MAX232EPE+ - +5V RS-232 Transceiver, 2/2, 16-PDIP | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX232EPE ✓ AktifMAX232EPE Ringkasan
What is an RS-232 transceiver? An RS-232 transceiver is a type of interface IC that translates logic-level signals (0/3.3V or 0/5V) to and from the ±5V to ±15V voltage levels defined by the EIA/TIA-232E (formerly RS-232) and ITU V.28/V.24 standards for serial communication. These parts sit in the hierarchy: RS-232 transceiver → line driver/receiver → interface IC → communication IC → semiconductor, and have been the workhorse of point-to-point PC serial ports since the 1980s. Charge-pump-based transceivers like the MAX232 family made the standard practical by removing the need for a dual-polarity power rail.
Key features of the MAX232EPE+ include: integrated charge pump with internal ±10V generation, compatibility with all EIA/TIA-232E and V.28/V.24 interfaces, ESD protection on RS-232 pins, and low-power CMOS construction. The 16-PDIP package suits through-hole designs, breadboarding, and legacy equipment maintenance where SMD parts are not desirable.
The device uses a dual charge-pump (voltage doubler and inverter) topology: the doubler boosts +5V to +10V using external capacitors, and the inverter produces -10V, yielding ±10V swing across each transmitter output. Receivers invert TTL/CMOS levels back to 5V logic. This architecture makes the MAX232 family ideal when a single +5V rail is available and ±12V cannot be provided.
Typical applications include legacy PC serial ports, industrial PLCs and HMIs, point-of-sale terminals, embedded microcontroller UART interfaces, barcode scanners, and any system requiring a DB9 or similar RS-232 connection from a 5V logic domain. The extended temperature range suits factory automation environments.
When designing with the MAX232EPE+, choose external charge-pump capacitors carefully — 1µF to 10µF ceramic or tantalum types are typical; undersized caps reduce driver output swing. Place the charge-pump caps and bypass cap within a few millimeters of the IC pins to maintain transmitter output compliance.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-package drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers select and source the right RS-232 transceiver for legacy 5V designs.
Alternatif penggantian untuk MAX232EPE — paket yang sama, pin-pada-pin kompatibel. Bagian paket yang berbeda memerlukan kerja ulang PCB diabaikan.
Variasi di dalam seri ini
Model-series yang sama yang kompatibel dengan penggantian MAX232EPE (sama faktor bentuk dan footprint) — berbeda di dalam Data Rate, Supply Voltage, Package, Product Type, RoHS Status.
MAX232CPE+
✅ Drop-In📋 Alternatif referensi (tidak dalam katalog)
MAX232ACPE+
✅ Drop-InKontak untuk harga
Lihat Datasheet →MAX232EPE+
✅ Drop-In📋 Alternatif referensi (tidak dalam katalog)
MAX232EEPE+
✅ Drop-In📋 Alternatif referensi (tidak dalam katalog)
SP3232EA-L
✅ Drop-In✓ Ada di Gudang
$0.273 / Satuan
Lihat Datasheet →ICL232CPE
✅ Drop-In📋 Alternatif referensi (tidak dalam katalog)
MAX232EPE Spesifikasi
| Product Type | RS-232 Transceiver (Driver/Receiver) |
| Drivers / Receivers | 2 / 2 |
| Tegangan Pemuat | 4.5 V to 5.5 V (single +5V supply) |
| Laju Data | 120 kbps (typical) |
| RS-232 Output Voltage | ±10 V (typical, generated internally by charge pump) |
| Suhu Kerja | -40 C to +85 C (extended industrial) |
| Paket | 16-PDIP (Plastic DIP, 0.300 inch / 7.62 mm) |
| Tipe Mounting | Through-Hole |
| External Charge-Pump Capacitors | 4 x 1 uF (typical, tantalum or ceramic) |
| ESD Protection | ±15 kV HBM on RS-232 pins (per Maxim datasheet family) |
| Receiver Input Levels | ±30 V tolerant |
| Standards Compliance | EIA/TIA-232E, V.28, V.24 |
| Level MSL | 1 (unlimited) |
| Status RoHS | Compliant (lead-free + indicates lead-free finish) |
| Jumlah Pin | 16 |
Konfigurasi Pin MAX232EPE
| Pin produk 1 | C1+ — Charge-pump capacitor 1, positive terminal |
| Pin produk 2 | V+ — Charge-pump generated +10V output |
| Pin produk 3 | C1- — Charge-pump capacitor 1, negative terminal |
| Pin produk 4 | C2+ — Charge-pump capacitor 2, positive terminal |
| Pin produk 5 | C2- — Charge-pump capacitor 2, negative terminal |
| Pin produk 6 | V- — Charge-pump generated -10V output |
| Pin produk 7 | T2_OUT — RS-232 driver 2 output (to DB9 pin 4) |
| Pin produk 8 | R2_IN — RS-232 receiver 2 input (from DB9 pin 7) |
| Pin produk 9 | R2_OUT — TTL/CMOS receiver 2 output (to UART RX) |
| Pin produk 10 | T1_IN — TTL/CMOS driver 1 input (from UART TX) |
| Pin produk 11 | T1_OUT — RS-232 driver 1 output (to DB9 pin 3) |
| Pin produk 12 | R1_IN — RS-232 receiver 1 input (from DB9 pin 2) |
| Pin produk 13 | R1_OUT — TTL/CMOS receiver 1 output (to UART RX) |
| Pin produk 14 | T2_IN — TTL/CMOS driver 2 input (from UART TX) |
| Pin produk 15 | GND — Ground |
| Pin produk 16 | VCC — +4.5V to +5.5V supply |
Aplikasi Umum
MAX232EPE cocok untuk 6 aplikasis: Legacy PC Serial Port Interface, Industrial PLC and HMI Programming Port, Point-of-Sale Terminal Interface, Embedded Microcontroller UART Bridge, Barcode Scanner and Serial Device Interface, Legacy Equipment Replacement and Maintenance.
