Texas Instruments MAX3232CDR
- Part No.:
- MAX3232CDR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers
- Package:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX3232CDR.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRANSCEIVER FULL 2/2 16SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:21,216
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Product details
Overview
MAX3232CDR from Texas Instruments is a dual-channel RS-232 line driver and receiver IC with ±15-kV HBM ESD protection, operating from a single 3-V to 5.5-V supply, supporting up to 250 kbit/s data rates, and consuming only 300 μA typical supply current. It interfaces UART logic-level signals to RS-232 physical-layer lines in industrial PCs and battery-powered portable equipment.
For engineers reviewing the MAX3232CDR datasheet, MAX3232CDR pinout, MAX3232CDR application, or MAX3232CDR equivalent, key selection considerations include its SOIC-16 package, dual-driver/dual-receiver architecture, charge-pump voltage generation requiring four 0.1-μF capacitors, and compatibility with both 3.3-V and 5-V logic systems.
Technical Context
The MAX3232CDR integrates a dual charge-pump circuit to generate ±5.5-V RS-232 compliant output voltages from a single low-voltage supply, eliminating need for dual ±12-V rails. Its drivers deliver ±5.4-V outputs into 3-kΩ loads, while receivers accept ±25-V RS-232 inputs and translate them to TTL/CMOS logic levels.
It supports two independent full-duplex RS-232 channels (DOUT1/RIN1 and DOUT2/RIN2), with propagation delays under 300 ns and pulse skew ≤300 ns. The device operates across 0°C to 70°C ambient temperature and features internal input hysteresis (0.3 V) for noise immunity on RIN pins.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCC Supply Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V - Enables direct integration with modern 3.3-V microcontrollers and legacy 5-V systems without level-shifting. |
| Max Data Rate | 250 kbit/s - Supports standard RS-232 communication up to 250 kbps with controlled slew rate (≤30 V/μs) to reduce EMI. |
| ESD Protection | ±15 kV HBM on RIN/DOUT/GND - Provides robust terminal-to-terminal electrostatic discharge immunity per ANSI/ESDA/JEDEC JS-001. |
| Supply Current | 300 μA typical - Enables ultra-low-power operation in battery-powered PDAs, notebooks, and handheld devices. |
| Capacitor Requirement | 4 × 0.1 μF - Uses small, low-cost ceramic capacitors instead of bulky electrolytics, simplifying layout and reducing BOM cost. |
| Logic Compatibility | Accepts 5-V logic inputs at 3.3-V VCC - Allows mixed-voltage system interfacing without external translators. |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 70°C - Qualified for commercial-grade applications including industrial PCs and enterprise networking equipment. |
Pinout & Package
MAX3232CDR is housed in a 16-pin SOIC (D) package measuring 9.90 mm × 3.91 mm, with standard 1.27-mm pitch and gull-wing leads suitable for automated SMT assembly and reflow soldering.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| C1+, C1− | Charge-pump capacitor terminals | Connect external 0.1-μF capacitor to generate V+ rail; polarity-sensitive for proper pump operation. |
| C2+, C2− | Charge-pump capacitor terminals | Connect external 0.1-μF capacitor to generate V− rail; enables bipolar RS-232 voltage generation from single supply. |
| V+, V− | Internal charge-pump outputs | Internally generated ±5.5-V rails powering RS-232 drivers; not user-accessible for external loading. |
| DIN1, DIN2 | Logic-level inputs | Accept TTL/CMOS signals from UART TX lines; compatible with 3.3-V or 5-V logic even when VCC = 3.3 V. |
| DOUT1, DOUT2 | RS-232 driver outputs | Deliver ±5.4-V RS-232 compliant signals to DB9 connectors; short-circuit protected up to ±60 mA. |
| RIN1, RIN2 | RS-232 receiver inputs | Accept ±25-V RS-232 signals; include internal 5-kΩ termination and hysteresis for noise rejection. |
| ROUT1, ROUT2 | Logic-level outputs | Drive UART RX inputs with CMOS-compatible VOH ≥ VCC − 0.1 V and VOL ≤ 0.4 V at 1.6-mA load. |
| GND | Signal reference | Common return for all internal circuits and external capacitors; must be low-impedance for stable charge-pump operation. |
| VCC | Power supply input | Single 3-V to 5.5-V supply powering entire IC; bypassed with 0.1-μF capacitor close to pin for noise suppression. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual RS-232 transceivers | Enables two independent serial ports (e.g., debug + modem) in one SOIC-16 footprint, reducing board space vs discrete solutions. |
| Integrated charge-pump | Eliminates need for external ±12-V supplies; generates required RS-232 voltage levels using only four 0.1-μF capacitors. |
| ±15-kV HBM ESD protection | Protects RIN/DOUT/GND pins against human-body model discharges without external TVS diodes, lowering system BOM count. |
| Low quiescent current | 300 μA typical ICC allows use in always-on serial monitoring nodes and energy-sensitive portable designs. |
| Wide supply range | 3.0–5.5-V operation supports migration from 5-V to 3.3-V systems without redesigning power delivery or logic interface. |
Applications
| Industrial PCs | Wired Networking Equipment |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Serial console port on programmable logic controller (PLC) backplane for firmware update and diagnostics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RS-232 transceiver bridging ARM Cortex-M4 UART to DB9 connector, handling bidirectional 115.2-kbit/s configuration traffic. Use Value: ±15-kV ESD protection prevents field failures during hot-plug cable insertion in factory-floor environments. |
Use Scenario: Management interface on Ethernet switch chassis for out-of-band configuration via terminal server. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel interface enabling simultaneous console access and SNMP trap logging over separate RS-232 links. Use Value: 250-kbit/s capability exceeds standard 115.2-kbit/s console requirements, ensuring timing margin for bursty command sequences. |
| Battery-Powered Handheld Devices | Notebook/Laptop Docking Stations |
