ADM230LJR - 5V RS-232 Transceiver | Analog Devices
MPN: ADM230LJR ✓ ActiveADM230LJR Overview
A CMOS RS-232 transceiver is an interface IC that converts logic-level digital signals into RS-232-compatible levels and converts incoming RS-232 signals back into logic levels. It belongs to the interface-IC hierarchy alongside drivers, receivers, and transceivers, providing the physical signaling layer between digital equipment and a serial port. The ADM230LJR is designed for EIA-232-E and V.28-compatible communication links, making it useful where a single supply rail is preferred over a dual-polarity RS-232 interface.
The ADM230LJR includes one driver and one receiver in the same package. Its onboard DC-DC converter supports the RS-232 output swing from a 5 V supply, while the receiver remains active in shutdown mode. The datasheet information identifies a 9 V output swing, operation with 1 uF capacitors, a low-power shutdown function, and receiver input tolerance to 30 V. These features help simplify interface implementation in equipment that must protect logic-side circuitry from voltage transients.
Because the ADM230LJR is powered from +5 V, its system-level implementation is simpler than traditional RS-232 designs using separate positive and negative supplies. The device is appropriate for instrumentation, industrial-control equipment, data-acquisition systems, embedded serial links, and service interfaces where the communication distance and signaling environment are consistent with RS-232 limits. The 120 kB/s rated data rate supports moderate-speed serial communication rather than high-bandwidth protocols.
Layout should keep the serial traces short where possible, provide a stable return path, and place bypass capacitance close to the supply pins. The onboard converter and charge-pump circuitry require careful decoupling according to the manufacturer datasheet. A single 5 V rail, low-power shutdown, and active receiver operation are the principal features to evaluate when choosing this transceiver for compact or intermittently powered serial equipment.
Drop-in alternatives for ADM230LJR — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with ADM230LJR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Product Type, Number of Drivers, Number of Receivers, Supply Voltage Range.
ADM232LJR-REEL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX232NSR
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →MAX3232IPW
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →MAX3070EESD+
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →SP232EET-L/TR
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →ADM230LJR Specifications
| Product Type | CMOS RS-232 driver/receiver |
| Supply Voltage | +5 V |
| Number of Drivers | 1 |
| Number of Receivers | 1 |
| Data Rate | 120 kB/s |
| Interface Standard | EIA-232-E and V.28 |
| Onboard Converter | DC-DC converter |
| RS-232 Output Swing | 9 V |
| Recommended Capacitor | 1 uF |
| Shutdown Function | Low-power shutdown |
| Receiver State in Shutdown | Active |
| Receiver Input Voltage Rating | 30 V |
| Package | 16-lead SOIC, 0.154 inch body width |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
ADM230LJR 16-lead soic, 0.154 inch body width Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ADM230LJR (16-lead soic, 0.154 inch body width package). Pin numbering, functions, and connection diagrams are defined in the manufacturer datasheet. Refer to it for the exact footprint and soldering guidelines.
No detailed pinout data available for ADM230LJR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ADM230LJR is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Instrument Serial Port, Data Acquisition Controller, Embedded Control System, Service and Configuration Interface, Portable Test and Measurement Equipment, Legacy Communication Bridge.
Industrial Instrument Serial Port
The ADM230LJR is well suited to industrial instrument and test-equipment interfaces that use a legacy RS-232 connection but have only a 5 V power rail. Its one driver and one receiver support bidirectional communication with a controller, while the onboard DC-DC converter avoids a separate negative supply. The 120 kB/s rate is appropriate for command traffic, status reporting, and configuration exchanges rather than continuous high-rate file transfer. The 9 V output swing and 30 V receiver input tolerance support practical RS-232 signal handling, while shutdown lets portable or intermittently powered instruments reduce local consumption without losing receiver monitoring.
Recommended
Data Acquisition Controller
A data-acquisition controller can use the ADM230LJR as the physical layer for connecting a computer, service terminal, or local programming fixture. The single +5 V architecture simplifies power distribution around the controller, while the internal DC-DC converter supplies the RS-232 signal levels required by the connected equipment. At 120 kB/s, the link is suitable for sending commands and transferring compact measurement records. The active-in-shutdown receiver is valuable in portable systems because the host can detect an incoming connection while the rest of the instrument is placed in a lower-power state.
