ą MAX232, MAX232I

DUAL EIAĆ232 DRIVERS/RECEIVERS

ą
SLLS047L − FEBRUARY 1989 − REVISED MARCH 2004

D Meets or Exceeds TIA/EIA-232-F and ITU

MAX232 . . . D, DW, N, OR NS PACKAGE
Recommendation V.28
MAX232I . . . D, DW, OR N PACKAGE
D Operates From a Single 5-V Power Supply (TOP VIEW)
With 1.0-mF Charge-Pump Capacitors
C1+ 1 16 VCC
D Operates Up To 120 kbit/s
VS+ 2 15 GND
D Two Drivers and Two Receivers
C1− 3 14 T1OUT
D ±30-V Input Levels C2+ 4 13 R1IN
D Low Supply Current . . . 8 mA Typical C2− 5 12 R1OUT
D ESD Protection Exceeds JESD 22 VS− 6 11 T1IN
− 2000-V Human-Body Model (A114-A) T2OUT 7 10 T2IN
R2IN 8 9 R2OUT
D Upgrade With Improved ESD (15-kV HBM)
and 0.1-mF Charge-Pump Capacitors is
Available With the MAX202
D Applications
− TIA/EIA-232-F, Battery-Powered Systems,
Terminals, Modems, and Computers

description/ordering information
The MAX232 is a dual driver/receiver that includes a capacitive voltage generator to supply TIA/EIA-232-F voltage
levels from a single 5-V supply. Each receiver converts TIA/EIA-232-F inputs to 5-V TTL/CMOS levels. These
receivers have a typical threshold of 1.3 V, a typical hysteresis of 0.5 V, and can accept ±30-V inputs. Each driver
converts TTL/CMOS input levels into TIA/EIA-232-F levels. The driver, receiver, and voltage-generator
functions are available as cells in the Texas Instruments LinASIC library.

ORDERING INFORMATION
ORDERABLE TOP-SIDE
TA PACKAGE† PART NUMBER MARKING
PDIP (N) Tube of 25 MAX232N MAX232N
Tube of 40 MAX232D
SOIC (D) MAX232
Reel of 2500 MAX232DR
0°C to 70°C
Tube of 40 MAX232DW
SOIC (DW) MAX232
Reel of 2000 MAX232DWR
SOP (NS) Reel of 2000 MAX232NSR MAX232
PDIP (N) Tube of 25 MAX232IN MAX232IN
Tube of 40 MAX232ID
SOIC (D) MAX232I
−40°C to 85°C Reel of 2500 MAX232IDR
Tube of 40 MAX232IDW
SOIC (DW) MAX232I
Reel of 2000 MAX232IDWR
† Package drawings, standard packing quantities, thermal data, symbolization, and PCB design
guidelines are available at www.ti.com/sc/package.

Please be aware that an important notice concerning availability, standard warranty, and use in critical applications of
Texas Instruments semiconductor products and disclaimers thereto appears at the end of this data sheet.

LinASIC is a trademark of Texas Instruments.

PRODUCTION DATA information is current as of publication
date. Copyright  2004, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Products conform to specifications per the terms of Texas
Instruments standard warranty. Production processing does not
necessarily include testing of all parameters.

POST OFFICE BOX 655303 • DALLAS, TEXAS 75265 1

MAX232, MAX232I ą
DUAL EIAĆ232 DRIVERS/RECEIVERS
ą
SLLS047L − FEBRUARY 1989 − REVISED MARCH 2004

Function Tables

EACH DRIVER
INPUT OUTPUT
TIN TOUT
L H
H L
H = high level, L = low
level

EACH RECEIVER
INPUT OUTPUT
RIN ROUT
L H
H L
H = high level, L = low
level

logic diagram (positive logic)