Legacy PC Serial Port Interface
The MAX232EPE+ is a direct fit for legacy DB9 COM ports in PC and industrial serial interfaces. With 2 drivers and 2 receivers in a 16-PDIP through-hole package, it converts UART logic levels (0/5V) from a microcontroller or PC UART to ±10V RS-232 levels for connection to a DB9 connector. The integrated charge pump eliminates the need for a ±12V rail, drawing only from a single +5V supply. At 120 kbps data rate, it supports all standard baud rates up to 115200 with full EIA/TIA-232E compliance. The through-hole PDIP package suits legacy and hobbyist designs that need easy breadboarding and field-serviceable components.
Direkomendasikan
Industrial PLC and HMI Programming Port
For industrial PLCs and HMIs, the MAX232EPE+ provides a robust RS-232 interface for programming terminals and operator panels. The -40°C to +85°C extended industrial temperature range handles factory-floor conditions, while the CMOS low-power design minimizes heat dissipation in sealed enclosures. The integrated ±15kV ESD protection on RS-232 pins protects against cable-discharge events typical in industrial wiring. The 16-PDIP package is widely used in industrial control boards where through-hole mounting survives vibration better than SMD alternatives. The 120 kbps data rate is sufficient for most PLC programming protocols including Modbus RTU and Siemens PPI.
Direkomendasikan
Point-of-Sale Terminal Interface
POS terminals, cash registers, and receipt printers use the MAX232EPE+ to bridge their microcontroller UART to RS-232 peripherals like barcode scanners, scales, and customer displays. The single +5V supply operation simplifies POS power architecture, while the 2/2 driver/receiver configuration handles both scanner input and printer/display output on a single chip. Charge-pump capacitors stay low-cost at 1µF ceramic, helping POS terminal manufacturers meet aggressive BOM targets. The 120 kbps data rate easily handles serial barcode scanner output at 9600 to 115200 baud, the standard range for retail scanner communication.
Direkomendasikan
Embedded Microcontroller UART Bridge
For embedded designs using 5V microcontrollers (8051, PIC16/18, AVR, etc.), the MAX232EPE+ converts UART logic-level signals (0/5V) to RS-232 ±10V for debug consoles, GPS modules, GSM modems, and Bluetooth serial modules. The integrated dual charge pump eliminates the need for a DC-DC inverter, saving board space and BOM cost in compact embedded designs. The 16-PDIP package is breadboard-friendly, making it a staple in embedded development kits and educational platforms. At 120 kbps, it comfortably supports all standard debug baud rates including 9600, 38400, 57600, and 115200 used in common GPS and cellular modem modules.
Direkomendasikan
Barcode Scanner and Serial Device Interface
Industrial barcode scanners, label printers, and weight scales communicate via RS-232 to host systems, and the MAX232EPE+ provides a robust interface in the scanner or in the host docking station. Its ±30V receiver input tolerance protects against voltage transients on long cables, while the integrated ±15kV ESD protection guards against cable-handling discharge events. The DIP package is widely used in scanner enclosures that are field-replaceable, and the part's 30+ year history in the Maxim datasheet family gives designers confidence in long-term availability through second-source suppliers.
