Texas Instruments MAX3243EIPWR
- Part No.:
- MAX3243EIPWR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers
- Package:
- 28-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX3243EIPWR.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRANSCEIVER FULL 3/5 28TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,060
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Product details
Overview
MAX3243EIPWR from Texas Instruments is a 3-V to 5.5-V multichannel RS-232 line driver/receiver IC with ±15-kV IEC 61000-4-2 air-gap ESD protection, three drivers and five receivers, and auto-powerdown functionality. It operates up to 500 kbit/s, supports single-supply operation, and delivers always-active ROUT2B for ring-indicator signaling during power-down - ideal for notebook serial ports and battery-powered industrial diagnostics interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the MAX3243EIPWR datasheet, MAX3243EIPWR pinout, MAX3243EIPWR application, or MAX3243EIPWR equivalent, this device is selected for low-quiescent-current RS-232 interface design in space-constrained portable systems requiring robust ESD immunity, hardware flow control support, and seamless integration with 3.3-V/5-V UARTs without level-shifting.
Technical Context
The MAX3243EIPWR integrates a dual charge-pump circuit generating ±VCC-derived rails (V+, V−) using four 0.1-μF external capacitors, enabling full RS-232 voltage levels (±5.4 V) from a single 3-V to 5.5-V supply. Its receiver input hysteresis (0.5 V) and threshold symmetry (VIT+ = 2.4 V / VIT− = −2.7 V at 5 V) ensure noise-immune detection of valid RS-232 signals.
Auto-powerdown logic monitors all five RIN inputs: when FORCEON = GND and FORCEOFF = VCC, driver outputs disable if no RIN exceeds ±2.7 V for >30 μs, reducing ICC to 1 μA; INVALID output asserts high to signal valid bus activity. ROUT2B remains functional regardless of power state, supporting ring-indicator handshaking in powered-down host systems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V - enables direct interface with 3.3-V and 5-V logic domains without external regulators |
| ESD Protection (IEC 61000-4-2) | ±8-kV contact / ±15-kV air-gap on RIN/DOUT pins - meets industrial EMC requirements without external TVS diodes |
| Max Data Rate | 500 kbit/s - supports high-speed modem and diagnostic tool communication over legacy RS-232 links |
| Driver Output Voltage | ±5.4 V (min ±5 V) into 3-kΩ load - satisfies TIA/EIA-232-F output swing requirement for reliable long-cable transmission |
| Receiver Input Threshold | VIT+ = 2.4 V, VIT− = −2.7 V at VCC = 5 V - ensures compatibility with standard RS-232 transmitters across temperature |
| Auto-Powerdown Current | 1 μA typical - extends battery life in handheld test equipment and portable data loggers during idle periods |
| Always-Active Output | ROUT2B remains functional with VCC = 0 V - enables ring-indicator wake-up signaling in suspended systems |
Pinout & Package
MAX3243EIPWR is supplied in a 28-pin TSSOP (PW) package measuring 9.7 mm × 4.4 mm, optimized for compact PCB layouts in portable electronics. Pin functions are validated per TI SLLS657E Rev E (October 2022).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1–8 (RIN1–RIN5) | RS-232 receiver inputs | Accept ±25-V RS-232 signals; internally biased with 5-kΩ pull-ups for open-wire fault tolerance |
| 9–11 (DOUT1–DOUT3) | RS-232 driver outputs | Generate ±5.4-V compliant RS-232 levels; short-circuit protected to ±60 mA |
| 12–14 (DIN1–DIN3) | TTL/CMOS driver inputs | Accept 3.3-V or 5-V logic; tolerate 5-V inputs even when VCC = 3.3 V |
| 15–19 (ROUT1–ROUT5) | Receiver logic outputs | Provide CMOS-compatible outputs; ROUT2B remains active during VCC loss |
| 20 (ROUT2B) | Always-active noninverting output | Drives ring-indicator line independent of VCC; critical for wake-on-ring in low-power modes |
| 21 (INVALID) | Bus activity status indicator | Asserts high when any RIN exceeds ±2.7 V - used for automatic power-state management |
| 22 (FORCEOFF), 23 (FORCEON) | Auto-powerdown control inputs | Enable/disable driver shutdown logic; FORCEOFF = GND forces full power-down to 1 μA |
| 24–25 (GND), 26 (VCC) | Power terminals | VCC supplies internal logic and charge pump; 0.1-μF bypass capacitor required between VCC and GND |
| 27–32 (V+, C1+, C1−, C2+, C2−, V−) | Charge-pump interface | Support dual-capacitor voltage-doubling and inverting; require 0.1-μF ceramic capacitors per TI layout guidelines |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Single-supply RS-232 interface | Eliminates need for ±12-V supplies - reduces BOM count and board area in embedded serial adapters |
| ±15-kV IEC 61000-4-2 air-gap ESD protection | Prevents field failures in unshielded industrial environments without adding external protection components |
| Auto-powerdown with INVALID output | Reduces system standby current by >99% versus always-on RS-232 transceivers; INVALID enables firmware-triggered wake-up |
| Always-active ROUT2B output | Enables ring-indicator signaling during host sleep - essential for remote wake-up in laptop docking stations |
| 500 kbit/s data rate capability | Supports high-throughput diagnostic protocols (e.g., JTAG-over-RS232, firmware updates) without timing bottlenecks |
| 3.3-V/5-V logic compatibility | Accepts 5-V TTL inputs with 3.3-V VCC - simplifies migration from legacy 5-V designs to modern low-voltage MCUs |
Applications
| Industrial Handheld Testers | Medical Diagnostic Equipment |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Portable oscilloscope or multimeter communicating with PC via RS-232 cable for waveform export and calibration data transfer. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Interface bridge converting MCU UART signals to full RS-232 voltage levels while surviving electrostatic discharge in clinical environments. Use Value: ±15-kV air-gap ESD rating prevents latch-up during repeated cable plugging; 1-μA auto-powerdown extends 4xAA battery life to >12 months in storage mode. |