11 14
T1IN T1OUT

10 7
T2IN T2OUT

12 13
R1OUT R1IN

9 8
R2OUT R2IN

2 POST OFFICE BOX 655303 • DALLAS, TEXAS 75265

ą MAX232, MAX232I
DUAL EIAĆ232 DRIVERS/RECEIVERS
ą
SLLS047L − FEBRUARY 1989 − REVISED MARCH 2004

absolute maximum ratings over operating free-air temperature range (unless otherwise noted)†
Input supply voltage range, VCC (see Note 1) −0.3 V to 6 V
Positive output supply voltage range, VS+ VCC − 0.3 V to 15 V
Negative output supply voltage range, VS− −0.3 V to −15 V
Input voltage range, VI: Driver −0.3 V to VCC + 0.3 V
Receiver ±30 V
Output voltage range, VO: T1OUT, T2OUT VS− − 0.3 V to VS+ + 0.3 V
R1OUT, R2OUT −0.3 V to VCC + 0.3 V
Short-circuit duration: T1OUT, T2OUT Unlimited
Package thermal impedance, θJA (see Notes 2 and 3): D package 73°C/W
DW package 57°C/W
N package 67°C/W
NS package 64°C/W
Operating virtual junction temperature, TJ 150°C
Storage temperature range, Tstg −65°C to 150°C
† Stresses beyond those listed under “absolute maximum ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and
functional operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated under “recommended operating conditions” is not implied.
Exposure to absolute-maximum-rated conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.
NOTES: 1. All voltages are with respect to network GND.
2. Maximum power dissipation is a function of TJ(max), θJA, and TA. The maximum allowable power dissipation at any allowable
ambient temperature is PD = (TJ(max) − TA)/θJA. Operating at the absolute maximum TJ of 150°C can affect reliability.
3. The package thermal impedance is calculated in accordance with JESD 51-7.

recommended operating conditions

MIN NOM MAX UNIT

VCC Supply voltage 4.5 5 5.5 V

VIH High-level input voltage (T1IN,T2IN) 2 V
VIL Low-level input voltage (T1IN, T2IN) 0.8 V
R1IN, R2IN Receiver input voltage ±30 V
MAX232 0 70
TA Operating free-air temperature °C
MAX232I −40 85

electrical characteristics over recommended ranges of supply voltage and operating free-air
temperature (unless otherwise noted) (see Note 4 and Figure 4)
PARAMETER TEST CONDITIONS MIN TYP‡ MAX UNIT
VCC = 5.5 V, All outputs open, 8 10 mA
ICC Supply current
TA = 25°C
‡ All typical values are at VCC = 5 V and TA = 25°C.
NOTE 4: Test conditions are C1−C4 = 1 µF at VCC = 5 V ± 0.5 V.

POST OFFICE BOX 655303 • DALLAS, TEXAS 75265 3

MAX232, MAX232I ą
DUAL EIAĆ232 DRIVERS/RECEIVERS
ą
SLLS047L − FEBRUARY 1989 − REVISED MARCH 2004

DRIVER SECTION

electrical characteristics over recommended ranges of supply voltage and operating free-
air temperature range (see Note 4)
PARAMETER TEST CONDITIONS MIN TYP† MAX UNIT

VOH High-level output voltage T1OUT, T2OUT RL = 3 kΩ to GND 5 7 V

VOL Low-level output voltage‡ T1OUT, T2OUT RL = 3 kΩ to GND −7 −5 V

ro Output resistance T1OUT, T2OUT VS+ = VS− = 0, VO = ±2 V 300 Ω

IOS§ Short-circuit output current T1OUT, T2OUT VCC = 5.5 V, VO = 0 ±10 mA

IIS Short-circuit input current T1IN, T2IN VI = 0 200 µA

† All typical values are at VCC = 5 V, TA = 25°C.
‡ The algebraic convention, in which the least-positive (most negative) value is designated minimum, is used in this data sheet for logic voltage
levels only.
§ Not more than one output should be shorted at a time.
NOTE 4: Test conditions are C1−C4 = 1 µF at VCC = 5 V ± 0.5 V.

switching characteristics, VCC = 5 V, TA = 25°C (see Note 4)

PARAMETER TEST CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNIT

SR Driver slew rate RL = 3 kΩ to 7 kΩ, 30 V/µs

See Figure 2
SR(t) Driver transition region slew rate See Figure 3 3 V/µs
Data rate One TOUT switching 120 kbit/s
NOTE 4: Test conditions are C1−C4 = 1 µF at VCC = 5 V ± 0.5 V.

