MAX202IPW - 5V Dual RS-232 Transceiver | Texas Instruments
MPN: MAX202IPW ✓ ActiveMAX202IPW Overview
An RS-232 transceiver is an interface IC that converts logic-level signals into RS-232-compatible differential voltage levels and converts received RS-232 signals back into logic levels. The MAX202 belongs to the RS-232 transceiver hierarchy, combining line drivers, line receivers, and a dual charge-pump circuit in one package. It connects asynchronous communication controllers, such as microcontrollers and UART peripherals, to RS-232 serial ports.
Key features include a nominal 5 V supply, operation across a 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply range, ±9 V output swing, and ±15 kV human-body-model ESD protection on the serial-port pins. The IC supports operation to 120 kbit/s and includes on-chip charge-pump circuitry, reducing the external component count compared with discrete RS-232 designs.
The MAX202 provides two drivers and two receivers, allowing two RS-232 links to be implemented with one device. Its on-chip dual charge pump generates the voltage conversion required by the transmitter stage. Four external 0.1 µF capacitors support the charge-pump function, and the device is designed to meet TIA/EIA-232-F and ITU V.28 interface requirements.
Typical applications include industrial serial-port equipment, data-acquisition systems, point-of-sale terminals, service interfaces, embedded control systems, and legacy peripheral connectivity. The MAX202IPW is particularly appropriate where compact PCB area, bidirectional RS-232 communication, and built-in ESD protection are important.
Designers should place the four 0.1 µF charge-pump capacitors close to their associated pins, maintain short return paths, and connect the transceiver ground to the equipment ground. Cable-side ESD protection and isolation requirements should be evaluated separately because the integrated ±15 kV protection specification does not remove the need for a robust mechanical and grounding design.
This product data combines the verified manufacturer specifications with same-package replacement analysis, practical layout guidance, and a parameter-by-parameter comparison. It is intended to help engineers identify whether a candidate is truly pin-compatible rather than merely functionally similar.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX202IPW — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
MAX202CPWR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TRS202IPWR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX202IPW Specifications
| Product Type | Dual RS-232 line driver and receiver |
| Nominal Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Maximum Data Rate | 120 kbit/s |
| Driver Configuration | 2 line drivers |
| Receiver Configuration | 2 line receivers |
| RS-232 Output Swing | ±9 V |
| ESD Protection | ±15 kV human-body model, pin-to-pin |
| External Charge-Pump Capacitor | 0.1 µF each |
| External Capacitor Count | 4 capacitors |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| Package | 16-pin TSSOP (PW) |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| Interface Compliance | TIA/EIA-232-F and ITU V.28 |
| Latch-Up Performance | Designed to be interchangeable with the Maxim MAX202 |
MAX202IPW Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | R1OUT — Receiver 1 output |
| Pin 2 | R1IN — Receiver 1 input |
| Pin 3 | R2OUT — Receiver 2 output |
| Pin 4 | R2IN — Receiver 2 input |
| Pin 5 | T1IN — Driver 1 input |
| Pin 6 | T2IN — Driver 2 input |
| Pin 7 | T1OUT — Driver 1 output |
| Pin 8 | T2OUT — Driver 2 output |
| Pin 9 | V+ — Charge-pump positive output |
| Pin 10 | V- — Charge-pump negative output |
| Pin 11 | C1+ — Charge-pump capacitor 1 positive input |
| Pin 12 | C1- — Charge-pump capacitor 1 negative input |
| Pin 13 | C2- — Charge-pump capacitor 2 negative input |
| Pin 14 | C2+ — Charge-pump capacitor 2 positive input |
| Pin 15 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 16 | VCC — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
MAX202IPW is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Serial-Port Control, Data-Acquisition Equipment, Point-of-Sale Terminal Interface, Embedded Service and Configuration Port, Legacy Peripheral Connectivity, Communication and Networking Equipment.
Industrial Serial-Port Control
The MAX202IPW fits industrial RS-232 control links because it combines two transmitters and two receivers in one 16-pin TSSOP package while operating from a 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply. A microcontroller UART can drive the receiver inputs, and the dual charge-pump outputs support ±9 V RS-232 line levels. The documented -40 °C to +85 °C range is useful for factory equipment, but the PCB must keep all four 0.1 µF charge-pump capacitors close to their assigned pins and provide a low-impedance ground return.
