MAX232NE4 - Dual 120kbps RS-232 Transceiver | Texas Instruments
Référence : MAX232NE4 ✓ ActifMAX232NE4 Présentation
An RS-232 transceiver is an interface IC that bridges the voltage-domain gap between TTL/CMOS logic and the bipolar, single-ended signal system defined by EIA-232. Within the broader electronics hierarchy, the MAX232NE4 is a line transceiver, which is a communication interface IC used to connect a digital controller or embedded system to a serial port. Two driver channels convert TTL/CMOS inputs into RS-232 levels, while two receiver channels convert RS-232 inputs into logic-compatible signals.
Key electrical attributes include a 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply range, two drivers, two receivers, full RS-232 operation, a maximum signaling rate of 120 kbit/s, and ±30 V input-level capability. The integrated charge pump eliminates the need for a negative supply rail. The recommended implementation uses 1.0 uF charge-pump capacitors, which must be installed close to the device to limit loop area and preserve switching performance.
The MAX232NE4 is appropriate for legacy RS-232 ports, industrial equipment, service interfaces, and embedded-control systems where a 5 V logic domain must communicate with a PC or peripheral over an RS-232 link. Unlike a modern USB-to-serial converter, it remains a wired, point-to-point interface and requires a host-side UART or another system that already provides serial framing.
Designers should confirm the PCB footprint, charge-pump capacitor type, driver slew behavior, and receiver logic thresholds before substitution. The ±30 V input rating improves robustness against exposed or noisy cabling, but it does not remove the need for correct grounding, twisted-pair routing where applicable, and protection against sustained overvoltage events.
This page consolidates verified manufacturer and distributor information, identifies only package-compatible cross-reference candidates, and adds application guidance and design cautions that are not summarized on a typical distributor listing.
Alternatives de remplacement direct pour MAX232NE4 — même boîtier, compatible broche à broche. Les références à boîtier différent nécessitant une retouche du PCB sont exclues.
MAX232EPE+
✅ Remplacement direct📋 Alternative de référence (hors catalogue)
MAX232EEPE
✅ Remplacement direct📋 Alternative de référence (hors catalogue)
MAX232NE4 Spécifications
| Device Type | Dual EIA-232 driver/receiver transceiver |
| Number of Drivers | 2 |
| Number of Receivers | 2 |
| Débit de données | 120 kbit/s |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Supply Configuration | Single 5 V supply |
| Charge-Pump Capacitor Value | 1.0 uF |
| Input Voltage Level | ±30 V maximum |
| Driver Supply Current | 8 mA typical |
| ESD Protection | 8 mA typical; ±2 kV human-body-model ESD for the MAX232 family |
| Driver Output Level | ±9 V typical |
| Protocol | RS-232 / EIA-232 |
| Duplex Mode | Full duplex |
| Boîtier | 16-pin PDIP |
| Package Dimensions | 0.300 in (7.62 mm) DIP width |
| Type de montage | Through-hole |
Guide de configuration des broches du MAX232NE4 0.300 in (7.62 mm) dip width
Configuration des broches du MAX232NE4 (boîtier 0.300 in (7.62 mm) dip width). La numérotation des broches, les fonctions et les schémas de connexion sont définis dans la fiche technique du fabricant. Consultez-la pour l'empreinte exacte et les directives de soudage.
Aucune donnée de brochage détaillée disponible pour MAX232NE4.
Consultez la fiche technique pour la configuration complète des broches.
Applications typiques
MAX232NE4 convient pour 6 applications: Legacy PC Serial Port Interface, Industrial Control Equipment, Embedded System Service Interface, Instrumentation and Test Equipment, Point-to-Point Data Terminal Equipment, RS-232 to TTL Serial Bridge.
Legacy PC Serial Port Interface
The MAX232NE4 fits legacy PC and industrial equipment that requires a wired RS-232 port rather than USB. Two driver/receiver pairs support two full-duplex channels, and the 120 kbit/s rate covers the UART baud rates commonly associated with this interface. Install the device between the 5 V logic system and the DB9 or cable driver, fit the specified 1.0 uF charge-pump capacitors, and verify that the host uses the same voltage-level convention. The integrated charge pump generates ±9 V typical outputs from one supply, avoiding a negative rail.
