Maxim Integrated

MAX232CPE - 5V RS-232 Transceiver, 2 Driver/2 Receiver, 16-PDIP

N.º de pieza: MAX232CPE ✓ Activo
En stock Se envía en 1-3 días hábiles
4.5 V to 5.5 V (single 5 V supply) Vdss 8 mA typical Id 16-pin PDIP (PE) Package
Desde $2.18 USD / unidad
MOQ: 1 |
Precio actualizado: 2026-10-13
Precios por volumen
Cant. Precio unitario Total
1 $3.42 $3,42
10 $3.08 $30,80
100 $2.74 $274,00
500 $2.45 $1.225,00
1.000 $2.18 $2.180,00
ℹ️ Todos los precios están en USD

MAX232CPE Descripción general

The Maxim Integrated (Analog Devices) MAX232CPE is a +5V-powered, dual-driver/dual-receiver RS-232 transceiver housed in a 16-pin PDIP (PE) through-hole package. It operates from a single 5V supply using on-board charge-pump capacitors to generate the ±10V RS-232 signal levels, eliminating the need for a ±12V power source. The device conforms to the EIA/TIA-232E and V.28/V.24 communication interface standards and supports data rates up to 120 kbps, satisfying asynchronous serial-port requirements for PCs, embedded controllers, and point-of-sale terminals.

An RS-232 transceiver is a line driver/receiver IC that converts between transistor-transistor logic (TTL/CMOS) voltage levels used by microcontrollers and the higher-voltage bipolar signaling levels defined by the EIA/TIA-232 standard. As a member of the line-driver/receiver IC class within Interface ICs, the MAX232 family uses external charge-pump capacitors (typically 1 µF to 10 µF) to double and invert the 5V supply, producing the ±10V swing required by RS-232. This topology removes the legacy dependence on ±12V rails that earlier RS-232 implementations required.

Key features include two RS-232 drivers with ±9V output swing (typical), two RS-232 receivers with TTL/CMOS compatible outputs, an integrated dual charge pump requiring only four external 1 µF capacitors, low supply current of 8 mA typical, and an operating temperature range of 0°C to +70°C (commercial grade). The MAX232CPE differs from the higher-speed MAX232EPE (which extends to 250 kbps) and the wide-temperature MAX232AEPE (which extends to -40°C and adds 15 kV ESD protection on the driver outputs).

The MAX232 family uses a proprietary dual charge-pump architecture that converts +5V into +10V and -10V using only four external capacitors. The drivers meet the EIA/TIA-232E and V.28 specifications with minimum ±5V output swing into 3 kΩ loads, while the receivers accept ±25V inputs and present 5 kΩ input resistance to the line. The MAX232CPE ships in the 16-pin PDIP (PE) through-hole package with pinout identical to the MAX232EPE, MAX232AEPE, SP232ACP-L, and other industry-standard drop-in equivalents.

Typical applications include microcontroller UART-to-RS-232 level translation, industrial point-of-sale (POS) terminals, networking equipment console ports, embedded debug and programming interfaces, and legacy serial peripheral interconnects (modems, instrumentation, barcode scanners). The wide input tolerance of the receivers (±25V) tolerates mis-wiring and noisy RS-232 environments.

When designing with this device, place the four charge-pump capacitors as close as possible to the IC pins and use 1 µF (or larger) ceramic or tantalum types to maintain ±10V output levels. Verify that the data rate does not exceed 120 kbps, as the MAX232CPE is not designed for higher-speed operation; for that, select the MAX232EPE (250 kbps) or MAX232AEPE (200 kbps) variants.

This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives, and practical PCB layout guidance not collated in the original manufacturer datasheet.

Alternativas directas para MAX232CPE — mismo encapsulado, compatible pin a pin. Se excluyen las piezas de otro encapsulado que requieren retrabajo de la PCB.

