MAX202CDW - 120kbps Dual RS-232 Transceiver | Texas Instruments
MPN: MAX202CDW ✗ End of LifeMAX202CDW Overview
Drop-in alternatives for MAX202CDW — 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 MAX202CDW (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ESD Protection, Maximum Data Rate, Product Type, Supply Voltage.
MAX202CDWG4
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX202IDR
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →MAX202EEWE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX202ECWE+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX202EWE+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX202CDW Specifications
| Product Type | Dual RS-232 line driver and receiver |
| Number of Drivers | 2 |
| Number of Receivers | 2 |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| Maximum Data Rate | 120 kbit/s |
| Driver Output Level | ±9 V |
| ESD Protection | ±15 kV |
| ESD Protected Pins | Serial-port connection pins, including GND |
| Charge-Pump Capacitors | 0.1 µF external capacitors |
| Maximum Driver Output Slew Rate | 30 V/µs |
| Standard Compatibility | TIA/EIA-232-F and ITU V.28 |
| Package | 16-pin SOIC |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free Status | Yes |
MAX202CDW Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | V+ — Charge-pump output |
| Pin 2 | V- — Negative charge-pump output |
| Pin 3 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 4 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 5 | VCC — 5 V supply |
| Pin 6 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 7 | DOUT2 — RS-232 driver output for channel 2 |
| Pin 8 | RIN2 — RS-232 receiver input for channel 2 |
| Pin 9 | RIN1 — RS-232 receiver input for channel 1 |
| Pin 10 | DOUT1 — RS-232 driver output for channel 1 |
| Pin 11 | DIN1 — Logic-level driver input for channel 1 |
| Pin 12 | ROUT1 — Logic-level receiver output for channel 1 |
| Pin 13 | ROUT2 — Logic-level receiver output for channel 2 |
| Pin 14 | DIN2 — Logic-level driver input for channel 2 |
| Pin 15 | C+ — Charge-pump flying capacitor connection |
| Pin 16 | C- — Charge-pump flying capacitor connection |
Typical Applications
MAX202CDW is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Serial Control, Point-of-Sale Terminal Interface, Instrumentation Data Port, Embedded UART-to-RS-232 Bridge, Telecommunications Equipment Interface, Data Acquisition and Test Equipment.
Industrial Serial Control
The MAX202CDW fits industrial control equipment that uses a legacy RS-232 port for configuration, diagnostics, or service communication. Its two-driver and two-receiver arrangement supports one full-duplex channel, while the 120 kbit/s maximum signaling rate is sufficient for many command and telemetry protocols. The ±15 kV ESD protection on the serial-port connection pins improves robustness where a service cable may be connected to a less controlled environment. Because this is a single 5 V device with an integrated charge pump, it avoids a separate negative supply rail.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminal Interface
Point-of-sale terminals and peripheral controllers often retain an RS-232 interface for printers, scanners, or customer displays even when newer equipment uses USB. The MAX202CDW provides the required 5 V RS-232 line-driver levels and receive translation in one 16-SOIC device. Its 120 kbit/s capability is more than adequate for common serial peripheral traffic. The integrated dual charge pump reduces board complexity, while the external 0.1 µF capacitors should be placed close to the device to limit noise and maintain stable charge-pump operation.
Recommended
Instrumentation Data Port
The MAX202CDW is appropriate for laboratory and industrial instruments that expose a service or measurement port through RS-232. It translates between CMOS/TTL UART levels and bipolar RS-232 signals while supporting data rates up to 120 kbit/s. Its two transmit and two receive channels can implement a full-duplex link or separate command and status paths when configured appropriately. The stated ±15 kV ESD protection adds useful protection for a connector exposed to charged cables, although enclosure grounding and proper signal return remain essential.
Recommended
Embedded UART-to-RS-232 Bridge
An embedded controller can use the MAX202CDW to connect its UART pins to a full-duplex RS-232 port. The DIN inputs accept logic-level transmit data, the DOUT outputs create ±9 V RS-232 line signals, and the RIN inputs receive remote data that is translated back to logic levels on ROUT. With operation from a single 5 V rail and a maximum rate of 120 kbit/s, the interface suits legacy equipment and service links. Firmware designers should allow sufficient time for the asserted driver outputs to become valid after enable is released.