Recommandé
Industrial Control Equipment
The MAX232NE4 is useful in controller boards that must expose an RS-232 configuration or service port for tuning, diagnostics, or connection to a supervisory computer. Its single 5 V operation integrates with TTL or CMOS logic, while the ±30 V input capability adds tolerance to exposed cabling and noisy industrial environments. Place both transceiver channels according to the data-sheet layout and provide a common signal ground between the two ends of the cable.
Recommandé
Embedded System Service Interface
The MAX232NE4 can provide a dedicated service channel for firmware boot, configuration, and field diagnostics in an embedded controller. Two independent driver/receiver pairs allow one channel for logging and another for active control, and the 120 kbit/s limit supports common UART rates. Because the transceiver implements only the physical voltage layer, the host microcontroller must still configure its UART, command framing, and flow-control behavior.
Recommandé
Instrumentation and Test Equipment
The MAX232NE4 can bridge laboratory and test-instrument electronics to a legacy computer or controller through a wired RS-232 link. The two-channel arrangement supports separate command and measurement paths, while the 120 kbit/s rate is suitable for moderate-rate status and configuration traffic. Keep input and output routes away from fast-switching nodes to avoid reducing receiver margin, and use the specified charge-pump capacitors for stable driver amplitude.
Recommandé
Point-to-Point Data Terminal Equipment
The MAX232NE4 is appropriate for point-to-point equipment connections using full-duplex RS-232, including remote terminals and configuration equipment. It converts 5 V logic into ±9 V typical line levels and converts received line levels back into digital signals. Cable length and baud rate must be selected together, and the link should include a signal-ground reference because RS-232 is a single-ended interface rather than a differential standard.
Recommandé
RS-232 to TTL Serial Bridge
The MAX232NE4 can serve as the electrical interface in a compact RS-232-to-TTL bridge module for a microcontroller or embedded processor. One channel can carry a primary UART stream while the second supports hardware flow control or a second serial service, subject to the system firmware and wiring. The 16-pin PDIP package is appropriate for through-hole industrial boards, and the single 5 V supply simplifies integration with 5 V logic.
Recommandé
Récapitulatif des produits recommandés
Données de référence d'ingénierie pour MAX232NE4 — comparaison, recommandations de conception et informations de conformité.
Guide de sélection
Comparaison avec les alternatives
| Paramètre | Ce produit | MAX232EPE+ | MAX232EEPE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-pin PDIP | 16-pin PDIP | 16-pin PDIP |
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Analog Devices | Analog Devices |
| Device Type | Dual RS-232 driver/receiver | Dual RS-232 driver/receiver | Dual RS-232 driver/receiver |
Principaux différenciateurs
- Integrated single-supply charge-pump architecture (vs MAX232EPE+)
- Two independent full-duplex RS-232 channels (vs MAX232EPE+)
- Robust input-level tolerance (vs MAX232EEPE)
Notes de conception
Use one 1.0 uF charge-pump capacitor for each charge-pump section exactly as specified by the manufacturer data sheet. Place these capacitors adjacent to their corresponding pins to minimize loop area and switching transients. A 5 V rail with acceptable transient response is required; do not treat the MAX232NE4 as a regulator for the attached UART or system load.
Route the charge-pump components, supply pins, and ground connections as short as possible, while keeping RS-232 driver outputs away from receiver inputs and sensitive analog nodes. RS-232 is a single-ended standard, so maintain a common signal-ground reference between communicating systems. Follow the manufacturer layout and pin table rather than deriving capacitor connections from a generic MAX232 drawing.
The MAX232NE4 does not implement the UART protocol or electrical isolation. Confirm logic levels, baud rate, flow control, and grounding at the system level. Also verify whether a proposed substitute uses the same charge-pump pinout; a 16-pin PDIP package match alone does not guarantee electrical or pin-level interchangeability.
Informations de conformité
The supplied verified records identify the manufacturer, package, electrical function, and distributor listings but do not explicitly state RoHS, REACH, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals status. AEC-Q100 is treated as not applicable because this industrial interface IC is not identified as an automotive-qualified variant.