Use Scenario: Patient monitor transmitting vital signs to nursing station via legacy RS-232 infrastructure in hospitals with strict EMC compliance requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust physical-layer transceiver ensuring bit-error-free transmission over 15-m cables under 50-Hz mains interference. Use Value: Receiver input hysteresis (0.5 V) rejects common-mode noise from adjacent medical devices; ROUT2B enables nurse-call ring-indicator signaling during power-save cycles. |
| Notebook Serial Port Expansion | Industrial PLC Programming Interface |
Use Scenario: USB-to-RS-232 adapter dongle for laptops lacking native COM ports, used for configuring embedded controllers and firmware updates. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed RS-232 transceiver supporting 500 kbit/s firmware uploads while maintaining USB host power budget constraints. Use Value: Single 3.3-V supply operation eliminates LDO overhead; 0.1-μF capacitor footprint minimizes PCB real estate in ultra-thin dongles. |
Use Scenario: Field-programmable logic controller with built-in RS-232 port for technician programming via handheld terminal in factory automation settings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ESD-hardened interface protecting against operator-induced discharges during maintenance in dusty, high-static environments. Use Value: ±8-kV IEC contact discharge rating withstands repeated connector mating cycles; INVALID output triggers PLC watchdog reset on bus fault detection. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RS-232 transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX3232EIPWR | 2 drivers / 2 receivers; no ROUT2B; same ESD rating and supply range | Suitable only for basic UART bridging without ring-indicator or hardware flow control | Select when pin count and channel count are constrained, and always-active ROUT2B is unnecessary |
| SP3243ECA-L | Same 3-driver/5-receiver architecture; ±15-kV HBM only (no IEC 61000-4-2 certification) | Lacks IEC-level ESD validation - requires external protection in harsh industrial deployments | Choose for cost-sensitive consumer applications where IEC testing is not mandated |
Compared with MAX3243EIPWR, MAX3232EIPWR reduces channel count and removes ROUT2B but lowers cost and package size; SP3243ECA-L matches channel count but lacks IEC 61000-4-2 compliance, limiting use in certified industrial systems where air-gap ESD immunity is mandatory.
Availability
MAX3243EIPWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial handheld testers, medical diagnostic equipment, notebook serial expansion, and PLC programming interfaces requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for MAX3243EIPWR 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 MAX3243E product line delivers robust, single-supply RS-232 transceivers designed specifically for portable, battery-powered, and ESD-prone industrial communication systems - emphasizing low power, high reliability, and drop-in compatibility with legacy PC/AT serial architectures.
FAQ
What is the maximum data rate supported by the MAX3243EIPWR?
The MAX3243EIPWR supports a maximum data rate of 500 kbit/s under specified conditions (CL = 1000 pF, one DOUT switching, RL = 3 kΩ). This exceeds the 250 kbit/s minimum required for TIA/EIA-232-F compliance and enables high-throughput firmware updates and diagnostic logging in portable equipment using the MAX3243EIPWR.
Does the MAX3243EIPWR require external charge-pump capacitors?
Yes, the MAX3243EIPWR requires four external 0.1-μF ceramic capacitors (C1+, C1−, C2+, C2−) to enable its internal dual charge-pump circuit. These capacitors generate the ±VCC-derived V+ and V− rails needed for RS-232 voltage levels. The MAX3243EIPWR will not produce compliant RS-232 outputs without them.
How does the auto-powerdown feature work in the MAX3243EIPWR?
The MAX3243EIPWR enters auto-powerdown when FORCEON = GND and FORCEOFF = VCC. If no RIN input exceeds ±2.7 V for more than 30 μs, driver outputs disable and ICC drops to 1 μA. The INVALID pin goes low to indicate bus inactivity. This behavior is fully implemented in the MAX3243EIPWR and requires no external control logic.
What is the function of the ROUT2B pin on the MAX3243EIPWR?
ROUT2B is an always-active noninverting receiver output on the MAX3243EIPWR that remains functional even when VCC is removed or at 0 V. It is dedicated to ring-indicator (RI) signaling, allowing host systems to detect incoming calls or wake events during deep-sleep states - a unique capability confirmed in the MAX3243EIPWR datasheet.
Is the MAX3243EIPWR compatible with both 3.3-V and 5-V logic systems?
Yes, the MAX3243EIPWR accepts 5-V logic inputs (DIN, FORCEON, FORCEOFF) even when operating from a 3.3-V VCC supply, and its receiver outputs (ROUT1–ROUT5) are CMOS-compatible with both 3.3-V and 5-V logic families. This dual-voltage interoperability is a defined specification of the MAX3243EIPWR and simplifies mixed-supply system integration.
MAX3243EIPWR 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:
- 500kbps
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 28-TSSOP
MAX3243EIPWR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX3243EIPWR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX3243EIPWR 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 MAX3243EIPWR reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX3243EIPWR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX3243EIPWR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX3243EIPWR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX3243EIPWR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX3243EIPWR?
MAX3243EIPWR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX3243EIPWR 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 MAX3243EIPWR?
For technical support, including MAX3243EIPWR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX3243EIPWR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX3243EIPWR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX3243EIPWR 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 MAX3243EIPWR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX3243EIPWR?
All MAX3243EIPWR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX3243EIPWR, 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 MAX3243EIPWR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX3243EIPWR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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