Recommended
Data-Acquisition Equipment
The MAX202IPW is appropriate for data-acquisition equipment that must communicate with legacy RS-232 instruments. Its two-driver, two-receiver arrangement supports bidirectional command and response traffic, and the 120 kbit/s maximum rate covers many low- or moderate-speed serial protocols. The integrated dual charge pump avoids a discrete voltage-conversion circuit, while ±15 kV human-body-model ESD protection adds protection at the serial-port pins. Designers should still verify instrument logic levels, handshake polarity, grounding, and cable shielding.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminal Interface
The MAX202IPW can interface a POS controller with RS-232 peripherals such as scales, printers, or customer-facing terminals. Its 16-pin TSSOP package limits board area, and the integrated dual charge pump requires only four external 0.1 µF capacitors rather than a separate charge-pump IC. Two receivers allow status or acknowledgment lines to be monitored while two drivers handle command and data paths. The 120 kbit/s limit suits conventional low-speed transaction traffic, but protocol timing and signal-level compatibility must be checked against each peripheral.
Recommended
Embedded Service and Configuration Port
The MAX202IPW is well suited to embedded products that expose a service or configuration connector using RS-232. Its two transmit channels can carry commands and data, while the two receive channels support device responses and status feedback. Operation from a single nominal 5 V rail simplifies connection to embedded processors, and the integrated charge pump reduces external part count. Because service ports may be connected by operators using untrusted cables, chassis grounding and additional cable-side protection should be evaluated alongside the integrated ±15 kV HBM protection.
Recommended
Legacy Peripheral Connectivity
The MAX202IPW provides a compact bridge between modern digital logic and legacy RS-232 peripherals. The controller-side receiver inputs accept compatible logic signals, while the driver outputs produce the verified ±9 V RS-232 swing required by the link. With two drivers and two receivers, one IC can implement a full-duplex command path plus auxiliary control lines. Its 120 kbit/s ceiling is appropriate for many printer, instrument, and adapter interfaces, although cable length, topology, and the peripheral's electrical standard remain important design constraints.
Recommended
Communication and Networking Equipment
The MAX202IPW can support RS-232 management or console ports on communication equipment where space is constrained. Its 16-pin TSSOP package and two-channel transceiver arrangement allow a controller to establish bidirectional management links without occupying two separate interface devices. The 5 V supply operation, 120 kbit/s data rate, and ±15 kV HBM-rated serial pins align with conventional console and out-of-band management interfaces. The implementation should separate logic and cable grounds where appropriate and verify the RS-232 standard of the connected network-management equipment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX202IPW — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX202CPWR | TRS202IPWR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-pin TSSOP (PW) | 16-pin TSSOP (PW) | 16-pin TSSOP (PW) |
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Product Function | Dual RS-232 line driver and receiver | MAX202-family dual RS-232 transceiver | RS-232 transceiver |
Key Differentiators
- Broader verified industrial temperature range than the MAX202CPWR candidate (vs MAX202CPWR)
- Explicit MAX202 interchangeability positioning (vs TRS202IPWR)
- Documented 120 kbit/s operation and ±9 V output swing (vs TRS202IPWR)
Design Notes
Place the four 0.1 µF charge-pump capacitors as close as practical to the C1+, C1-, C2-, and C2+ pins. Keep their return paths short and connect the capacitor ground ends to the device ground with minimal loop area. The manufacturer states that the MAX202 uses four external capacitors; changing their values or moving them far from the IC can impair charge-pump performance and signal integrity.
Route the two driver outputs toward the connector and the two receiver inputs toward the controller while minimizing exposure to fast-edge switching nodes and unrelated high-current paths. Maintain a compact ground reference beneath the interface circuitry and use the board ground as the return for the RS-232 cable when the application permits direct grounding. Review the connector and cable routing for external ESD sources rather than relying only on the IC's ±15 kV HBM rating.
Do not treat a device with the same function as a drop-in replacement without comparing the physical package, driver and receiver pin assignments, and all four charge-pump capacitor connections. The supplied data specifically notes that MAX202IPW and MAX202CUE+ use different CPIN and CPOUT capacitor arrangements. Also confirm the replacement's operating-temperature grade, 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply range, 120 kbit/s rate, output swing, and ESD rating before releasing a substitution.
Compliance Information
The verified data confirms TIA/EIA-232-F and ITU V.28 interface requirements and ±15 kV human-body-model ESD protection. No verified RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals statements were included in the supplied excerpts.