MAX232DRG4 - Dual 120kbps RS-232 Transceiver | Texas Instruments
N.º de pieza: MAX232DRG4 ✓ ActivoMAX232DRG4 Descripción general
A RS-232 transceiver is an interface IC that converts between digital logic levels and the bipolar voltage signaling used by serial-port equipment. The MAX232 belongs to the broader line-driver and line-receiver hierarchy, where the driver translates TTL or CMOS logic into RS-232 levels and the receiver converts transmitted RS-232 levels back into logic-compatible signals. This makes it a practical interface between a modern microcontroller UART and legacy RS-232 equipment.
The MAX232 provides two transmit channels and two receive channels, allowing one RS-232 port to support full-duplex communication. Its stated maximum data rate is 120 kbps, while its 4.5 V to 5.5 V single-supply operating range supports conventional 5 V digital systems. According to the Texas Instruments product page, the device supports output voltages of positive and negative 9 V and includes positive and negative 2 kV ESD protection on the RS-232 pins.
Internal charge-pump circuitry generates the positive and negative voltages required by RS-232 from the 5 V supply, eliminating the need for a separate positive and negative supply in many designs. The drivers and receivers are designed to interface UART controllers with external data-terminal equipment while maintaining logic-compatible digital-side signaling. Its dual-channel arrangement makes it suitable for point-to-point links, equipment control, configuration interfaces, and service ports.
Typical uses include industrial controller serial ports, data acquisition systems, test equipment, maintenance interfaces, and communications links between a microcontroller and an RS-232 peripheral. The 120 kbps rate is appropriate for legacy serial protocols rather than high-speed differential buses such as RS-485. Cable length, capacitance, grounding, and signal integrity should be evaluated when designing longer interconnects.
For a new layout, route the RS-232 driver outputs and receiver inputs directly to the connector while maintaining the separation recommended for exposed interfaces. Place charge-pump capacitors and interface bypass capacitors close to the device, follow the manufacturer pin description when assigning connector signals, and confirm supply tolerances, grounding, and ESD requirements before releasing the PCB.
This page combines manufacturer product information, explicit distributor specifications, package-aware alternatives, and practical interface-design guidance to support component selection, schematic review, PCB implementation, and sourcing decisions for the MAX232DRG4.
Alternativas directas para MAX232DRG4 — 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 MAX232DRG4 (mismo factor de forma y huella) — difiere en Package, Product Type.
MAX232NSR
✅ Sustitución directa ⚠️ Especificaciones sin verificarConsulte el precio
Ver hoja de datos →MAX232IDRG4
✅ Sustitución directa ⚠️ Especificaciones sin verificar📋 Alternativa de referencia (no en el catálogo)
MAX232AIDRG4
✅ Sustitución directa ⚠️ Especificaciones sin verificar📋 Alternativa de referencia (no en el catálogo)
MAX202CDR
✅ Sustitución directaConsulte el precio
Ver hoja de datos →ST232CDR
✅ Sustitución directa📋 Alternativa de referencia (no en el catálogo)
MAX232DRG4 Especificaciones
| Product Type | Dual RS-232 driver/receiver transceiver |
| Number of Drivers | 2 |
| Number of Receivers | 2 |
| Maximum Data Rate | 120 kbps |
| Single Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| RS-232 Output Swing | Positive and negative 9 V |
| RS-232 Pin ESD Protection | Positive and negative 2 kV |
| Interface Standard | EIA/TIA-232 |
| Encapsulado | 16-pin SOIC |
| Tipo de montaje | Surface mount |
| Channel Configuration | 2 transmit and 2 receive channels |
| Supply Architecture | Single supply with charge-pump voltage generation |
Guía de configuración de pines de MAX232DRG4 16-pin soic
Configuración de pines para MAX232DRG4 (encapsulado 16-pin soic). La numeración de pines, las funciones y los diagramas de conexión se definen en la hoja de datos del fabricante. Consúltela para conocer el footprint exacto y las directrices de soldadura.
No hay datos detallados de patillaje disponibles para MAX232DRG4.
Consulte la hoja de datos para ver la configuración completa de patillas.
Aplicaciones típicas
MAX232DRG4 es adecuado para 6 aplicacións: Microcontroller RS-232 Communication, Industrial Equipment Control, Data Acquisition and Test Equipment, Legacy Computer Serial Port, Point-to-Point Serial Link, Field-Service and Maintenance Interface.