RECEIVER SECTION

electrical characteristics over recommended ranges of supply voltage and operating free-
air temperature range (see Note 4)
PARAMETER TEST CONDITIONS MIN TYP† MAX UNIT

VOH High-level output voltage R1OUT, R2OUT IOH = −1 mA 3.5 V

VOL Low-level output voltage‡ R1OUT, R2OUT IOL = 3.2 mA 0.4 V

VIT+ teceiver positive-going input
R1IN, R2IN VCC = 5 V, TA = 25°C 1.7 2.4 V
hreshold voltage
VIT− teceiver negative-going input
R1IN, R2IN VCC = 5 V, TA = 25°C 0.8 1.2 V
hreshold voltage

Vhys Input hysteresis voltage R1IN, R2IN VCC = 5 V 0.2 0.5 1 V

ri Receiver input resistance R1IN, R2IN VCC = 5, TA = 25°C 3 5 7 kΩ
† All typical values are at VCC = 5 V, TA = 25°C.
‡ The algebraic convention, in which the least-positive (most negative) value is designated minimum, is used in this data sheet for logic voltage
levels only.
NOTE 4: Test conditions are C1−C4 = 1 µF at VCC = 5 V ± 0.5 V.

switching characteristics, VCC = 5 V, TA = 25°C (see Note 4 and Figure 1)

PARAMETER TYP UNIT

tPLH(R) Receiver propagation delay time, low- to high-level output 500 ns

tPHL(R) Receiver propagation delay time, high- to low-level output 500 ns
NOTE 4: Test conditions are C1−C4 = 1 µF at VCC = 5 V ± 0.5 V.

4 POST OFFICE BOX 655303 • DALLAS, TEXAS 75265

ą MAX232, MAX232I
DUAL EIAĆ232 DRIVERS/RECEIVERS
ą
SLLS047L − FEBRUARY 1989 − REVISED MARCH 2004

PARAMETER MEASUREMENT INFORMATION

VCC

RL = 1.3 kΩ
R1IN R1OUT
or or
Pulse See Note C
R2IN R2OUT
Generator
(see Note A)

CL = 50 pF
(see Note B)

TEST CIRCUIT

≤10 ≤10 ns
ns
3V
90% 90%
Input 10% 50% 50%
10% 0V

500 ns tPLH
tPHL
VOH
Output
1.5 V 1.5 V VOL

WAVEFORMS
NOTES: A. The pulse generator has the following characteristics: ZO = 50 Ω, duty cycle ≤ 50%.
B. CL includes probe and jig capacitance.
C. All diodes are 1N3064 or equivalent.

Figure 1. Receiver Test Circuit and Waveforms for tPHL and tPLH Measurements

POST OFFICE BOX 655303 • DALLAS, TEXAS 75265 5

MAX232, MAX232I ą
DUAL EIAĆ232 DRIVERS/RECEIVERS
ą
SLLS047L − FEBRUARY 1989 − REVISED MARCH 2004

PARAMETER MEASUREMENT INFORMATION

T1IN or T2IN T1OUT or T2OUT
Pulse
Generator EIA-232 Output
(see Note A)
CL = 10 pF
RL
(see Note B)

TEST CIRCUIT
≤10 ns ≤10 ns
3V
90% 90%
Input 50% 50%
10% 10% 0V
5 µs
tPLH
tPHL

90% 90% VOH

Output
10% 10%
VOL
tTHL tTLH

0.8 (V 0.8 (V
SR + OH - VOL) OL - VOH)
or
t
t
TLH THL
WAVEFORMS
NOTES: A. The pulse generator has the following characteristics: ZO = 50 Ω, duty cycle ≤ 50%.
B. CL includes probe and jig capacitance.

Figure 2. Driver Test Circuit and Waveforms for tPHL and tPLH Measurements (5-µs Input)

Pulse
Generator EIA-232 Output
(see Note A)
3 kΩ CL = 2.5 nF

TEST CIRCUIT

≤10 ns ≤10 ns
Input
90% 90%
10 1.5 V 1.5 V 10%
%
20 µs
tTLH
tTHL

3V 3V VOH
Output −3 V −3 VOL
V

SR + 6V
tTHL or tTLH

WAVEFORMS
NOTE A: The pulse generator has the following characteristics: ZO = 50 Ω, duty cycle ≤ 50%.

