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Texas Instruments MAX3243CPWR
- Part No.:
- MAX3243CPWR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers
- Package:
- 28-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX3243CPWR.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRANSCEIVER FULL 3/5 28TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:11,721
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Product details
Overview
MAX3243CPWR from Texas Instruments is a 3V–5.5V single-supply RS-232 transceiver IC with three drivers and five receivers, ±15kV HBM ESD protection on bus pins, auto-powerdown capability, and an always-active noninverting ROUT2B output for ring indicator support. It operates up to 250 kbit/s and targets IBM PC/AT-compatible serial ports in portable computing systems.
For engineers reviewing the MAX3243CPWR datasheet, MAX3243CPWR pinout, MAX3243CPWR application, or MAX3243CPWR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 28-pin TSSOP package, 300 µA typical active supply current, 1 µA standby current, 0.1 µF external capacitor requirement, and compatibility with 3.3 V logic inputs under 3.3 V supply.
Technical Context
The MAX3243CPWR integrates a dual charge-pump circuit generating ±VCC-derived rail voltages (V+ and V−) to drive RS-232 outputs from a single 3V–5.5V supply. Its receiver input threshold hysteresis is 0.5 V, and INVALID output asserts low when all five RIN inputs remain within –0.3 V to +0.3 V for >30 µs.
Driver outputs deliver ±5.4 V into 3 kΩ loads at 5 V supply, while receiver outputs provide VOH = VCC – 0.6 V and VOL = 0.4 V under specified load conditions. Propagation delays are 150 ns (receiver tPLH/tPHL) and 1–30 µs (INVALID assertion/deassertion), supporting reliable detection of valid RS-232 signal presence.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCC Supply Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V - Enables direct interface with 3.3 V or 5 V system rails without level-shifting. |
| Drivers / Receivers | 3 drivers, 5 receivers - Matches full DE-9 DTE pinout (TX, RX, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, RI, GND). |
| ESD Protection | ±15 kV HBM on RIN/DOUT/GND pins - Eliminates need for external TVS diodes in handheld and tablet designs. |
| Max Data Rate | 250 kbit/s - Supports standard UART baud rates including 115.2 kbit/s with margin for cable loss and noise. |
| Active Supply Current | 300 µA typical - Enables battery operation in laptops and tablets with minimal impact on runtime. |
| Standby Current | 1 µA typical - Achieved via auto-powerdown when no valid RS-232 signal is detected on any RIN pin. |
| External Capacitors | 4 × 0.1 µF ceramic - Simplifies BOM and layout vs. legacy RS-232 ICs requiring larger or polarized caps. |
Pinout & Package
TSSOP-28 package (9.7 mm × 6.4 mm), lead pitch 0.65 mm, RoHS-compliant, surface-mount.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| C2+, C2− | Charge pump capacitor connection | Interface to external 0.1 µF capacitor forming negative voltage generator (V−). |
| V+, V− | Charge pump output rails | Internally generated ±VCC-scaled rails powering RS-232 driver outputs; require local 0.1 µF bypassing. |
| RIN1–RIN5 | RS-232 receiver inputs | Accept ±25 V RS-232 signals; each includes 5 kΩ internal termination and hysteresis for noise immunity. |
| DOUT1–DOUT3 | RS-232 driver outputs | Drive ±5.4 V RS-232 levels into 3 kΩ loads; support mouse driveability per TI spec. |
| DIN1–DIN3 | Logic-level driver inputs | Accept 3.3 V or 5 V CMOS/TTL logic; tolerate 5 V inputs even at 3.3 V VCC. |
| ROUT1–ROUT5 | Logic-level receiver outputs | Deliver 0.4 V / VCC–0.6 V logic outputs compatible with 3.3 V or 5 V UARTs. |
| ROUT2B | Always-active noninverting output | Direct buffered copy of RIN2; remains functional during auto-powerdown for ring indicator monitoring. |
| INVALID | Valid RS-232 presence flag | Active-low open-drain output indicating whether any RIN pin detects valid RS-232 voltage (>±2.7 V). |
| FORCEON / FORCEOFF | Power mode control inputs | Override auto-powerdown: FORCEOFF = low disables all outputs except ROUT2B/INVALID; FORCEON = high forces drivers active. |
| VCC, GND | Supply and reference | Single 3V–5.5V supply input; GND serves as common reference for all analog and digital sections. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Single-supply RS-232 interface | Eliminates need for dual ±12 V supplies - reduces system cost, board space, and power conversion complexity. |
| Auto-powerdown with <1 µA standby | Reduces power consumption automatically when RS-232 port is disconnected or remote device is powered off. |
| Always-active ROUT2B output | Enables ring indicator (RI) detection and data transmission during low-power states - critical for modem wake-up functionality. |
| Integrated ±15 kV HBM ESD protection | Protects all RS-232 I/O pins (RIN/DOUT/GND) without external components - improves field reliability in portable devices. |
| 5 V-tolerant logic inputs at 3.3 V supply | Allows direct connection to legacy 5 V UARTs or microcontrollers without level shifters - simplifies mixed-voltage designs. |
Applications
| Laptop Serial Port Interface | Tablet Peripheral Docking |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Connecting legacy RS-232 peripherals (barcode scanners, GPS modules) to modern 3.3 V-based laptop platforms via mini-DE-9 or USB-to-RS-232 adapters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Translates between 3.3 V UART logic and ±12 V RS-232 signaling while providing ESD robustness on exposed connector pins. Use Value: Enables drop-in replacement of older RS-232 transceivers with lower supply current (300 µA vs. >1 mA), extending battery life by >15% in active serial communication. |
Use Scenario: Integrating RS-232 connectivity into detachable tablet docks that must support hot-plug detection and low-power suspend/resume cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides always-active ROUT2B output to monitor ring indicator during dock sleep mode, enabling wake-on-RI functionality. Use Value: Reduces dock standby power by 99% vs. always-on transceivers, achieving sub-10 µA system sleep current with VALID RS-232 detection retained. |
| Industrial Handheld Terminal | Medical Point-of-Care Device |
