Texas Instruments MAX3232ECDR
- Part No.:
- MAX3232ECDR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers
- Package:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX3232ECDR.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRANSCEIVER FULL 2/2 16SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:10,699
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Product details
Overview
MAX3232ECDR from Texas Instruments is a dual-channel RS-232 line driver and receiver IC with ±15-kV IEC 61000-4-2 ESD protection, operating from a single 3-V to 5.5-V supply, supporting up to 250 kbit/s data rates, and integrating a dual charge-pump circuit requiring only four 0.1-μF external capacitors. It serves as the physical-layer interface between UART logic and RS-232 connectors in industrial PCs and battery-powered portable systems.
For engineers reviewing the MAX3232ECDR datasheet, MAX3232ECDR pinout, MAX3232ECDR application, or MAX3232ECDR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 16-pin SOIC (D) package, dual-driver/dual-receiver architecture, 300 μA typical supply current, ±15-kV ESD robustness on RIN/DOUT pins, and compatibility with both 3.3-V and 5-V logic domains.
Technical Context
The MAX3232ECDR implements a dual charge-pump voltage converter generating ±VCC-derived rails (V+ and V−) to enable true RS-232 voltage levels (±5.4 V) from a single low-voltage supply. Its drivers deliver ±5.4 V output swing into 3-kΩ loads with ≤30 V/μs slew rate, while receivers accept ±25 V input ranges and provide TTL/CMOS-compatible outputs with 0.3–0.6 V hysteresis.
It operates in two functional states: normal mode when VCC = 3–5.5 V (enabling full RS-232 signaling), and safe high-impedance mode when VCC = 0 V (allowing hot-plug connection to live RS-232 ports without damage). All DIN inputs require defined logic levels; open RIN inputs default ROUT to high.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCC Supply Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V - Enables direct integration with 3.3-V or 5-V system rails without auxiliary supplies. |
| Data Rate | Up to 250 kbit/s - Supports standard serial communication in industrial PCs and wired networking equipment. |
| ESD Protection | ±15 kV IEC 61000-4-2 (air-gap) on RIN/DOUT - Eliminates need for external TVS diodes in harsh ESD environments. |
| Supply Current | 300 μA typical - Enables long battery life in palmtop PCs and handheld equipment. |
| Driver Output Swing | ±5.4 V into 3-kΩ load - Meets TIA/EIA-232-F voltage compliance for reliable inter-system interoperability. |
| Receiver Input Range | ±25 V - Tolerates large ground potential differences and noise transients on RS-232 cables. |
| Capacitor Requirement | Four 0.1-μF ceramic capacitors - Minimizes board space and BOM cost versus legacy RS-232 transceivers. |
Pinout & Package
MAX3232ECDR is housed in a 16-pin SOIC (D) package measuring 9.90 mm × 3.91 mm, RoHS-compliant with NIPDAU lead finish and MSL Level-1 rating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| C1+, C1−, C2+, C2− | Charge-pump capacitor terminals | Interface to external 0.1-μF capacitors that generate ±VCC-derived rails for RS-232 level shifting. |
| V+, V− | Charge-pump output nodes | Provide internal ±5.4 V rails; not user-accessible-must be decoupled only via external capacitors. |
| DIN1, DIN2 | Logic-level inputs | Accept 3.3-V or 5-V CMOS/TTL signals from UART TX lines; tolerate 5-V inputs even at 3.3-V VCC. |
| ROUT1, ROUT2 | Logic-level outputs | Drive UART RX inputs with CMOS-compatible VOH ≥ VCC − 0.6 V and VOL ≤ 0.4 V. |
| RIN1, RIN2 | RS-232 line inputs | Accept ±25 V RS-232 signals; include internal 5-kΩ termination and hysteresis for noise immunity. |
| DOUT1, DOUT2 | RS-232 line outputs | Deliver ±5.4 V RS-232 outputs with short-circuit protection and ±15-kV IEC ESD robustness. |
| VCC, GND | Power supply terminals | Single-supply operation; requires 0.1-μF bypass capacitor between VCC and GND for IEC ESD compliance. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual RS-232 channel integration | Reduces PCB area and component count versus discrete driver/receiver solutions in space-constrained notebooks. |
| IEC 61000-4-2 ±15-kV air-gap ESD protection | Enables drop-in deployment in industrial PCs without redesigning front-panel ESD mitigation strategies. |
| 3-V to 5.5-V single-supply operation | Eliminates need for dual ±12-V supplies, simplifying power architecture in battery-powered handheld equipment. |
| 250 kbit/s maximum data rate | Satisfies timing requirements of legacy serial peripherals including modems, barcode scanners, and POS terminals. |
| 300 μA typical quiescent current | Extends runtime in always-on serial monitoring applications such as remote sensor gateways. |
Applications
| Industrial PCs | Wired Networking |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Serial debug port and legacy peripheral interface on DIN-rail mounted controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Physical-layer RS-232 transceiver bridging UART to DB9 connector. Use Value: ±15-kV ESD protection ensures reliability in factory-floor ESD-prone environments without external clamping. |
Use Scenario: Console port on managed Ethernet switches and industrial routers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional level-shifting interface between microcontroller UART and RS-232 management port. Use Value: 250 kbit/s capability supports fast firmware upload and configuration over serial CLI sessions. |
| Battery-Powered Systems | Notebooks |
