MAX232ACSE+T - 5V RS-232 Transceiver, 2 Driver/2 Receiver | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX232ACSE+T ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.95 | $4.95 |
| 10 | $4.45 | $44.50 |
| 100 | $3.62 | $362.00 |
| 500 | $3.05 | $1,525.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.55 | $2,550.00 |
MAX232ACSE+T Overview
What is an RS-232 transceiver? An RS-232 transceiver is a type of line driver/receiver IC that translates logic-level UART signals (0V/5V or 0V/3.3V) to the bipolar ±5V to ±15V voltage levels defined by the EIA/TIA-232E and V.28/V.24 standards, enabling reliable data transmission between a microcontroller/FPGA and legacy serial ports, modems, point-of-sale terminals, and industrial instrumentation over cables up to 15 meters. The MAX232 family belongs to the broader category hierarchy: RS-232 transceiver -> line driver/receiver -> interface IC -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor.
Key features include a wide +4.5V to +5.5V single-supply range, on-board dual charge pump (no external ±12V required), 200 kbps guaranteed data rate, ±30V receiver input tolerance (HBM ESD on older MAX232 revisions), 1 µA low-power shutdown mode, and integrated ESD protection on the RS-232 pins (device-dependent). The NSOIC-16 surface-mount package provides a compact footprint suitable for industrial, embedded, and consumer designs.
The architecture uses an internal oscillator and four external 0.1uF charge-pump capacitors (C1+, C1-, C2+, C2-, V+, V-) to generate the required RS-232 voltage rails from a single +5V source. Drivers invert and level-shift TTL/CMOS inputs, while receivers accept bipolar RS-232 inputs and re-emit TTL/CMOS logic levels. The MAX232A variant specifies a higher slew rate than the original MAX232, supporting the 200 kbps data rate.
Typical applications include industrial PLC serial ports, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, embedded microcontroller UART bridges, legacy PC peripheral interconnects, GPS module interfaces, and battery-backed service equipment. The single +5V supply eliminates the bulky ±12V rails required by older RS-232 designs, simplifying power architecture.
When designing with the MAX232ACSE+T, place the four charge-pump capacitors (typically 0.1uF ceramic) as close as possible to the C1+, C1-, C2+, C2-, V+, and V- pins to minimize ripple on the generated RS-232 rails. For applications requiring higher ESD protection or faster data rates, consider the SP3232E or MAX3232 family (3.0V to 5.5V supply).
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, application circuit recommendations, and design guidance not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX232ACSE+T — 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 MAX232ACSE+T (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX232ACSE+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX232CSE+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX232EESE+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SP3232EBCN-L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SP3232EBCA-L/TR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX3232CSE+
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.7939 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX232ACSE+T Specifications
| Function | RS-232 Transceiver (2 Driver / 2 Receiver) |
| Data Rate | 200 kbps |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of Drivers | 2 |
| Number of Receivers | 2 |
| Duplex | Full |
| Receiver Input Voltage Range | ±30 V (HBM ESD tolerance on RS-232 inputs) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C (C grade) |
| Package | 16-SOIC (NSOIC, narrow body, 0.154" / 3.90 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Charge Pump Capacitors | 4 x 0.1 µF external (typical) |
| Shutdown Mode | Yes (active-low, device-dependent) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (+T suffix) |
MAX232ACSE+T Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | C1+ — Charge pump capacitor 1 positive terminal |
| Pin 2 | V+ — Charge pump generated +10V output |
| Pin 3 | C1- — Charge pump capacitor 1 negative terminal |
| Pin 4 | C2+ — Charge pump capacitor 2 positive terminal |
| Pin 5 | C2- — Charge pump capacitor 2 negative terminal |
| Pin 6 | V- — Charge pump generated -10V output |
| Pin 7 | T2OUT — RS-232 driver 2 output |
| Pin 8 | R2IN — RS-232 receiver 2 input |
| Pin 9 | R2OUT — TTL/CMOS receiver 2 output |
| Pin 10 | T2IN — TTL/CMOS driver 2 input |
| Pin 11 | T1IN — TTL/CMOS driver 1 input |
| Pin 12 | R1OUT — TTL/CMOS receiver 1 output |
| Pin 13 | R1IN — RS-232 receiver 1 input |
| Pin 14 | T1OUT — RS-232 driver 1 output |
| Pin 15 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 16 | VCC — +4.5V to +5.5V supply |
Typical Applications
MAX232ACSE+T is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial PLC Serial Communication, Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal RS-232 Ports, Microcontroller UART-to-RS-232 Bridge, GPS Module Serial Interface, Legacy PC Peripheral Interconnect, Battery-Backed Service Equipment, Modem and Telecommunication Equipment.
