ±2.7 V. This status signal operates independently of FORCEON/FORCEOFF and remains functional as long as VCC is powered, enabling real-time link health monitoring in the MAX3221EIPWR.
Can the MAX3221EIPWR operate with a 3.3 V supply while interfacing with 5 V logic inputs?
Yes, the MAX3221EIPWR accepts 5 V-tolerant logic inputs on DIN, FORCEON, FORCEOFF, and EN pins when VCC = 3.3 V. The absolute maximum input voltage is 5.5 V, and recommended operating conditions specify VIH ≥ 2.0 V at 3.3 V VCC. This allows direct connection to 5 V microcontrollers or FPGAs without external level shifters - a confirmed design feature of the MAX3221EIPWR.
What package type is used for the MAX3221EIPWR, and what are its key mechanical dimensions?
The MAX3221EIPWR uses the TSSOP-16 (PW) package: 5.0 mm × 6.4 mm body size with 0.65 mm lead pitch. It features a nominal thickness of 1.2 mm and thermal metrics including RθJA = 110.9 °C/W. This package is RoHS-compliant, lead-free, and optimized for automated assembly and thermal performance in dense PCB layouts - a confirmed specification for the MAX3221EIPWR orderable part.
MAX3221EIPWR 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:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-TSSOP
MAX3221EIPWR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX3221EIPWR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX3221EIPWR 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 MAX3221EIPWR reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX3221EIPWR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX3221EIPWR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX3221EIPWR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX3221EIPWR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX3221EIPWR?
MAX3221EIPWR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX3221EIPWR 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 MAX3221EIPWR?
For technical support, including MAX3221EIPWR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX3221EIPWR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX3221EIPWR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX3221EIPWR 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 MAX3221EIPWR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX3221EIPWR?
All MAX3221EIPWR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX3221EIPWR, 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 MAX3221EIPWR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX3221EIPWR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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