Use Scenario: Low-power serial telemetry link in portable test equipment and field diagnostic tools. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Energy-efficient RS-232 interface enabling multi-day operation on coin-cell or Li-ion batteries. Use Value: 300 μA supply current minimizes standby drain, extending operational time between charges. |
Use Scenario: Legacy COM port implementation in business-class laptops for docking station compatibility. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compact SOIC-based RS-232 PHY integrated into motherboard I/O controller hub routing. Use Value: 16-pin SOIC footprint allows direct placement near edge connectors without layer stacking penalties. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RS-232 transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| SN65C3232E | Same pinout, identical electrical specs, but rated for –40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range. | Required for extended-temperature deployments in outdoor networking gear or automotive diagnostics. | Select SN65C3232E when ambient operating temperature exceeds 70°C. |
| MAX3232CDR | Lacks IEC 61000-4-2 ESD certification; only meets ±15-kV HBM (not contact/air-gap). | Acceptable in controlled lab environments but unsuitable for field-deployed industrial PCs. | Choose MAX3232CDR only if ESD stress is mitigated externally and cost is primary constraint. |
Compared with SN65C3232E, MAX3232ECDR offers lower temperature grade (0°C to 70°C) but identical performance and layout compatibility; versus MAX3232CDR, it adds certified IEC-level ESD robustness critical for end-product compliance testing.
Availability
MAX3232ECDR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PCs, wired networking infrastructure, and battery-powered handheld equipment requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX3232ECDR 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 delivering analog and embedded processing solutions with emphasis on reliability, precision, and energy efficiency.
The MAX3232E series belongs to TI's RS-232 interface product line, engineered specifically for robust, low-power serial communication in industrial, computing, and portable electronics where ESD resilience and single-supply operation are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for MAX3232ECDR?
The MAX3232ECDR is specified for operation from 0°C to +70°C ambient temperature. This commercial-grade rating aligns with applications such as desktop industrial PCs and office-networking equipment. For extended-temperature use (–40°C to +85°C), TI recommends the SN65C3232E or MAX3232EIDR variants, which share identical pinout and functionality but differ in thermal qualification.
Does MAX3232ECDR require external voltage supplies beyond VCC?
No, MAX3232ECDR operates from a single 3-V to 5.5-V VCC supply. Its integrated dual charge-pump circuit generates the ±VCC-derived rails needed for RS-232 signaling using only four external 0.1-μF capacitors. No ±12-V or auxiliary supplies are required, simplifying power design in space- and cost-sensitive applications like notebooks and handheld devices.
Can MAX3232ECDR interface 3.3-V logic with 5-V RS-232 lines?
Yes, MAX3232ECDR fully supports mixed-voltage operation: its DIN inputs accept 5-V logic signals even when powered by a 3.3-V VCC supply, and its drivers produce ±5.4-V RS-232 outputs compliant with TIA/EIA-232-F. This eliminates level-shifters in hybrid systems, such as 3.3-V microcontrollers connecting to legacy 5-V RS-232 peripherals.
What capacitor values are required for MAX3232ECDR at 3.3-V operation?
At 3.3-V VCC, MAX3232ECDR requires four 0.1-μF ceramic capacitors (C1+, C1−, C2+, C2−) placed close to the device. A 0.1-μF bypass capacitor between VCC and GND is also mandatory to meet IEC 61000-4-2 ±8-kV contact discharge requirements. These values are validated per TI's SLLS664E datasheet Section 9.1 and Table 9-1.
Is MAX3232ECDR pin-compatible with older MAX3232 variants?
Yes, MAX3232ECDR maintains full pin-to-pin compatibility with legacy MAX3232C and MAX3232CDR devices in the same SOIC (D) package. However, it adds certified IEC 61000-4-2 ESD protection (±8-kV contact, ±15-kV air-gap) not present in non-"E" variants-making it a direct drop-in upgrade for enhanced system-level ESD robustness without layout changes.
MAX3232ECDR 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
MAX3232ECDR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX3232ECDR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX3232ECDR 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 MAX3232ECDR reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX3232ECDR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX3232ECDR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX3232ECDR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX3232ECDR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX3232ECDR?
MAX3232ECDR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX3232ECDR 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 MAX3232ECDR?
For technical support, including MAX3232ECDR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX3232ECDR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX3232ECDR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX3232ECDR 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 MAX3232ECDR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX3232ECDR?
All MAX3232ECDR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX3232ECDR, 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 MAX3232ECDR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX3232ECDR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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