Figure 3. Test Circuit and Waveforms for tTHL and tTLH Measurements (20-µs Input)

6 POST OFFICE BOX 655303 • DALLAS, TEXAS 75265

ą MAX232, MAX232I
DUAL EIAĆ232 DRIVERS/RECEIVERS
ą
SLLS047L − FEBRUARY 1989 − REVISED MARCH 2004

APPLICATION INFORMATION
5V

+
CBYPASS = 1µF −
16
C3† 1 µF
VCC
1 2
C1+ 8.5 V
C1 1 µF 3 VS+
C1−
4 C2+ 6
VS− −8.5 V
C2 1 µF 5 C4 1 µF
C2− +

11 14
EIA-232 Output
From CMOS or TTL
10 7
EIA-232 Output
12 13
EIA-232 Input
To CMOS or TTL
9 8
EIA-232 Input
0V
15

GND
† C3 can be connected to VCC or GND.
NOTES: A. Resistor values shown are nominal.
B. Nonpolarized ceramic capacitors are acceptable. If polarized tantalum or electrolytic capacitors are used, they should be
connected as shown. In addition to the 1-µF capacitors shown, the MAX202 can operate with 0.1-µF capacitors.

Figure 4. Typical Operating Circuit

POST OFFICE BOX 655303 • DALLAS, TEXAS 75265 7

 IMPORTANT NOTICE

Texas Instruments Incorporated and its subsidiaries (TI) reserve the right to make corrections, modifications,
enhancements, improvements, and other changes to its products and services at any time and to discontinue any
product or service without notice. Customers should obtain the latest relevant information before placing orders
and should verify that such information is current and complete. All products are sold subject to TI’s terms and
conditions of sale supplied at the time of order acknowledgment.

TI warrants performance of its hardware products to the specifications applicable at the time of sale in
accordance with TI’s standard warranty. Testing and other quality control techniques are used to the extent TI
deems necessary to support this warranty. Except where mandated by government requirements, testing of all
parameters of each product is not necessarily performed.

TI assumes no liability for applications assistance or customer product design. Customers are responsible for
their products and applications using TI components. To minimize the risks associated with customer products and
applications, customers should provide adequate design and operating safeguards.

TI does not warrant or represent that any license, either express or implied, is granted under any TI patent right,
copyright, mask work right, or other TI intellectual property right relating to any combination, machine, or process in
which TI products or services are used. Information published by TI regarding third-party products or services does
not constitute a license from TI to use such products or services or a warranty or endorsement thereof. Use of
such information may require a license from a third party under the patents or other intellectual property of the third
party, or a license from TI under the patents or other intellectual property of TI.

Reproduction of information in TI data books or data sheets is permissible only if reproduction is without
alteration and is accompanied by all associated warranties, conditions, limitations, and notices. Reproduction of
this information with alteration is an unfair and deceptive business practice. TI is not responsible or liable for such
altered documentation.

Resale of TI products or services with statements different from or beyond the parameters stated by TI for that
product or service voids all express and any implied warranties for the associated TI product or service and is
an unfair and deceptive business practice. TI is not responsible or liable for any such statements.

Following are URLs where you can obtain information on other Texas Instruments products and application
solutions:

Products Applications
Amplifiers amplifier.ti.com Audio www.ti.com/audio
Data Converters dataconverter.ti.com Automotive www.ti.com/automotive
DSP dsp.ti.com Broadband www.ti.com/broadband
Interface interface.ti.com Digital Control www.ti.com/digitalcontrol
Logic logic.ti.com Military www.ti.com/military
Power Mgmt power.ti.com Optical Networking www.ti.com/opticalnetwork
Microcontrollers microcontroller.ti.com Security www.ti.com/security
Telephony www.ti.com/telephony
Video & Imaging www.ti.com/video
Wireless www.ti.com/wireless

Mailing Address: Texas Instruments

Post Office Box 655303 Dallas, Texas 75265

Copyright  2004, Texas Instruments Incorporated