MAX211CWI+ - 4/5 RS-232 Transceiver | Analog Devices
MPN: MAX211CWI+ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
MAX211CWI+ Overview
An RS-232 transceiver is an interface IC that converts between single-ended logic signals and the bipolar voltage levels used by RS-232 links. In the signal hierarchy, MAX211CWI+ belongs to interface ICs and uses driver and receiver sections to connect digital equipment across a serial cable. Its integrated charge pump doubles the supply and inverts it to produce positive and negative transmitter voltages from one +5V input.
The principal feature is its four-driver, five-receiver arrangement, which suits equipment with several serial ports, control signals, or status lines. The MAX211 family is specified for data rates above 120kbps and uses four external 0.1uF capacitors for charge-pump operation. The wide SOIC package provides a leaded surface-mount format while keeping the board footprint compatible with the MAX211 family variants identified in the supplied references.
The MAX211CWI+ is intended for +5V systems that need RS-232 drivers and receivers rather than RS-422 or RS-485 differential signaling. It can be used in data acquisition, industrial control, test equipment, and embedded serial ports. Because RS-232 is a single-ended, unbalanced interface, cable routing, grounding, and protection against transients remain important system-level considerations.
A key design consideration is that the external charge-pump capacitors must be placed close to the device and selected according to the manufacturer guidance. The receiving logic threshold and driver output levels should be checked against the connected equipment, especially when cables are long or the link includes unprotected industrial wiring. The supplied data does not provide a full electrical limit table, so values not explicitly stated there are marked as data needed rather than inferred.
This page combines the verified manufacturer and distributor product information with a cautious selection guide, package-aware comparison, and practical integration notes. It distinguishes confirmed MAX211 family details from parameters that require the complete manufacturer datasheet before design release.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX211CWI+ — 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 MAX211CWI+ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Product Type, Data Rate, Supply Voltage, Driver Count.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX211CWI+T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX211CAI
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX210
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX212
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX213
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX211CWI+ Specifications
| Product Type | RS-232 and V.28 transceiver |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5V to 5.5V |
| Number of Drivers | 4 |
| Number of Receivers | 5 |
| Data Rate | In excess of 120kbps |
| External Charge-Pump Capacitors | 4 x 0.1uF |
| Driver Output Levels | ±5V EIA/TIA-232E levels |
| Supply Type | Single +5V supply |
| Package | 28-pin wide SOIC |
| Package Pin Count | 28 pins |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free Status | Pbfree |
MAX211CWI+ 28 pins Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MAX211CWI+ (28 pins 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 MAX211CWI+.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MAX211CWI+ is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Serial Port, Data-Acquisition Equipment, Legacy Computer Serial Interface, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Embedded Service Console, Modem and Communication Equipment.
Industrial Control Serial Port
MAX211CWI+ fits legacy industrial equipment that needs multiple RS-232 control and status channels from one +5V supply. Its four drivers and five receivers provide more channel density than a single-driver transceiver, while the family data-rate capability in excess of 120kbps supports many configuration and supervisory links. Place the external 0.1uF charge-pump capacitors close to the device and route the RS-232 traces away from sensitive analog and switching nodes. Verify the actual cable length, connector protection, and grounding scheme with the complete datasheet before deployment.
Recommended
Data-Acquisition Equipment
The MAX211CWI+ is appropriate for data-acquisition systems that need a +5V RS-232 interface for a controller, modem, or laboratory instrument. Four drivers and five receivers allow multiple control and data directions without requiring four separate interface packages. The integrated charge pump supports single-supply operation, reducing the number of external rails, while the MAX211 family’s greater-than-120kbps capability is suitable for many short-distance instrument-control links. Confirm the receiver thresholds, driver loading, and protection requirements against the complete electrical specification.
