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SOP-16 · MAX3232
ActiveRS-232 Transceivers
MAX3232
Analog Devices · SOP-16 · RS-232 Transceivers
Price on Request
Get a competitive quote within 24 hours. Volume discounts available. Shenzhen stock ships in 1-2 business days.
Overview
The MAX3232 is Analog Devices' (originally Maxim Integrated's) dual RS-232 line driver/receiver transceiver, translating between 3.3 V or 5 V logic-level UART signals and the ±5 V to ±15 V voltage levels required by the RS-232 standard. It contains two drivers and two receivers in a 16-pin SOP or TSSOP package, with an internal charge pump that generates the ±5.5 V rails from a single 3.0-5.5 V supply using only four small external capacitors.
This is the key innovation: older RS-232 transceivers like the MAX232 required dual ±12 V supplies or a bulky charge pump with large electrolytic capacitors. The MAX3232's low-voltage charge pump works with 100 nF ceramic capacitors in 0402 packages, making RS-232 interfaces feasible in compact modern designs.
Data rate is up to 250 kbps, adequate for standard RS-232 serial communication (typical applications run 9600 to 115200 bps). ESD protection is ±15 kV on the RS-232 side (HBM), which is critical since RS-232 cables are user-accessible and prone to static discharge.
Common uses: serial ports on industrial controllers, medical devices, POS terminals, GPS receivers, modems, and legacy instrumentation. Also used to bridge MCU UARTs to DB9 connectors for field debugging and firmware flashing.
Related parts: MAX3222 (2 drivers / 2 receivers, low-power shutdown), MAX3232E (enhanced ±15 kV ESD), MAX3243 (3 drivers / 5 receivers for full PC serial port), SP3232 (Sipex/Exar alternative), TLV3232 (TI low-voltage version).
Our Shenzhen stock: ADI MAX3232CSE+ (SOP-16, commercial) MOQ 500 pcs on tube or 100 pcs loose. Industrial grade MAX3232ESE+ available on request.
Key Features
- Dual RS-232 transceiver in 16-pin SOP
- Charge-pump needs only 4× 100 nF ceramics
- 3.0-5.5 V supply — works with 3.3 V and 5 V MCUs
- ±15 kV ESD protection on RS-232 pins
Typical Applications
- Serial ports on industrial controllers and PLCs
- Medical device RS-232 interfaces
- POS terminals and barcode scanners
- GPS receiver serial output buffering
- Firmware flash ports on embedded boards
Specifications
- Drivers / Receivers
- 2 / 2
- Supply Voltage
- 3.0 to 5.5 V
- Data Rate
- 250 kbps
- ESD Protection
- ±15 kV
- Charge Pump
- Integrated
- Operating Temperature
- -40 to 85 °C
- Mounting Type
- Surface Mount
- Pins
- 16
- RoHS
- Compliant
Procurement Tips
For new designs where RS-232 legacy compatibility isn't required, skip MAX3232 entirely and use a USB-UART bridge (CP2102N, FT232R) — modern PCs no longer have DB9 ports anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions
MAX3232 vs MAX232 — what's the difference?
MAX232 requires 5 V supply and uses large 1 µF electrolytic capacitors. MAX3232 works from 3.0-5.5 V and uses small 100 nF ceramics. MAX3232 is the modern drop-in replacement — same pinout, same protocol, but smaller BOM and lower voltage operation.
Can MAX3232 drive a full RS-232 port with all handshake signals?
No — it only has 2 drivers and 2 receivers, which is enough for TX/RX plus RTS/CTS hardware flow control. For full RS-232 (TX, RX, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, RI), use MAX3243 (3 drivers / 5 receivers) or two MAX3232 chips.
What capacitors do I need?
Four 100 nF X7R ceramics in 0402 or 0603 package: one between C1+ and C1-, one between C2+ and C2-, one from V+ to GND, one from V- to GND. Plus 100 nF bypass on VCC. Do NOT use electrolytic — the charge pump runs at 300 kHz and needs low-ESR ceramics.
What is the maximum cable length?
RS-232 spec targets 15 m at 20 kbps with 2500 pF load capacitance. At 115200 bps you're limited to about 3-5 m with standard cable. For longer runs, convert to RS-422 or RS-485 instead.
Is MAX3232 counterfeit-prone?
Yes — this is one of the most counterfeited interface ICs. Genuine ADI/Maxim parts have laser-etched logo plus exact part number and lot code, matte tin leads. Fakes often have poor charge-pump performance (only ±3 V output instead of ±5.5 V) and fail at high data rates. Test with an oscilloscope on the driver output.
MOQ and lead time?
MOQ 500 pcs on tube for MAX3232CSE+ (SOP-16), or 100 pcs loose. ADI authorized 12-20 weeks; Shenzhen stock 1-3 days.
Alternatives & Equivalents
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