Direkomendasikan
Legacy Equipment Replacement and Maintenance
The MAX232EPE+ is the go-to part for maintaining and repairing legacy industrial controllers, test equipment, and laboratory instruments originally designed in the 1990s and 2000s. The 16-PDIP through-hole format matches the original design's footprint, allowing drop-in replacement without PCB modification. The MAX232 family has been in continuous production since the 1980s and is still actively manufactured by Analog Devices (Maxim), with multiple authorized distributors stocking it as of 2026-10-13. Field-service technicians routinely carry this part for on-site repairs of factory automation, medical instrumentation, and laboratory data-acquisition systems.
Direkomendasikan
Ringkasan Produk Direkomendasikan
Data referensi engineering untuk MAX232EPE — pembandingan, panduan desain, dan informasi konformitas.
Panduan Pemilihan
Pembandingan dengan Alternatif
| Parameter Umum | Produk Ini | MAX232CPE+ | MAX232ACPE+ | MAX232EEPE+ | SP3232EA-L | ICL232CPE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-PDIP (0.300 inch) | 16-PDIP - same | 16-PDIP - same | 16-PDIP - same | 16-PDIP - same | 16-PDIP - same |
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Sipex (MaxLinear) | Renesas / Intersil |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V (wider range) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Data Rate | 120 kbps | 120 kbps | 200 kbps (+67%) | 120 kbps | 250 kbps (+108%) | 120 kbps |
| Drivers / Receivers | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +70 C |
| RoHS Compliant | Yes (lead-free + suffix) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Depends on date code |
| Charge-Pump Capacitors | 4 x 1 uF external | 4 x 1 uF | 4 x 0.1 uF | 4 x 1 uF | 4 x 0.1 uF (smaller) | 4 x 1 uF |
Diferensiator Kunci
- Drop-in same-package pin compatibility across the entire MAX232 family (vsMAX232ACPE+, MAX232CPE+)
- Cross-brand Sipex SP3232EA-L as second-source with 2x faster data rate (vsSP3232EA-L (Sipex/MaxLinear))
- Extended industrial -40C to +85C temperature range (vsMAX232CPE+ (commercial 0C to +70C))
Catatan Desain
The MAX232EPE+ requires four external charge-pump capacitors (typically 1µF each) connected between C1+, C1-, C2+, C2- and V+ or V-. Place these capacitors within a few millimeters of the IC pins to minimize ripple on the generated ±10V rails. Use capacitors rated for ≥16V to handle the charge-pump transients; tantalum or ceramic X7R types are preferred. A 0.1µF bypass capacitor on VCC (pin 16) should also be placed close to the IC. Without adequate charge-pump capacitance, the RS-232 transmitter output levels may fail to meet the ±5V minimum required by EIA/TIA-232E.
For optimal ESD performance, the MAX232EPE+ should be placed close to the DB9 connector with short, direct traces on the RS-232 side. The Maxim datasheet application notes recommend keeping the trace length from the connector to the IC below 50mm where possible. The T1_OUT/T2_OUT and R1_IN/R2_IN lines should not run parallel to noisy digital traces or near switching regulators for more than a few millimeters. Use a ground plane under the IC and stitch vias around the connector to provide a low-impedance return path for ESD events.
Estimated: At 5V supply and 120 kbps with both drivers driving 3kΩ loads to ground, the MAX232EPE+ draws approximately 10-15mA typical quiescent plus load current. Do not exceed the VCC maximum of 6V (5.5V recommended max). Charge-pump capacitor polarity matters — connect C1+/C2+ to the more positive side per the datasheet; reversed tantalum capacitors can fail short. If RS-232 output levels are weak (below ±5V), the charge-pump caps are usually the cause — verify value and orientation first. Note: the MAX232EPE+ (with +) is lead-free; older MAX232EPE (without +) uses tin-lead and is not RoHS compliant for new designs.
The MAX232EPE+ slew rate is limited internally to control EMI, allowing reliable communication up to 120 kbps without special termination. For cable lengths exceeding 3 meters, keep data rates below 57.6 kbps to maintain signal integrity; the EIA/TIA-232E standard defines a maximum cable capacitance of 2500 pF, which corresponds to roughly 15m at typical cable capacitance of 100-150 pF/m. If long cables are required with high baud rates, consider the MAX3232E (true RS-232) family which provides ±15kV ESD and stronger driver output.
Informasi Konformitas
MAX232EPE+ (with '+' suffix) is RoHS compliant per Maxim ordering convention. Lead-free finish confirmed by distributor listings (DigiKey, Mouser). Commercial-grade part; AEC-Q100 automotive qualification is not applicable. REACH compliance assumed from Maxim product family standard compliance; no specific REACH statement in the provided data.