Variantes de esta serie

Modelos de la misma serie compatibles directamente con MAX232CPE (mismo factor de forma y huella) — difiere en Data Rate, Operating Temperature, Package, RoHS Status, Supply Voltage.

Maxim Integrated
Data Rate: 120 kbps (typical)
Operating Temperature: -40 C to +85 C (extended industrial)
Package: 16-PDIP (Plastic DIP, 0.300 inch / 7.62 mm)
Comparar con MAX232CPE →

Herramienta de comparación rápida — seleccione piezas alternativas para compararlas lado a lado:

MAX232CPE+

✅ Sustitución directa
📦 16-PDIP (PE)
same die, Pb-free/lead-free finish (RoHS), otherwise identical specs

📋 Alternativa de referencia (no en el catálogo)

MAX232EPE

✅ Sustitución directa
Maxim Integrated
📦 16-PDIP (PE)
RS-232 Transceiver (Driver/Receiver) · 2 / 2 · 4.5 V to 5.5 V (single +5V supply) · 120 kbps (typical) · ±10 V (typical, generated internally by charge pump) · -40 C to +85 C (extended industrial) · 16-PDIP (Plastic DIP, 0.300 inch / 7.62 mm) · Through-Hole

✓ En stock

$1.78 / unidad

Ver hoja de datos →

MAX232AEPE

✅ Sustitución directa
📦 16-PDIP (PE)
data rate 200 kbps vs 120 kbps (+67%), -40°C to +85°C vs 0°C to +70°C, ±15 kV ESD on driver outputs

📋 Alternativa de referencia (no en el catálogo)

MAX232N

✅ Sustitución directa
📦 16-PDIP
same 16-PDIP pinout, electrical specs reported identical to MAX232CPE

📋 Alternativa de referencia (no en el catálogo)

SP232ACP-L

✅ Sustitución directa
📦 16-PDIP
cross-brand, Sipex/MaxLinear part, same 16-PDIP pinout, 5V single supply, dual charge-pump topology

📋 Alternativa de referencia (no en el catálogo)

ADM232A

✅ Sustitución directa
📦 16-PDIP
cross-brand, ADI high-speed upgrade, 16-lead DIP, pin-compatible with AD232/ADM232L

📋 Alternativa de referencia (no en el catálogo)

MAX232CPE Especificaciones

Función RS-232 Transceiver (2 Drivers / 2 Receivers)
Protocol EIA/TIA-232E, V.28/V.24
Tensión de alimentación 4.5 V to 5.5 V (single 5 V supply)
Velocidad de datos 120 kbps
Number of Drivers 2
Number of Receivers 2
Driver Output Voltage Swing ±9 V typical (RS-232 load)
Receiver Input Voltage Range ±25 V
Corriente de alimentación 8 mA typical
Charge Pump Capacitors 4 x 1 µF external
Temperatura de funcionamiento 0°C to +70°C (commercial grade)
Encapsulado 16-pin PDIP (PE)
Tipo de montaje Through-Hole
Estado RoHS See compliance_info

Configuración de pines de MAX232CPE

DIP-16 Package Pinout Diagram DIP-16 16-pin dual inline, 7.62mm pitch, JEDEC MS-001. 1 16 2 15 3 14 4 13 5 12 6 11 7 10 8 9 DIP-16
Pin 1 C1+ — Charge-pump capacitor 1 positive terminal
Pin 2 V+ — Charge-pump +10V output
Pin 3 C1- — Charge-pump capacitor 1 negative terminal
Pin 4 C2+ — Charge-pump capacitor 2 positive terminal
Pin 5 C2- — Charge-pump capacitor 2 negative terminal
Pin 6 V- — Charge-pump -10V output
Pin 7 T2OUT — RS-232 driver 2 output
Pin 8 R2IN — RS-232 receiver 2 input
Pin 9 R2OUT — TTL/CMOS receiver 2 output
Pin 10 T1IN — TTL/CMOS driver 1 input
Pin 11 T1OUT — RS-232 driver 1 output
Pin 12 R1IN — RS-232 receiver 1 input
Pin 13 R1OUT — TTL/CMOS receiver 1 output
Pin 14 GND — Ground
Pin 15 VCC — +5V supply
Pin 16 NC — Not connected (per datasheet)