Use Scenario: Enabling RS-232 communication in ruggedized handheld terminals used in warehouse logistics, where ESD events exceed 8 kV in dry environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serves as the primary physical layer interface between ARM Cortex-M MCU UART and DB9 connector, with integrated ±15 kV HBM protection. Use Value: Removes need for discrete TVS arrays, cutting BOM cost by $0.18/unit and PCB area by 12 mm² while meeting IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 compliance. |
Use Scenario: Supporting diagnostic port connectivity in battery-powered medical devices (e.g., portable ECG monitors) requiring FDA-grade reliability and low leakage. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Interfaces microcontroller UART to clinician-facing RS-232 service port, with INVALID output used to confirm cable attachment before firmware upload. Use Value: Guarantees <1 µA leakage during 72-hour clinical battery test cycles, preventing false discharge alarms and ensuring >99.9% uptime compliance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RS-232 transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX3232CPWR | 2 drivers / 2 receivers; no ROUT2B; same 3V–5.5V supply and ±15 kV ESD rating. | Suitable only for basic UART links without ring indicator or multi-signal handshaking (RTS/CTS/DSR). | Select when pin count, cost, or channel count must be minimized and full DTE interface is unnecessary. |
| SP3243CA-L | Same 3 drivers / 5 receivers; ±15 kV ESD; but requires 5 × 0.1 µF caps and lacks auto-powerdown (ICC = 1 mA min). | Higher static current makes it unsuitable for battery-critical applications like tablets or handhelds. | Choose only if legacy design reuse mandates Exar footprint compatibility and power budget allows ≥1 mA quiescent draw. |
Compared with MAX3232CPWR and SP3243CA-L, the MAX3243CPWR uniquely delivers full DTE functionality (3× drivers + 5× receivers), always-active ROUT2B for RI monitoring, and sub-1 µA auto-powerdown - making it the only option for space-constrained, battery-sensitive, full-serial-port implementations.
Availability
MAX3243CPWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for laptop serial interfaces, tablet docking stations, industrial handheld terminals, and medical point-of-care devices requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX3243CPWR 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 interface ICs and power management solutions.
The MAX3243CPWR belongs to TI's RS-232 transceiver product line, engineered specifically for portable and battery-powered computing systems requiring high ESD robustness, ultra-low quiescent current, and full DTE signal support in compact packages.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for the MAX3243CPWR?
The MAX3243CPWR is rated for commercial temperature operation from 0°C to +70°C. This range aligns with the 'C' grade suffix in the part number and is validated per TI's SLLS350Q datasheet Section 5.3. The MAX3243CPWR does not support industrial or extended temperature ranges; for –40°C to +85°C operation, the MAX3243IPWR variant must be selected instead.
Does the MAX3243CPWR require external charge-pump capacitors?
Yes, the MAX3243CPWR requires four external 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors (C1+, C1−, C2+, C2−) to enable its internal charge pump, which generates the ±VCC-derived V+ and V− rails needed for RS-232 output voltage compliance. These capacitors are mandatory for operation and must be placed close to the respective pins per Figure 8-1 in the TI datasheet.
How does the INVALID output function on the MAX3243CPWR?
The INVALID output on the MAX3243CPWR is an active-low, open-drain signal that goes low when all five RIN inputs remain within –0.3 V to +0.3 V for more than 30 µs - indicating absence of valid RS-232 voltage. It goes high when any RIN detects >+2.7 V or <–2.7 V, confirming active cable connection or remote driver presence. This enables host firmware to detect plug/unplug events without polling.
Can the MAX3243CPWR interface directly with a 3.3 V UART while powered from 5 V?
Yes, the MAX3243CPWR supports mixed-voltage operation: it can be powered from 5 V (VCC = 5 V) while accepting 3.3 V logic-level inputs on DIN1–DIN3, and delivering 3.3 V–compatible logic outputs on ROUT1–ROUT5 (VOH = VCC – 0.6 V = 4.4 V, VOL = 0.4 V). This eliminates level shifters in hybrid 3.3 V/5 V systems.
What is the purpose of the ROUT2B pin on the MAX3243CPWR?
The ROUT2B pin on the MAX3243CPWR provides a noninverting, always-active buffered copy of the RIN2 input signal - independent of auto-powerdown state. This allows ring indicator (RI) monitoring and data transmission even when drivers are disabled, enabling wake-on-ring functionality in laptops, tablets, and docking stations without additional circuitry.
MAX3243CPWR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 28-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Transceiver
- Protocol:
- RS232
- Number of Drivers/Receivers:
- 3/5
- 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:
- 28-TSSOP
MAX3243CPWR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX3243CPWR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX3243CPWR 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 MAX3243CPWR reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX3243CPWR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX3243CPWR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX3243CPWR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX3243CPWR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX3243CPWR?
MAX3243CPWR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX3243CPWR 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 MAX3243CPWR?
For technical support, including MAX3243CPWR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX3243CPWR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX3243CPWR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX3243CPWR 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 MAX3243CPWR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX3243CPWR?
All MAX3243CPWR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX3243CPWR, 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 MAX3243CPWR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX3243CPWR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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