Use Scenario: Barcode scanner module communicating with host MCU via UART, powered by single-cell Li-ion (3.0–4.2 V). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Level translator converting 3.3-V UART signals to RS-232 for legacy peripheral compatibility. Use Value: 300-μA supply current extends battery life in always-connected scanning applications without sacrificing interface robustness. |
Use Scenario: Docking station providing RS-232 serial port expansion for business laptops lacking native COM headers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Isolating laptop UART from noisy dock power domain while delivering full RS-232 voltage swing to external modems. Use Value: SOIC-16 package fits compact dock PCB layouts; 0°C to 70°C rating ensures reliability across laptop thermal profiles. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RS-232 transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SN65C3232DBR | Higher max data rate (1 Mbit/s); same SOIC-16 package; identical 3–5.5-V supply and ±15-kV ESD rating. | Targeted for high-speed industrial automation where 250-kbit/s is insufficient; requires faster external capacitors (0.047 μF). | Select SN65C3232DBR when >250-kbit/s throughput is required and timing margins allow tighter capacitor tolerances. |
| MAX3232IDR | Same functional spec but rated for –40°C to 85°C; uses identical SOIC-16 package and pinout. | Suitable for automotive infotainment head units or outdoor networking gear requiring extended temperature operation. | Choose MAX3232IDR for deployments outside commercial temperature range; no design changes needed beyond thermal validation. |
Compared with MAX3232CDR, SN65C3232DBR delivers higher speed at the cost of stricter capacitor selection, while MAX3232IDR provides identical performance with extended temperature qualification-neither is pin-compatible drop-in replacements but share identical footprint and interface behavior.
Availability
MAX3232CDR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PCs, wired networking equipment, and battery-powered handheld devices requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for MAX3232CDR 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 designing analog and embedded processing chips for industrial, automotive, and communications markets, with over 90 years of innovation in precision analog and interface solutions.
The MAX3232 product line delivers robust, low-power RS-232 transceivers optimized for commercial-grade embedded systems where ESD resilience, single-supply operation, and space-constrained layouts are critical design constraints.
FAQ
What is the maximum data rate supported by the MAX3232CDR?
The MAX3232CDR supports a maximum data signaling rate of 250 kbit/s under recommended operating conditions (RL = 3 kΩ, CL = 1000 pF). This is verified in the Switching Characteristics section of the TI datasheet (SLLS410O, Section 6.8), where typical performance reaches 250 kbit/s with guaranteed minimum of 150 kbit/s. Exceeding this rate may cause signal integrity degradation due to slew-rate limiting (max 30 V/μs).
Does the MAX3232CDR require external voltage rails besides VCC?
No, the MAX3232CDR does not require external ±12-V rails. It uses an internal dual charge-pump circuit powered solely by the 3-V to 5.5-V VCC supply to generate the ±5.5-V RS-232 output voltages. Four 0.1-μF external capacitors (C1–C4) are required for charge-pump operation, as specified in the Typical Operating Circuit (Figure 9-1) and Table 9-1 of the MAX3232CDR datasheet.
What is the operating temperature range for the MAX3232CDR?
The MAX3232CDR is rated for commercial-grade operation from 0°C to 70°C ambient temperature, as confirmed in the Recommended Operating Conditions table (Section 6.3) and Packaging Information (Orderable Addendum, MAX3232CDR row). This distinguishes it from the MAX3232IDR variant, which supports –40°C to 85°C for industrial applications.
Can the MAX3232CDR interface 5-V logic inputs while running on a 3.3-V supply?
Yes, the MAX3232CDR accepts 5-V logic-level inputs on DIN pins even when VCC = 3.3 V, as explicitly stated in the Features list and verified in Section 6.3 (Recommended Operating Conditions). This allows seamless integration between 5-V peripherals and 3.3-V microcontrollers without external level shifters, reducing system complexity and component count.
How many RS-232 channels does the MAX3232CDR support?
The MAX3232CDR supports two independent full-duplex RS-232 channels: Channel 1 (DIN1 → DOUT1 and RIN1 → ROUT1) and Channel 2 (DIN2 → DOUT2 and RIN2 → ROUT2). This is confirmed in the Features list ("Two drivers and two receivers"), Functional Block Diagram (Section 8.2), and Pin Functions table (Section 5), making it ideal for dual-port applications like debug + modem interfaces.
MAX3232CDR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Transceiver
- Protocol:
- RS232
- Number of Drivers/Receivers:
- 2/2
- Duplex:
- Full
- Receiver Hysteresis:
- 300 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-SOIC
MAX3232CDR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX3232CDR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX3232CDR 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 MAX3232CDR reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX3232CDR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX3232CDR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX3232CDR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX3232CDR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX3232CDR?
MAX3232CDR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX3232CDR 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 MAX3232CDR?
For technical support, including MAX3232CDR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX3232CDR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX3232CDR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX3232CDR 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 MAX3232CDR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX3232CDR?
All MAX3232CDR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX3232CDR, 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 MAX3232CDR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX3232CDR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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