Industrial PLC Serial Communication
The MAX232ACSE+T is widely deployed as the RS-232 interface between industrial PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and HMIs, programming ports, and SCADA systems. Its single-rail +5V operation eliminates the need for ±12V rails in the PLC cabinet, while the 200 kbps data rate supports Modbus RTU and proprietary serial protocols at typical 9600-115200 baud rates. The integrated charge pump and four 0.1uF capacitors deliver robust ±10V RS-232 levels over cables up to 15 m. Compared to optoisolated RS-485 transceivers, the MAX232ACSE+T provides simpler point-to-point connectivity for programming and diagnostics. Place the charge-pump capacitors within 3 mm of pins 1-6 and route the ESD-sensitive RS-232 traces away from switching nodes to maximize noise immunity in industrial environments.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal RS-232 Ports
The MAX232ACSE+T is a standard RS-232 transceiver in POS terminals, connecting barcode scanners, receipt printers, cash drawer triggers, and customer displays to the main terminal controller. Its compact NSOIC-16 footprint fits space-constrained terminal enclosures, while the 4.5V-5.5V supply matches the typical +5V logic rail of embedded controllers. The 200 kbps data rate comfortably exceeds the 115200 baud commonly used by POS peripherals. The MAX232ACSE+T's on-board charge pump eliminates the bulky DC-DC converters needed for legacy RS-232 designs, reducing BOM and PCB area. For battery-powered terminals, an optional shutdown pin reduces quiescent current to 1 µA between transactions, extending operational hours.
Recommended
Microcontroller UART-to-RS-232 Bridge
Embedded designs commonly use the MAX232ACSE+T to bridge a 3.3V or 5V microcontroller UART (TX/RX logic levels) to an external DB-9 RS-232 port for firmware updates, debugging, and field-service connections. The MAX232ACSE+T handles the bidirectional voltage translation between the MCU's 0-5V CMOS logic and the ±10V RS-232 signaling. The integrated charge pump removes the need for external DC-DC converters, and the 200 kbps data rate supports standard baud rates up to 115200 with margin. For battery-powered IoT devices, the optional shutdown pin enables near-zero quiescent current when the RS-232 port is idle. Reference designs from Maxim pair the MAX232ACSE+T with 8051, PIC, and ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers.
Recommended
GPS Module Serial Interface
GPS receiver modules typically output NMEA 0183 sentences over UART at 4800 to 115200 baud using 0-3.3V or 0-5V CMOS logic, but some configurations require RS-232 levels for transmission over longer cables to navigation equipment, marine displays, or vehicle telematics systems. The MAX232ACSE+T serves as the level translator between the GPS module UART and the RS-232 host, with 200 kbps capability providing ample margin over typical NMEA traffic rates. The compact NSOIC-16 footprint allows placement near the DB-9 connector on marine and aviation equipment PCBs, while the +5V supply aligns with most automotive and marine power systems. For vehicular applications, consider the AEC-Q100-qualified MAX232EESE+ variant.
Recommended
Legacy PC Peripheral Interconnect
Industrial PCs, test instruments, and laboratory equipment often include RS-232 (DB-9) ports for connecting legacy peripherals, sensors, and service tools. The MAX232ACSE+T provides the RS-232 transceiver function on the motherboard or add-in card, accepting TTL/CMOS UART signals from the system controller ASIC or Super-IO chip. The single +5V supply matches the standard PC power rails, and the integrated charge pump with four 0.1uF capacitors generates the required bipolar RS-232 levels. The 200 kbps data rate supports legacy peripherals at standard baud rates. Compared to USB-to-serial bridges, the MAX232ACSE+T retains native RS-232 hardware compatibility for legacy software drivers and industrial protocols.
Recommended
Battery-Backed Service Equipment
Service equipment such as portable diagnostic tools, handheld terminals, and battery-powered industrial instruments rely on the MAX232ACSE+T for serial connectivity while drawing minimal quiescent current between transactions. The 1 µA shutdown mode (when enabled via the SHDN pin on similar-density family members) preserves battery life when the RS-232 port is idle. The +4.5V to +5.5V supply range operates directly from a 4-cell NiMH or single-cell Li-ion + boost converter arrangement. The robust ±30V receiver input tolerance protects against miswiring and ESD events commonly encountered in field-service scenarios. The NSOIC-16 package fits within tight handheld enclosures alongside LCDs, keypads, and battery management circuits.