Recommended
Legacy Computer Serial Interface
MAX211CWI+ can bridge a modern controller UART to a legacy RS-232 port when the system supplies 4.5V to 5.5V and uses the exact MAX211-family pin arrangement. The transceiver handles the conversion from logic-level UART signals to bipolar RS-232 levels, while the integrated charge pump supplies the required positive and negative voltage. Its 28-pin wide SOIC package is practical for a leaded surface-mount PCB. Validate the UART baud rate, cable capacitance, ground reference, and connector pinout because the provided data does not specify all receiver and driver impedance limits.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
The MAX211CWI+ is useful in test and measurement instruments that expose RS-232 control commands and return status from a +5V circuit. Multiple drivers and receivers allow command, ready, fault, and measurement-result lines to share one transceiver package. The integrated charge pump simplifies the power architecture compared with a discrete negative-rail generator, while the family supports rates in excess of 120kbps for suitable instrument links. Add appropriate transient protection at externally accessible connectors and check grounding and isolation requirements for bench equipment.
Recommended
Embedded Service Console
MAX211CWI+ can support an embedded service console where a controller must communicate through an established RS-232 diagnostic interface. The 4.5V to 5.5V operating range fits +5V embedded systems, and four drivers plus five receivers provide flexibility for command, status, and handshake lines. The 28-pin wide SOIC package allows assembly on a leaded surface-mount design, but the exact pinout must be taken from the official datasheet. Keep the charge-pump capacitor loop compact and isolate the external cable connector from sensitive logic where possible.
Recommended
Modem and Communication Equipment
MAX211CWI+ is suitable for legacy modem, terminal, and communication equipment that uses RS-232 rather than differential RS-422 or RS-485. The integrated charge pump allows a single +5V supply while producing the bipolar levels expected by the RS-232 interface. The MAX211 family’s four-driver and five-receiver organization supports several control lines in a compact package, and the family’s data-rate capability can exceed 120kbps under specified conditions. Designers should still account for cable loss, grounding, connector exposure, and transient protection.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX211CWI+ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX211CWI+T | MAX211CAI | MAX210 | MAX212 | MAX213 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Type | RS-232/V.28 transceiver | Related MAX211 ordering entry | Related MAX211 variant | Related MAX211-family transceiver | Related MAX211-family transceiver | Related MAX211-family transceiver |
| Brand | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices |
| Package | 28-pin wide SOIC | 28-pin wide SOIC | 28-pin wide SOIC | 28-pin wide SOIC | 28-pin wide SOIC | 28-pin wide SOIC |
Key Differentiators
- Four-driver, five-receiver channel density (vs MAX213)
- Single +5V charge-pump architecture (vs MAX211CWI+T)
- 120kbps-class family performance (vs MAX211CAI)
Design Notes
Place the four external 0.1uF charge-pump capacitors close to the corresponding MAX211CWI+ pins and keep the associated traces short. The verified manufacturer description confirms the capacitor value but does not provide exact placement coordinates or voltage ratings, so use the official datasheet as the controlling layout reference. Avoid routing the charge-pump loop beneath or parallel to sensitive RS-232 receiver inputs.
Design the +5V rail for the device’s supply range of 4.5V to 5.5V and follow the manufacturer’s recommended decoupling. Because the MAX211 uses integrated charge-pump circuitry, power-supply noise and layout quality can affect both converter operation and the bipolar RS-232 output. Do not infer current consumption or capacitor voltage ratings from the distributor snippets; obtain those limits from the complete datasheet.
Do not substitute MAX211-family variants solely because they share the family name. MAX211CWI+T, MAX211CAI, MAX210, MAX212, and MAX213 are listed as related alternatives, but the supplied results do not prove identical pin assignments, temperature grades, lifecycle status, or channel configurations. Verify the official package drawing and complete electrical tables before calling any of them drop-in replacements.
RS-232 links are single-ended and can be exposed to large transients when cables leave the equipment enclosure. Keep the transceiver-side routing compact, provide a defined ground reference, and add connector-side protection appropriate to the installation. The supplied data does not specify an ESD rating or external protection circuit, so those values must be established from the system requirements and manufacturer guidance.
Compliance Information
The supplied comparison source identifies MAX211CWI+ as Pbfree and RoHS compliant. No verified REACH, halogen-free, conflict-minerals, or automotive qualification information was provided.