Microcontroller RS-232 Communication
The MAX232DRG4 connects a 5 V UART controller to a legacy RS-232 port by converting logic signals into bipolar line levels and converting received line levels back into digital logic. Its two drivers and two receivers support full-duplex communication, while the 120 kbps maximum rate covers many equipment-control protocols. The 16-pin SOIC package simplifies board construction, and internal charge-pump circuitry avoids separate positive and negative power rails.
Recomendado
Industrial Equipment Control
The MAX232DRG4 is useful in industrial controllers, service panels, and programmable equipment that expose an RS-232 configuration port. The 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply range integrates with conventional 5 V control electronics, while positive and negative 9 V output swing meets the RS-232 signaling requirement. Positive and negative 2 kV ESD protection adds useful protection at the transceiver pins, although connector-level protection may still be needed.
Recomendado
Data Acquisition and Test Equipment
The MAX232DRG4 provides a practical RS-232 command link between laboratory instruments, data loggers, and host computers. Two channels support bidirectional instrument control, and the 120 kbps rate is suitable for many short-distance serial protocols. A single 5 V supply reduces power-system complexity in portable test equipment, while the 16-pin SOIC package supports compact, surface-mount assembly and straightforward rework.
Recomendado
Legacy Computer Serial Port
The MAX232DRG4 bridges modern TTL or CMOS UART logic to a legacy computer serial port using the EIA/TIA-232 interface. Its driver channels translate UART outputs to positive and negative RS-232 levels, and its receiver channels convert incoming serial data to logic-compatible voltage levels. The 120 kbps capability covers conventional serial command traffic, making the device appropriate for diagnostic, configuration, and firmware-update connections.
Recomendado
Point-to-Point Serial Link
The MAX232DRG4 supports a dedicated point-to-point RS-232 link between two pieces of digital equipment. Matching transmit and receive rates up to 120 kbps permit straightforward full-duplex communication, and the integrated charge pumps generate the required bipolar voltages from 5 V. Because RS-232 is a single-ended interface, use a common ground, observe recommended cable routing, and assess capacitance and signal integrity as cable length increases.
Recomendado
Field-Service and Maintenance Interface
The MAX232DRG4 can provide a maintenance or diagnostic channel in field-service equipment, allowing a handheld terminal or service computer to exchange setup commands and status information. The dual-channel implementation supports simultaneous command and response traffic, and the 120 kbps rate is appropriate for textual diagnostics. The 16-pin SOIC package also allows the interface to be added to compact controller boards without a separate bipolar power supply.
Recomendado
Resumen de productos recomendados
Datos de referencia de ingeniería para MAX232DRG4 — comparación, orientación de diseño e información de cumplimiento.
Guía de selección
Comparación con alternativas
| Parámetro | Este producto | MAX232NSR | MAX232IDRG4 | MAX232AIDRG4 | MAX202CDR | ST232CDR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | STMicroelectronics |
| Package | SOIC-16 | SOIC-16 - same | SOIC-16 - same | SOIC-16 - same | SOIC-16 - same | SOIC-16 - same |
| Driver Channels | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Receiver Channels | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Charge-Pump Architecture | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Diferenciadores clave
- Defined 120 kbps RS-232 performance (frente a ST232CDR)
- Single-supply bipolar operation (frente a MAX202CDR)
- Exact manufacturer family and footprint continuity (frente a MAX232NSR)
Notas de diseño
Place the charge-pump capacitors and supply bypass capacitor close to their numbered pins, and keep the associated traces short. Route driver outputs and receiver inputs toward the RS-232 connector without long parallel paths next to sensitive logic. Confirm every connection against the manufacturer pin-description table because the complete pin list is not reproduced on this page.
RS-232 is a single-ended interface, so maintain a continuous ground reference between connected equipment. Keep the transceiver and connector ground connection electrically close to the signal return, and preserve separation from switching converter nodes and high-current return paths. For external cables, evaluate connector-side ESD and surge protection because the transceiver's positive and negative 2 kV pin protection does not eliminate every system-level fault.
Do not treat the MAX232DRG4 as an RS-485 transceiver: its interface voltage levels, topology, and cable assumptions are those of EIA/TIA-232. Also do not assume that a SOIC-16 footprint alone proves drop-in compatibility. Before substitution, verify capacitor values and pin assignments, logic thresholds, receiver behavior, data rate, operating temperature, and ESD rating in the selected manufacturer datasheet.
Información de cumplimiento
The available product information does not state the requested environmental or material-compliance statuses. RS-232 transceivers are not inherently AEC-Q100-qualified automotive products.