Overview
The MAX232N, produced by Texas Instruments, is a dual driver/receiver integrated circuit designed to meet or exceed the TIA/EIA-232-F and ITU recommendation V.28 standards. This device is crucial for converting TTL/CMOS logic levels to RS-232 voltage levels and vice versa, making it a key component in various communication systems. The MAX232N operates from a single 5V power supply and includes a capacitive voltage generator that uses four external capacitors to generate the necessary RS-232 voltage levels.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Voltage | 5V (4.5V to 5.5V) |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0°C to 70°C |
| Data Rate | Up to 120 kbit/s |
| Number of Drivers/Receivers | Two drivers, two receivers |
| Input Levels | ±30V |
| Supply Current | 8mA typical |
| ESD Protection | Exceeds JESD 22 – 2000V Human-body model (A114-A) |
| Package Types | SOIC (16), PDIP (16), SOP (16) |
Key Features
- Meets or exceeds TIA/EIA-232-F and ITU recommendation V.28 standards.
- Operates from a single 5V power supply with 1µF charge-pump capacitors.
- Supports data rates up to 120 kbit/s.
- Includes two drivers and two receivers.
- Accepts ±30V input levels.
- Low supply current: 8mA typical.
- ESD protection exceeds JESD 22 – 2000V Human-body model (A114-A).
- Each receiver converts TIA/EIA-232-F inputs to 5V TTL/CMOS levels with a typical threshold of 1.3 V and a typical hysteresis of 0.5V.
Applications
- Battery-powered systems.
- Terminals.
- Modems.
- Computers.
- Any system requiring RS-232 communication.
Q & A
- What is the MAX232N used for?
The MAX232N is used to convert TTL/CMOS logic levels to RS-232 voltage levels and vice versa, enabling communication between devices that operate at different voltage levels.
- What is the operating voltage range of the MAX232N?
The MAX232N operates from a single 5V power supply, with a voltage range of 4.5V to 5.5V.
- What is the maximum data rate supported by the MAX232N?
The MAX232N supports data rates up to 120 kbit/s.
- How many drivers and receivers does the MAX232N have?
The MAX232N includes two drivers and two receivers.
- What is the input voltage range for the MAX232N?
The MAX232N can accept input levels of ±30V.
- What kind of ESD protection does the MAX232N offer?
The MAX232N offers ESD protection that exceeds JESD 22 – 2000V Human-body model (A114-A).
- What are the typical supply current and threshold voltage for the MAX232N?
The typical supply current is 8mA, and the typical threshold voltage for the receivers is 1.3 V with a hysteresis of 0.5V.
- What are the common package types for the MAX232N?
The MAX232N is available in SOIC (16), PDIP (16), and SOP (16) packages.
- What are some common applications of the MAX232N?
Common applications include battery-powered systems, terminals, modems, computers, and any system requiring RS-232 communication.
- How does the MAX232N generate the necessary RS-232 voltage levels?
The MAX232N uses a capacitive voltage generator with four external capacitors to generate the necessary RS-232 voltage levels from a single 5V supply.