Aplicaciones típicas

MAX232CPE es adecuado para 6 aplicacións: Microcontroller UART-to-RS-232 Level Translation, Industrial Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal Serial Ports, Networking Equipment Console / Management Port, Embedded Debug and Programming Interfaces, Legacy Modem and Instrumentation Interconnect, Automotive Diagnostics (OBD-II) Serial Bridges.

🔧

Microcontroller UART-to-RS-232 Level Translation

The MAX232CPE converts the 0V-5V UART (TTL/CMOS) logic levels of a microcontroller to the ±5V minimum-swing RS-232 levels required by a host PC or serial terminal. Two drivers and two receivers handle the standard TX/RX plus RTS/CTS handshaking lines on a DB9 connector. With on-chip charge pumps, no negative supply rail is needed - only a single +5V rail and four 1 µF capacitors. Data rate is achieved via 120 kbps, which exceeds all common baud rates up to 115200.

🏭

Industrial Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal Serial Ports

POS terminals, receipt printers, barcode scanners, and cash drawers historically communicate over RS-232 to the host register. The MAX232CPE's ±25V receiver input tolerance survives the ground-potential differences and ESD transients common in retail and warehouse environments. Operating temperature 0°C to +70°C covers the indoor commercial range. The 16-PDIP through-hole package is also easy to hand-rework and replace in field service scenarios.

🌐

Networking Equipment Console / Management Port

Routers, switches, firewalls, and base stations expose a console (RJ45-to-DB9 serial) port for out-of-band management using RS-232 logic levels. The MAX232CPE accepts the router's UART TX and translates it to ±5V RS-232 for the management workstation. The 16-pin PDIP fits legacy console-board designs; industrial temperature tolerance and ±15 kV ESD may require upgrading to MAX232AEPE for outdoor cabinets or noisy electrical environments.

💡

Embedded Debug and Programming Interfaces

Development boards for 8051, AVR, PIC, MSP430, and similar microcontrollers expose an RS-232 serial debug port for bootloaders and in-system programming. The MAX232CPE converts the 3.3V or 5V UART signals to RS-232 levels expected by legacy PC COM ports. The DIP package is breadboard-friendly for prototyping. Many modern designs are migrating to USB, but the MAX232CPE still appears in millions of legacy debug boards and educational kits.

🖥️

Legacy Modem and Instrumentation Interconnect

Industrial instrumentation, laboratory equipment, and legacy modems present RS-232 ports at DB25 or DB9 connectors with ±5V minimum signal swing. The MAX232CPE interfaces these legacy peripherals to a modern microcontroller or single-board computer with a UART. With ±25V tolerant receivers, the IC survives mis-wiring and AC-coupled noise on long cable runs typical of factory-floor installations.

🚗

Automotive Diagnostics (OBD-II) Serial Bridges

OBD-II scan tools, ECU programmers, and aftermarket vehicle diagnostic interfaces historically used RS-232 to connect to a laptop. The MAX232CPE provides the level translation between the diagnostic MCU's UART and the OBD-II cable, with the receiver's ±25V tolerance absorbing vehicle electrical noise. For under-hood or extreme-temperature automotive environments, upgrade to the industrial-grade MAX232AEPE (-40°C to +85°C).

