Build with MAX232 — Datasheet Specs & AI Design Help

00 — Overview

What the MAX232 does

The MAX232ESE is a +5 V-powered, multi-channel RS-232 driver and receiver featuring two drivers and two receivers. It operates from a single +5 V supply, supports data rates up to 120 kbps, and includes ESD protection rated at ±2 kV. The device functions as a latchup-free interface that meets EIA/TIA-232E and CCITT V.28 specifications. Engineers typically use this component to convert TTL/CMOS logic levels to RS-232 voltage levels for serial communication applications.

Next step

Start building with MAX232 → Every number above is cited straight from the datasheet — ask what they mean for your design, and the assistant answers from the same source documents.

01 — Key specifications

Datasheet parameters

Datasheet parameters for MAX232
Parameter	Min	Typ	Max	Conditions	Source
quiescent current	—	—	10 mA	No load, TA = 25°C; vccsupply; DC CHARACTERISTICS	UTD datasheet, p. 4 — 6. Electrical Characteristics
output voltage	5 V	—	—	All driver inputs loadedwith 3kΩ to ground; TRANSMITTER OUTPUTS	UTD datasheet, p. 4 — 6. Electrical Characteristics
supply voltage range	4.5 V	—	5.5 V	VIL = 0V; DC CHARACTERISTICS	UTD datasheet, p. 4 — 6. Electrical Characteristics
propagation delay	—	—	10 µs	CL = 150pFAll parts, normal operation(Fig. 1); receiver; TIMING CHARACTERISTICS	UTD datasheet, p. 5 — 6. Electrical Characteristics
slew rate	3 V/µs	—	30 V/µs	TA = 25°C, VCC = 5VRL = 3kΩ to 7 kΩCL = 50pF to 2500pFmeasured from _3V to +3Vor +3V to -3V(Fig.3); transition; TIMING CHARACTERISTICS	UTD datasheet, p. 5 — 6. Electrical Characteristics
data rate	120 kbps	—	—	RL = 3kΩ to 7 kΩCL = 50pF to 1000pFonetransmitter switcing; TIMING CHARACTERISTICS	UTD datasheet, p. 5 — 6. Electrical Characteristics
channel count	—	2	—		UTD datasheet, p. 1
driver count	—	2	—		UTD datasheet, p. 1
receiver count	—	2	—		UTD datasheet, p. 1

02 — Alternatives

Closest matches to MAX232

SP3222ECA-L 2.0× higher data rate, 1.8× higher slew rate, 1.7× lower output current

GM3232E 4.2× higher data rate, 1.4× lower operating temperature, 1.1× lower slew rate

SN65HVD3082E 14.3× lower propagation delay, 4.1× lower power dissipation, 1.9× lower output voltage

SP3485E 19.2× lower quiescent current, 1.8× lower output current, 1.7× lower output voltage

ADM2483BRW 4.2× higher data rate, 1.7× lower output voltage, 1.4× lower operating temperature

MAX3485ESA 19.2× lower quiescent current, 1.8× lower output current, 1.7× lower output voltage

GM3085E 8.3× higher data rate, 2.5× lower output voltage, 1.4× lower operating temperature

GM3485E 20.0× lower quiescent current, 2.5× lower output voltage, 1.4× lower operating temperature

03 — FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the channel count of the MAX232?

The channel count is 2.

What is the data rate of the MAX232 when RL = 3kΩ to 7 kΩ and CL = 50pF to 1000pF?

The data rate is 120 kbps.

What is the driver count for the MAX232?

The driver count is 2.

What is the output voltage when all driver inputs are loaded with 3kΩ to ground on the TRANSMITTER OUTPUTS?

The output voltage is 5 V.

What is the propagation delay for the receiver under normal operation with CL = 150pF?

The propagation delay is 10 µs.

What is the quiescent current of the MAX232 under no load conditions at TA = 25°C with VCC supply?

The quiescent current is 10 mA.

What is the receiver count for the MAX232?

The receiver count is 2.

What is the slew rate of the MAX232 at TA = 25°C, VCC = 5V, RL = 3kΩ to 7 kΩ, CL = 50pF to 2500pF, measured from -3V to +3V or +3V to -3V?

The slew rate is 30 V/µs.

What is the supply voltage range for the MAX232 under DC CHARACTERISTICS with VIL = 0V?

The supply voltage range is 5.5 V.