Build with MAX3232 — Datasheet Specs & AI Design Help

00 — Overview

What the MAX3232 does

The MAX3232 is a multichannel RS-232 line driver and receiver featuring two drivers, two receivers, and a dual charge-pump circuit with ±15-kV ESD protection. It operates with a 3-V to 5.5-V supply, supports data rates up to 250 kbit/s, and accepts 5-V logic inputs. The device requires only four 0.1-µF external capacitors for operation. Engineers typically use this component in industrial PCs, wired networking equipment, data centers, battery-powered systems, PDAs, notebooks, and other hand-held devices requiring an interface between asynchronous controllers and serial-port connectors.

Next step

Start building with MAX3232 → 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 MAX3232
Parameter	Min	Typ	Max	Conditions	Source
quiescent current	—	300 µA	1 mA	VCC = 3.3 V to 5 V; icc; 6.5 Electrical Characteristics — Device	TI datasheet, p. 5 — 6.5 Electrical Characteristics — Device
supply voltage range	3 V	—	5.5 V		TI datasheet, p. 1
operating temperature	0 °C	—	70 °C		TI datasheet, p. 4 — 6.3 Recommended Operating Conditions
propagation delay	—	300 ns	—	propagation; Operating Circuit and Capacitor Values	TI datasheet, p. 6 — 6.8 Switching Characteristics
slew rate	—	6 V/µs	30 V/µs	RL = 3 kΩ to 7 kΩ, VCC = 5 V; (seefigure 7-1); Operating Circuit and Capacitor Values	TI datasheet, p. 6 — 6.8 Switching Characteristics
data rate	—	250 kbps	—		TI datasheet, p. 6 — 6.8 Switching Characteristics
output voltage high	5 V	5.4 V	—	DOUTat RL = 3 kΩ to GND, DIN = GND; voh; 6.6 Electrical Characteristics — Driver	TI datasheet, p. 5 — 6.6 Electrical Characteristics — Driver
output voltage low	—	—	400 mV	IOL = 1.6 mA; vol; 6.7 Electrical Characteristics — Receiver	TI datasheet, p. 6 — 6.7 Electrical Characteristics — Receiver
channel count	—	2	—		TI datasheet, p. 1
driver count	—	2	—		TI datasheet, p. 1
receiver count	—	2	—		TI datasheet, p. 1

02 — Alternatives

Closest matches to MAX3232

GM3232E 2.6× higher slew rate, 2.0× higher data rate, 1.7× higher output current

PCA9509 2.8× lower propagation delay, 2.0× lower output voltage low, 1.8× lower output current

SP3222ECA-L 5.0× higher slew rate, 1.1× lower data rate, similar propagation delay

MAX485ESA 10.0× higher data rate, 10.0× lower propagation delay, 1.7× higher quiescent current

SN65HVD3082E 2.7× lower output voltage low, 2.3× higher propagation delay, 1.6× lower operating temperature

SP3485E 1.7× higher quiescent current, 1.3× lower supply voltage range, similar output current

ADM2483BRW 4.0× lower output voltage low, 2.0× higher data rate, 1.6× lower operating temperature

GM3085E 4.0× higher data rate, 2.4× lower propagation delay, 2.1× lower quiescent current

03 — FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the channel count of the MAX3232?

The channel count is 2.

What is the maximum data rate of the MAX3232?

The maximum data rate is 250 kbps.

What is the driver count for the MAX3232?

The driver count is 2.

What is the maximum operating temperature for the MAX3232?

The maximum operating temperature is 70 °C.

What is the output voltage high (VOH) when DOUT is connected to a 3 kΩ load to GND and DIN is at GND?

The output voltage high is 5.4 V.

What is the output voltage low specification for the MAX3232 receiver?

The output voltage low is 400 mV when IOL = 1.6 mA.

What is the propagation delay under the specified operating circuit and capacitor values?

The propagation delay is 300 ns.

What is the quiescent current of the MAX3232 when VCC = 3.3 V to 5 V and icc?

The quiescent current is 300 µA.

What is the receiver count for the MAX3232?

The receiver count is 2.

What is the slew rate of the MAX3232 when RL is between 3 kΩ and 7 kΩ and VCC is 5 V?

The slew rate is 6 V/µs.

What is the maximum supply voltage for the MAX3232?

The supply voltage range is 5.5 V.