Recommended
Embedded Control System
The ADM230LJR can provide an RS-232 interface for an embedded controller that must communicate with legacy machinery, service equipment, or a host computer. The 5 V supply requirement is convenient for systems that already operate from a regulated digital rail, and the internal converter removes the need for a discrete charge-pump supply. Designers should reserve a solid ground reference and route the RS-232 pair away from high-current switching nodes. Because the rated data rate is 120 kB/s, the device is best suited to supervisory commands and status traffic rather than real-time high-bandwidth sensor streaming.
Recommended
Service and Configuration Interface
The ADM230LJR is a practical choice for equipment service ports where technicians connect a laptop or maintenance terminal through RS-232. The receiver can continue operating during shutdown, allowing a low-power product to recognize an incoming service request before fully powering its main functions. The device also benefits from the 30 V receiver input rating, which improves tolerance to transient voltage at the connector in suitable protected environments. A complete design should still include connector-level surge protection and verify grounding and cable length against the system’s RS-232 requirements.
Recommended
Portable Test and Measurement Equipment
The ADM230LJR fits portable test and measurement equipment that needs a wired serial control interface but prioritizes simple power architecture and low standby consumption. A single 5 V supply reduces the number of rails required around the serial interface, while the onboard DC-DC converter handles the voltage translation normally associated with RS-232. The shutdown feature can reduce power use between measurements, and the always-active receiver can provide a wake-up indication. For long cables or electrically noisy environments, add appropriate protection and keep the ground and signal routing disciplined.
Recommended
Legacy Communication Bridge
The ADM230LJR can be used in a communication bridge that connects a modern controller to an RS-232-equipped peripheral. The bridge can use the ADM230LJR’s single driver for outbound commands and single receiver for inbound responses, with the 5 V supply generated by the controller’s existing power tree. The 120 kB/s data rate suits configuration protocols, acknowledgments, and short diagnostic messages. The shutdown function is useful when the bridge is not actively communicating, while receiver operation during shutdown helps preserve incoming notification capability. Firmware should include timing margins suitable for the RS-232 signaling environment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ADM230LJR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ADM232LJR-REEL | MAX232NSR | MAX3232IPW | MAX3070EESD+ | SP232EET-L/TR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Exar |
| Package | 16-SOIC (0.154 inch, 3.90 mm width) | 16-SOIC (0.154 inch, 3.90 mm width) | SOIC-16 | TSSOP-16 | SOIC-16 | SOIC-16 |
| Supply Voltage | +5 V | +5 V | +5 V | +5 V | +5 V | +5 V |
Key Differentiators
- One driver and one receiver in a compact 16-lead SOIC (vs MAX232NSR)
- Receiver remains active during shutdown (vs MAX3070EESD+)
- Single-supply operation with onboard converter (vs ADM232LJR-REEL)
- 120 kB/s rate and 30 V receiver input rating (vs SP232EET-L/TR)
Design Notes
Place the required 1 uF capacitors close to the associated ADM230LJR pins and keep the charge-pump and converter current loop compact. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended layout because the internal DC-DC converter can couple switching activity into the RS-232 output. Keep the logic-side ground continuous under the device and route the connector-side ground through a deliberate return path rather than relying on chassis or signal-ground geometry.
Provide a stable +5 V rail with local bypass capacitance at the device supply pins. The ADM230LJR uses the onboard DC-DC converter to generate RS-232 signal levels, so supply disturbance can affect both the transmitted waveform and receiver behavior. Check the datasheet capacitor values and voltage ratings before layout release, and avoid substituting larger capacitors unless the manufacturer guidance permits it because startup and transient behavior can change.
Do not treat every 16-lead RS-232 transceiver as a drop-in replacement. ADM230LJR has a one-driver, one-receiver configuration and a receiver that remains active during shutdown, while alternatives may have different channel counts, shutdown polarity, capacitor networks, and pin assignments. Verify the package drawing and pin-description table for every proposed substitute, especially when moving between ADM230LJR and related ADM232, MAX232, MAX3070, or SP232 devices.
RS-232 signals can pick up noise when cables are long or run near switching power circuits. Keep the signal and ground conductors together, use a suitable connector shield or protection network at the interface boundary, and maintain a continuous return path. The receiver input is rated to 30 V, but that rating is not a substitute for external surge and ESD protection in an industrial or exposed installation.
Compliance Information
The verified information identifies EIA-232-E and V.28 interface compliance but does not provide product-specific RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, conflict-minerals, or automotive qualification data. AEC-Q100 is not applicable to this interface IC based on the available documentation.
