Overview
The MAX232NE4 is a dual driver/receiver integrated circuit produced by Texas Instruments. It is designed to meet or exceed the TIA/EIA-232-F and ITU recommendation V.28 standards. This device is particularly useful for converting TTL/CMOS logic levels to RS-232 levels and vice versa, making it a crucial component in various communication systems.
The MAX232NE4 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. This feature makes it highly efficient and suitable for battery-powered systems.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 5V (4.5V to 5.5V) |
| Supply Current | 8mA typical |
| Data Rate | Up to 120kbit/s (MAX232), up to 250kbit/s (MAX232E) |
| ESD Protection | ±15kV Human-body model (HBM), ±8kV IEC61000-4-2 contact discharge, ±15kV IEC61000-4-2 air-gap discharge (MAX232E) |
| Input Levels | ±30V |
| Output Levels | TIA/EIA-232-F compliant |
| Operating Temperature | Up to 70°C |
| 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.
- Includes two drivers and two receivers.
- Low supply current: 8mA typical.
- ESD protection exceeds JESD 22 – 2000V Human-body model (MAX232), and up to ±15kV HBM, ±8kV IEC61000-4-2 contact discharge, and ±15kV IEC61000-4-2 air-gap discharge (MAX232E).
- Receivers convert RS-232 inputs to 5V TTL/CMOS levels with a typical threshold of 1.3V and a typical hysteresis of 0.5V.
- Accepts ±30V inputs and decodes inputs as low as ±3V.
Applications
- TIA/EIA-232-F compliant systems.
- Battery-powered systems.
- Terminals and modems.
- Computers and other communication devices.
Q & A
- What is the primary function of the MAX232NE4?
The MAX232NE4 is a dual driver/receiver that converts TTL/CMOS logic levels to RS-232 levels and vice versa.
- What is the operating voltage range for the MAX232NE4?
The MAX232NE4 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 MAX232NE4?
The MAX232NE4 supports data rates up to 120kbit/s, while the MAX232E version supports up to 250kbit/s.
- What kind of ESD protection does the MAX232NE4 offer?
The MAX232NE4 offers ESD protection exceeding JESD 22 – 2000V Human-body model, while the MAX232E offers up to ±15kV HBM, ±8kV IEC61000-4-2 contact discharge, and ±15kV IEC61000-4-2 air-gap discharge.
- What are the typical input and output levels for the MAX232NE4?
The MAX232NE4 can accept ±30V inputs and outputs TIA/EIA-232-F compliant levels.
- What is the typical supply current of the MAX232NE4?
The typical supply current is 8mA.
- What are the common package types for the MAX232NE4?
The MAX232NE4 is available in SOIC (16), PDIP (16), and SOP (16) packages.
- What is the maximum operating temperature for the MAX232NE4?
The maximum operating temperature is up to 70°C.
- How does the MAX232NE4 generate the necessary RS-232 voltage levels?
The MAX232NE4 uses a capacitive voltage generator with four external 1µF capacitors to generate the necessary RS-232 voltage levels from a single 5V supply.
- What are some common applications for the MAX232NE4?
Common applications include TIA/EIA-232-F compliant systems, battery-powered systems, terminals, modems, and computers.