Recommended
Modem and Telecommunication Equipment
External dial-up modems, terminal adapters, and legacy telecommunication equipment use the MAX232ACSE+T as the DTE/DCE interface IC between the data pump and the RJ-11 telephone line interface. The full-duplex 2-driver/2-receiver configuration supports both transmit and receive data plus optional RTS/CTS handshaking. The 200 kbps data rate accommodates V.90 56k modem and various leased-line driver requirements. The bipolar ±10V RS-232 signal swing generated by the internal charge pump meets the EIA/TIA-232E and V.28/V.24 standards for reliable communication over telecom-grade cables. For modern broadband equipment, the MAX232ACSE+T is often used for service-port and console-port serial connectivity.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX232ACSE+T — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX232ACSE+ | MAX232CSE+ | MAX232EESE+ | SP3232EBCN-L | MAX3232CSE+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-SOIC (NSOIC) | 16-SOIC (NSOIC) - same | 16-SOIC (NSOIC) - same | 16-SOIC (NSOIC) - same | 16-SOIC (NSOIC) - same | 16-SOIC (NSOIC) - same |
| Brand | Analog Devices / Maxim Integrated | Analog Devices / Maxim Integrated | Analog Devices / Maxim Integrated | Analog Devices / Maxim Integrated | MaxLinear (formerly Sipex) | Analog Devices / Maxim Integrated |
| Data Rate | 200 kbps | 200 kbps | 120 kbps | 200 kbps | 250 kbps | 250 kbps |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V | 3.0V to 5.5V | 3.0V to 5.5V |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C (C grade) | 0°C to +70°C | 0°C to +70°C | -40°C to +85°C | 0°C to +70°C | 0°C to +70°C |
| ESD Protection (HBM) | Standard (device-dependent) | Standard | Standard | Standard | 15 kV | 15 kV (E variant) |
| Drivers / Receivers | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Charge Pump Caps | 4 x 0.1 µF | 4 x 0.1 µF | 4 x 0.1 µF | 4 x 0.1 µF | 4 x 0.1 µF | 4 x 0.1 µF |
Key Differentiators
- Maxim Integrated / Analog Devices heritage with broadest distributor availability (vs SP3232EBCN-L)
- Higher slew rate for 200 kbps vs original MAX232CSE+ 120 kbps (vs MAX232CSE+)
- Single-supply +5V operation eliminates ±12V rails (vs Discrete RS-232 designs with DC-DC converters)
Design Notes
Place the four charge-pump capacitors (C1+, C1-, C2+, C2-) within 3 mm of their respective pins and use 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors (X7R or X5R) with low-ESR. Route the V+ and V- traces (pins 2 and 6) away from sensitive analog signals because these rails carry switching noise from the charge-pump oscillator at approximately 125 kHz. A small ferrite bead on the VCC supply line can further reduce conducted noise injection into upstream regulators.
The RS-232 driver outputs (T1OUT, T2OUT) slew at the MAX232A's higher rate (vs original MAX232) to support 200 kbps. Maintain controlled impedance on RS-232 traces if cable lengths exceed 3 m, and keep driver output traces short and direct to the DB-9 connector. Add 100 pF to 1 nF ceramic bypass capacitors on each RS-232 output pin for additional EMI suppression in noisy industrial environments.
Do not substitute polarized capacitors (tantalum or electrolytic) for the charge-pump capacitors - the bipolar voltage swings across C1+ to C1- and C2+ to C2- require non-polarized ceramic or film capacitors. Using polarized capacitors will result in catastrophic failure during power-up or charge-pump reversal. Also, ensure the VCC decoupling capacitor (0.1 µF) is on the supply pin (16) within 5 mm.
The MAX232ACSE+T in NSOIC-16 has a theta_JA of approximately 120 °C/W. At full-duplex operation with both drivers loaded at 5 mA RS-232 typical, internal power dissipation is roughly 30-40 mW, resulting in a 4-5 °C temperature rise above ambient. No heatsink is required. In enclosed industrial environments with ambient temperatures approaching +70 °C, ensure adequate airflow or thermal relief copper pour to maintain junction temperature below +150 °C.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Maxim Integrated product declarations. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose MAX232E or MAX232I variants for automotive. Halogen-free per JEDEC JS709. Tape and reel packaging (+T suffix) compliant with EIA-481.
