MAX3232 — Datasheet Summary, Specs & Alternatives

01 — Overview

This Texas Instruments datasheet covers the MAX3232, a 3-V to 5.5-V multichannel RS-232 line driver and receiver with ±15-kV ESD protection. It serves as a complete reference for electrical interface requirements between asynchronous controllers and serial connectors. Key parameters include supply voltage of 3.6V to 5.5V, data rates up to 250 kbit/s, typical supply current of 300 μA, and external capacitor requirements of four 0.1 μF units. The document details device information, pin configurations, electrical characteristics, application circuits, and layout guidelines for industrial PCs, networking, and battery-powered systems.

02 — Key specifications

Datasheet parameters

Parameter	Min	Typ	Max	Conditions
quiescent current	—	300 µA	1 mA	VCC = 3.3 V to 5 V
output current	—	35 mA	60 mA	VCC = 3.6 V VO = 0 V
supply voltage range	3 V	—	5.5 V
operating temperature	-40 °C	—	85 °C
propagation delay	—	300 ns	—	CL = 150 pF
slew rate	—	6 MV/s	30 MV/s	RL = 3 kΩ to 7 kΩ, VCC = 5 V
data rate	—	250 kbps	—
output voltage high	5 V	5.4 V	—	DOUTat RL = 3 kΩ to GND, DIN = GND
output voltage low	—	—	400 mV	IOL = 1.6 mA
channel count	—	2	—
driver count	—	2	—
receiver count	—	2	—

03 — Alternatives

Closest matches to MAX3232

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

MAX485ESA 10.0× higher data rate, 10.0× lower propagation delay, 4.1× higher output current

SP3222ECA-L 5.0× higher slew rate, 3.3× higher propagation delay, 1.6× higher operating temperature

SN65HVD3082E 2.7× lower output voltage low, 2.3× higher propagation delay, 1.4× higher quiescent current

SP481E 10.0× lower propagation delay, 1.6× higher operating temperature, 1.5× higher output current

CH340C 8.0× higher data rate, 1.3× lower supply voltage range, similar operating temperature

04 — 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 85 °C.

What is the output current when VCC = 3.6 V and VO = 0 V?

The output current is 35 mA.

What is the output voltage high when DOUT is at RL = 3 kΩ to GND and DIN = GND?

The output voltage high is 5.4 V.

What is the maximum output voltage low when IOL = 1.6 mA?

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

What is the propagation delay when CL = 150 pF?

The propagation delay is 300 ns when CL = 150 pF.