Recommended
Telecommunications Equipment Interface
MAX202CDW can support legacy RS-232 management or diagnostic connections in telecommunications equipment where a 5 V interface transceiver is required. Its 16-SOIC package is compact enough for multilayer boards, and the 120 kbit/s limit fits low-speed management protocols rather than modern high-speed serial links. The device's dual channel count can serve one full-duplex port or two single-ended paths. Grounding, cable length, and connector shield design remain the responsibility of the enclosure and system integrator because the IC provides signal-level conversion rather than complete surge protection.
Recommended
Data Acquisition and Test Equipment
The MAX202CDW can provide a legacy computer connection for programmable test and measurement equipment that predates USB or Ethernet. Its full-duplex 5 V RS-232 interface supports up to 120 kbit/s, while the integrated charge pump simplifies supply planning in portable and benchtop systems. The verified ±15 kV ESD protection is relevant when users connect external cables to acquisition hardware. For low-noise analog sections, charge-pump-capacitor placement and RS-232 return-current routing should be separated from sensitive signal paths to prevent coupling into measurements.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX202CDW — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX202CDWG4 | MAX202IDR | MAX202EEWE | MAX202ECWE+ | MAX202EWE+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices |
| Package | 16-pin SOIC | 16-pin SOIC | 16-pin SOIC | 16-pin SOIC | 16-pin SOIC | 16-pin SOIC |
| Product Type | Dual RS-232 line driver/receiver | Dual RS-232 line driver/receiver | Dual RS-232 transceiver | ESD-protected dual RS-232 transceiver | Dual RS-232 transceiver | Dual RS-232 line driver/receiver |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated single-supply RS-232 level translation (vs MAX202EEWE)
- 120 kbit/s maximum data-signaling rate (vs MAX202CDWG4)
- Pin-to-pin package continuity (vs MAX202EWE+)
- Pin-to-pin ESD protection on interface pins (vs MAX202ECWE+)
Design Notes
Place the two specified 0.1 µF charge-pump capacitors as close as practical to the MAX202CDW C+ and C- connections. Keep the charge-pump loop compact to reduce radiated and conducted noise. Route the RS-232 driver outputs directly toward the connector, keep logic-side traces away from those outputs, and provide a continuous ground path between the interface ground and the connector shield. This arrangement is particularly important when sensitive analog or measurement circuitry shares the same board.
Do not treat the integrated ±15 kV ESD protection as a complete lightning or surge solution. The protected pins are the serial-port connection pins, including ground, but cable routing, chassis grounding, connector selection, and external surge protection remain outside the IC. Also verify the exact receiver logic and driver-enable behavior in the complete datasheet before connecting powered equipment, because software-controlled shutdown can place the RS-232 outputs in a different state.
Separate the MAX202CDW charge-pump section from precision analog inputs and high-impedance measurement nodes. The device produces bipolar driver voltages from a single 5 V rail through a charge pump, so poor capacitor placement can inject periodic energy into nearby circuits. Maintain separation from clock and reference traces, avoid running RS-232 traces parallel to sensitive analog lines, and use a solid ground plane with short return paths beneath the interface region where board-routing guidelines permit.
For a 120 kbit/s RS-232 link, use a cable and connector arrangement appropriate to the intended distance and environment. RS-232 is unbalanced, so receiver thresholds depend on the difference between the signal and its local ground reference. Avoid long ground paths or split ground planes beneath the interface, and validate the receiver's input voltage range against actual cable transients. If the connected system can place ±15 kV ESD events on the cable, confirm that all external connector and grounding requirements from the complete datasheet are implemented.
Compliance Information
The verified Xecor comparison explicitly reports RoHS code Yes and lead-free/Pb-free code Yes for MAX202CDW. No verified REACH, halogen-free, conflict-minerals, or automotive-qualification statement was supplied.