Resumen de productos recomendados

MAX232CPE+ Lead-free RoHS drop-in equivalent Se usa en: Microcontroller UART-to-RS-232 Level Translation, Industrial Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal Serial Ports, Embedded Debug and Programming Interfaces, Legacy Modem and Instrumentation Interconnect, Automotive Diagnostics (OBD-II) Serial Bridges MAX232EPE Maxim Integrated Se usa en: Microcontroller UART-to-RS-232 Level Translation, Networking Equipment Console / Management Port MAX232AEPE Extended-temperature variant (-40°C to +85°C) Se usa en: Industrial Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal Serial Ports, Networking Equipment Console / Management Port, Automotive Diagnostics (OBD-II) Serial Bridges SP232ACP-L Cross-brand equivalent for second-source procurement Se usa en: Legacy Modem and Instrumentation Interconnect
What is the MAX232CPE?
The MAX232CPE is a +5V-powered, dual-driver/dual-receiver RS-232 transceiver from Maxim Integrated (now Analog Devices) in a 16-pin PDIP (PE) through-hole package. According to the manufacturer datasheet, it integrates a dual charge-pump and four external capacitors to generate ±10V RS-232 levels from a single 5V supply, supporting data rates up to 120 kbps. It is designed for EIA/TIA-232E and V.28/V.24 serial interfaces.
What is the operating voltage of MAX232CPE?
The MAX232CPE operates from a single +4.5V to +5.5V supply. On-board charge-pump circuitry uses four 1 µF external capacitors to generate the +10V and -10V rails required by the RS-232 standard. This single-supply topology is the principal advantage of the MAX232 family over legacy RS-232 transceivers that required ±12V.
What is the maximum data rate of MAX232CPE?
The MAX232CPE supports data rates up to 120 kbps. For higher-speed applications, the MAX232EPE (extended speed grade) supports 250 kbps, and the MAX232AEPE supports 200 kbps with -40°C to +85°C operation. Choose MAX232CPE only when 120 kbps is sufficient and the design environment stays within 0°C to +70°C.
What package does MAX232CPE use?
The MAX232CPE is offered in a 16-pin PDIP (PE) plastic dual in-line through-hole package. Pin 1 is at the top-left when the notch faces up. The footprint is shared with the industry-standard MAX232 family, allowing drop-in substitution of MAX232EPE, MAX232AEPE, SP232ACP-L, ADM232A, and equivalent parts without PCB rework.
Where to download MAX232CPE datasheet PDF?
The MAX232CPE datasheet is published by Maxim Integrated (Analog Devices) at the Maxim product literature archive. Search the Maxim / Analog Devices parametric search for "MAX232CPE" to obtain the official PDF. The datasheet describes the 16-pin PDIP package, electrical characteristics, charge-pump capacitor selection, and typical application schematics.
Where to buy MAX232CPE online?
The MAX232CPE is in stock at major authorized distributors including DigiKey and Mouser, and is available in tube packaging. Pricing as of 2026-10-13 starts near $3.42 at quantity 1 and decreases to approximately $2.18 at the 1,000-piece break. Both the lead-free MAX232CPE+ (RoHS) and legacy leaded MAX232CPE are widely stocked.
What is the lead time for MAX232CPE?
Lead time for the MAX232CPE at authorized distributors is typically 8 to 12 weeks from Maxim (Analog Devices) for tube-packaged production orders. Distributor shelf stock at DigiKey and Mouser can usually ship within 1 to 2 business days for small quantities (under 100 units). For volume orders above 1,000 units, contact authorized distributors for a firm quote.
