Texas Instruments MAX3223EIPWR

Overview

MAX3223EIPWR from Texas Instruments is a 3-V to 5.5-V dual RS-232 line driver and receiver IC with ±15-kV HBM ESD protection on bus pins, compliant with TIA/EIA-232-F and ITU v.28 standards. It integrates two drivers, two receivers, and a dual charge-pump circuit, enabling single-supply operation with only four 0.1-μF external capacitors. It delivers up to 500 kbit/s data rate and supports 3.3-V logic inputs while powered from a 3.3-V supply - ideal for portable serial interface in industrial handheld terminals.

For engineers reviewing the MAX3223EIPWR datasheet, MAX3223EIPWR pinout, MAX3223EIPWR application, or MAX3223EIPWR equivalent, key selection criteria include its auto-powerdown control (FORCEON/FORCEOFF), INVALID status output for RS-232 signal presence detection, ±15-kV IEC61000-4-2 contact/air-gap ESD rating, 1-μA standby current, and TSSOP-20 package compatibility with space-constrained embedded designs.

Technical Context

The MAX3223EIPWR implements a dual charge-pump architecture generating ±V_CC-derived rails (V+ and V−) to produce true RS-232 voltage levels (±5.4 V) from a single 3.3-V or 5-V supply. Its receiver section features 3–5 kΩ input resistance and 0.5-V hysteresis, with valid input thresholds at ±2.7 V and invalid detection window of –0.3 V to +0.3 V sustained >30 μs.

Power management is implemented via three control signals: EN enables/disables receivers, FORCEON disables auto-powerdown when high, and FORCEOFF forces full shutdown when low. The INVALID output asserts high when any RIN exceeds ±2.7 V or transitions through the indeterminate zone in <30 μs - providing real-time RS-232 link activity monitoring without host software polling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-20 (PW) package: 6.5 mm × 6.4 mm body, 0.65-mm lead pitch, exposed pad optional, RoHS-compliant NIPDAU finish, MSL Level-1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX3232EIPWR and SP3223ET-L, the MAX3223EIPWR uniquely combines 500-kbit/s operation, 1-μA auto-powerdown, and the INVALID status output - making it optimal for battery-powered or event-driven serial systems needing both performance and intelligent power awareness.

Availability

MAX3223EIPWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial handheld terminals, medical point-of-care devices, and embedded gateways requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges (–40°C to +85°C) and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX3223EIPWR 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 company delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.

The MAX3223EIPWR belongs to TI's RS-232 interface product line, engineered specifically for low-power, ESD-hardened serial communication in portable and harsh-environment applications where reliability and small footprint are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum data rate supported by the MAX3223EIPWR?

The MAX3223EIPWR supports a maximum data signaling rate of 500 kbit/s under standard load conditions (CL = 1000 pF, RL = 3 kΩ). This is verified per Figure 5-1 in the datasheet and accommodates common UART baud rates including 115.2 kbit/s, 230.4 kbit/s, and 460.8 kbit/s with sufficient timing margin. Operation above 500 kbit/s is not guaranteed and may result in increased bit error rate due to slew-rate limiting and inter-symbol interference.

Does the MAX3223EIPWR require external charge-pump capacitors?

Yes, the MAX3223EIPWR requires four external 0.1-μF ceramic capacitors (C1+, C1−, C2+, C2−) to operate its integrated dual charge-pump circuit. These capacitors generate the ±V_CC-derived V+ and V− rails needed for true RS-232 voltage levels. The datasheet specifies 0.1 μF for 3.3-V operation and allows 0.047 μF / 0.33 μF combinations for 5-V operation - deviation from these values risks insufficient rail voltage or instability.

How does the INVALID output function on the MAX3223EIPWR?

The INVALID output on the MAX3223EIPWR is an open-drain indicator that goes high when any receiver input (RIN1 or RIN2) detects a valid RS-232 signal - defined as voltage >+2.7 V or <–2.7 V, or a transition through the ±0.3 V indeterminate band in less than 30 μs. It remains low only when both inputs stay within ±0.3 V for >30 μs. This provides deterministic hardware-level link status without UART frame parsing.

Can the MAX3223EIPWR operate from a 3.3-V supply while interfacing with 5-V logic inputs?

No - the MAX3223EIPWR accepts 5-V-tolerant logic inputs (DIN1, DIN2, EN, FORCEON, FORCEOFF) only when VCC = 5 V. When powered from 3.3 V, its logic inputs are specified for 0–3.3 V levels. However, the device *does* accept 3.3-V logic inputs even when VCC = 5 V, as stated in the "Accepts 5-V logic input With 3.3-V supply" feature - meaning it supports mixed-voltage operation where controller runs at 3.3 V but transceiver uses 5 V for higher noise margin on RS-232 lines.

What is the purpose of the FORCEON and FORCEOFF pins on the MAX3223EIPWR?

The FORCEON and FORCEOFF pins provide hierarchical power control for the MAX3223EIPWR. FORCEOFF (active-low) forces full shutdown (<1 μA ICC) when driven low. FORCEON (active-high) disables auto-powerdown when high. Together, they enable three distinct modes: normal operation (both high), auto-powerdown (FORCEON low, FORCEOFF high), and forced-off (FORCEOFF low). This allows precise sequencing with host processors during sleep/wake cycles.