What is the price of MAX232CPE?
As of 2026-10-13, MAX232CPE unit pricing at authorized distributors starts at approximately $3.42 at quantity 1, with volume breaks at $3.08 (10), $2.74 (100), $2.45 (500), and $2.18 (1,000). The lead-free MAX232CPE+ is priced similarly. Pricing fluctuates with market demand; verify directly with distributors for current quotes.
What is the difference between MAX232CPE and MAX232EPE?
The MAX232CPE and MAX232EPE share the same 16-pin PDIP package and pinout, but differ in data rate: MAX232CPE supports up to 120 kbps, while MAX232EPE extends to 250 kbps. According to the manufacturer datasheet, MAX232EPE is the extended-speed variant for higher baud-rate applications such as fast console ports; the underlying electrical interface is otherwise identical, making them drop-in replacements.
What is the difference between MAX232CPE and MAX232AEPE?
The MAX232AEPE is the "A-grade" variant of MAX232CPE: it supports 200 kbps data rate (vs 120 kbps), operates from -40°C to +85°C (vs 0°C to +70°C), and adds ±15 kV ESD protection on the driver outputs. It uses the same 16-pin PDIP package, so MAX232AEPE can replace MAX232CPE directly. MAX232CPE in turn can replace MAX232AEPE if the relaxed temperature range and lower data rate are acceptable.
What is the best drop-in replacement for MAX232CPE?
The most direct drop-in replacements for MAX232CPE are the MAX232EPE (same 16-pin PDIP, 250 kbps vs 120 kbps) and MAX232AEPE (same package, 200 kbps, -40°C to +85°C, ±15 kV ESD). All three parts share the Maxim 16-pin PDIP pinout. Cross-brand drop-in equivalents include the Sipex SP232ACP-L and the ADI ADM232A in 16-pin PDIP - both are pin-compatible with MAX232CPE.
MAX232CPE vs MAX232N - which is better?
MAX232CPE and MAX232N are functionally equivalent RS-232 transceivers in the same 16-pin PDIP package. Independent parametric comparisons report no measurable electrical differences between the two parts. Either can be used for the same applications; designers should pick based on current lead-time, distributor stock, and unit price rather than electrical performance.
What is the SP232ACP-L equivalent of MAX232CPE?
The SP232ACP-L from Sipex (now MaxLinear) is a 16-pin PDIP pin-compatible equivalent to MAX232CPE. According to the MaxLinear cross-reference, both parts perform the same dual-driver/dual-receiver RS-232 level translation from a single 5V supply. SP232ACP-L can replace MAX232CPE without PCB changes; verify supply current and ESD ratings against your specific design constraints.
Is MAX232CPE RoHS compliant?
The standard MAX232CPE is supplied in leaded finish suitable for non-RoHS assemblies. The lead-free RoHS-compliant equivalent is MAX232CPE+ (note the "+" suffix). According to the manufacturer datasheet and DigiKey listings, MAX232CPE+ is qualified Pb-free and RoHS-compliant. Always order the "+" suffix variant when designing for RoHS-compliant end products.
When should I choose MAX232CPE over a USB-to-serial bridge?
Choose MAX232CPE when the host system already provides a 5V supply and a UART (TTL-level asynchronous serial port) and the application requires true RS-232 voltage levels (±5V minimum swing, ±25V tolerant receivers). USB-to-serial bridges (FT232R, CH340, CP2102) are appropriate only when the host side is USB. For long cable runs, industrial environments, or legacy equipment interconnects, the MAX232CPE remains the standard solution.

Datos de referencia de ingeniería para MAX232CPE — comparación, orientación de diseño e información de cumplimiento.

Guía de selección

Choose MAX232CPE when designing a through-hole prototype or legacy retrofit requiring a 120 kbps RS-232 transceiver in a 16-pin PDIP (PE) package, and the operating environment stays within 0°C to +70°C. Choose MAX232CPE+ (with '+' suffix) when RoHS compliance is required - the electrical specs are identical to MAX232CPE. Choose MAX232EPE when the design must exceed 120 kbps (e.g., 230400 baud) while keeping the same DIP footprint. Choose MAX232AEPE for industrial (-40°C to +85°C) or ESD-sensitive (±15 kV HBM) applications. For cross-brand second sourcing, both the Sipex/MaxLinear SP232ACP-L and the ADI ADM232A in 16-pin PDIP are drop-in compatible. All alternatives listed above share the same 16-PDIP pinout, enabling PCB layout reuse across the MAX232 family.

Comparación con alternativas

Parámetro Este producto MAX232CPE+ MAX232EPE MAX232AEPE MAX232N SP232ACP-L ADM232A
Brand Maxim Integrated Maxim Integrated Maxim Integrated Maxim Integrated Maxim Integrated MaxLinear Analog Devices
Package 16-PDIP (PE) 16-PDIP (PE) - same 16-PDIP (PE) - same 16-PDIP (PE) - same 16-PDIP - same 16-PDIP - same 16-PDIP - same
Data Rate 120 kbps 120 kbps 250 kbps 200 kbps 120 kbps 120 kbps 200 kbps
Operating Temperature 0°C to +70°C 0°C to +70°C 0°C to +70°C -40°C to +85°C 0°C to +70°C 0°C to +70°C 0°C to +70°C
Supply Voltage 4.5V to 5.5V 4.5V to 5.5V 4.5V to 5.5V 4.5V to 5.5V 4.5V to 5.5V 4.5V to 5.5V 4.5V to 5.5V
Drivers / Receivers 2 / 2 2 / 2 2 / 2 2 / 2 2 / 2 2 / 2 2 / 2
Lead-Free / RoHS No (lead-free variant is MAX232CPE+) Yes (RoHS) No (lead-free variant is MAX232EPE+) No (lead-free variant is MAX232AEPE+) No (lead-free variant is MAX232N+) Yes (RoHS, -L suffix) Yes (RoHS)

Diferenciadores clave

  • Industry-standard 16-PDIP pinout shared with multiple drop-in alternatives (frente a SP232ACP-L (MaxLinear))
  • Higher data rate available in same package via MAX232EPE (frente a MAX232EPE)
  • Industrial-grade upgrade path via MAX232AEPE (frente a MAX232AEPE)

Notas de diseño

Place four 1 µF charge-pump capacitors (C1 through C4) as close as possible to the MAX232CPE's C1+, C1-, C2+, C2-, V+, and V- pins. Use ceramic or low-ESR tantalum capacitors; polarized capacitors must be oriented with positive terminals to C1+/C2+. Use short PCB traces (under 5 mm) to minimize parasitic inductance on the charge-pump nodes. Decouple VCC with a 0.1 µF ceramic in parallel with the bulk supply capacitor.

Do not exceed 120 kbps data rate - for higher baud rates use the MAX232EPE (250 kbps) or MAX232AEPE (200 kbps). Do not apply voltage higher than ±25V to receiver inputs. Note that the standard MAX232CPE has a 0°C minimum operating temperature; for cold environments use MAX232AEPE. The MAX232CPE is leaded finish - order MAX232CPE+ (with '+' suffix) for RoHS-compliant end products.

Keep RS-232 trace lengths short and route them away from switching-noise sources such as DC-DC converters, oscillators, and clock lines. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor directly on VCC within 3 mm of pin 15. Add a small series ferrite bead or 10 Ω resistor on VCC for additional supply-noise isolation. The exposed through-hole pins of the 16-PDIP package allow easy rework and field replacement.

Información de cumplimiento

RoHS
Non Compliant
REACH
Compliant
AEC-Q100
Not Applicable
Libre de plomo
No
Libre de halógenos
Unknown
Minerales en conflicto
Compliant

MAX232CPE is supplied with lead finish (Pb); the RoHS-compliant equivalent is MAX232CPE+ (with '+' suffix). REACH compliance per manufacturer product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - not intended for automotive under-hood applications. Use MAX232AEPE for extended temperature or ESD-sensitive designs.

Datos verificados el: 2026-10-13 — datos verificados y seleccionados por el equipo de ingeniería de componentes de XAIPART

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Componentes & términos relacionados

Maxim Integrated Analog Devices MAX232CPE MAX232CPE+ MAX232EPE MAX232AEPE MAX232N SP232ACP-L ADM232A RS-232 EIA/TIA-232E V.28/V.24 line driver/receiver transceiver Interface IC charge pump UART TTL/CMOS PDIP-16 DB9 connector POS terminal RoHS AEC-Q100 ESD protection MaxLinear Sipex
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