MAX232CPE-C70055 - RS-232 Transceiver | Analog Devices
MPN: MAX232CPE-C70055 ✓ ActiveMAX232CPE-C70055 Overview
The MAX232 family belongs to the interface-IC hierarchy: RS-232 transceiver -> line driver and receiver -> logic interface IC -> semiconductor. A MAX232-type device uses an on-chip charge-pump voltage converter to generate the positive and negative voltages required by RS-232 drivers. This allows a circuit powered from a single positive supply to communicate with equipment using RS-232 signal levels. The device is intended for applications where traditional RS-232 communication is required but higher-speed differential or differential alternatives are not appropriate.
The C70055 ordering suffix identifies a specific manufacturer-specified configuration associated with the MAX232CPE family. The verified product information identifies the device as a dual-driver, dual-receiver RS-232 interface IC in a 16-pin PDIP package. The standard MAX232CPE family is described as an EIA/TIA-232E and V.28/V.24-compatible interface for systems where positive and negative supply rails are unavailable. Key engineering considerations include the external charge-pump capacitor values, supply bypass, unused-line handling, and the difference between logic-level and RS-232-level signals.
Typical uses include industrial control equipment, data acquisition systems, service interfaces, test fixtures, serial adapters, and embedded equipment that needs a conventional RS-232 port. The MAX232 is most appropriate when the system uses a UART with TTL logic and requires a legacy RS-232 connector. It is not the right choice when the design needs galvanic isolation, very high data rates, long unrepeated cable distances, or modern USB-to-serial conversion.
A practical design should follow the manufacturer's application circuit, including the specified charge-pump capacitors, local supply decoupling, and controlled handling of unused receiver and driver outputs. PCB placement should keep the charge-pump loop compact and connect the connector-side return path carefully to reduce noise pickup. For a new design, verify the exact C70055 ordering code, electrical limits, and package drawings against the current Analog Devices or Maxim Integrated documentation before releasing the PCB.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX232CPE-C70055 — 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 MAX232CPE-C70055 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Interface Standard, Product Type, Package, ESD Protection, External Charge-Pump Capacitors.
MAX232CPE+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX232EPE
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →MAX232N
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →MAX202EPE+
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →MAX230CPP+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX232CPE-C70055 Specifications
| Product Type | Dual RS-232 transceiver with integrated charge-pump converter |
| Number of Driver Channels | 2 channels |
| Number of Receiver Channels | 2 channels |
| Interface Standard | EIA/TIA-232E, V.28, and V.24 |
| Input Logic Levels | TTL/CMOS-compatible UART interface |
| Package | 16-pin PDIP |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
MAX232CPE-C70055 16-pin pdip Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MAX232CPE-C70055 (16-pin pdip 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 MAX232CPE-C70055.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MAX232CPE-C70055 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial RS-232 Control Port, Data Acquisition Equipment, Test and Measurement Fixture, Embedded Serial Adapter, Serial Communication Adapter, Legacy Equipment Service Interface.
Industrial RS-232 Control Port
MAX232CPE-C70055 fits an industrial controller that exposes a conventional RS-232 service or command port. The two driver channels and two receiver channels allow a UART-equipped controller to communicate with equipment using bipolar RS-232 levels without adding a separate level converter. Its 16-pin PDIP format is particularly useful for legacy controller boards that were designed around a through-hole MAX232 footprint. The design must follow the manufacturer charge-pump and bypass-capacitor layout, while the connector interface should include suitable surge and ground-return protection.
Recommended
Data Acquisition Equipment
MAX232CPE-C70055 can provide the host-side RS-232 connection for data acquisition instruments that receive commands and return measurements. The UART logic side remains at ordinary digital levels, while the transceiver converts the signals to RS-232 voltage levels at the cable interface. Two driver and two receiver channels support bidirectional communication when the instrument needs both command transmission and status reporting. Keep the charge-pump loop compact, provide local supply decoupling, and use a stable connector ground reference to reduce measurement-system noise pickup.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Fixture
A MAX232CPE-C70055 interface is useful in test fixtures and legacy service equipment where a PC or controller must communicate through RS-232. The integrated charge pump allows the fixture to operate from one positive supply while producing the positive and negative voltage levels expected by RS-232 drivers. This reduces external circuitry and board area compared with a discrete level-shifting arrangement. Because the package is a 16-pin PDIP, the device also suits through-hole prototype boards, fixture interconnects, and products where production volume does not justify a fine-pitch redesign.
Recommended
Embedded Serial Adapter
MAX232CPE-C70055 can serve as the RS-232 physical layer beside a microcontroller, embedded processor, or programmable controller. The host UART connects to the logic-side pins, and the transceiver handles the electrical conversion to the RS-232 port. This arrangement is useful for configuration tools, firmware update ports, and equipment with legacy host software. Software should configure the UART baud rate and framing to match the connected peer, while the hardware design should reserve connector protection and test access for production troubleshooting.
Recommended
Serial Communication Adapter
MAX232CPE-C70055 is appropriate for a small RS-232 adapter that converts a TTL or CMOS UART connector into a legacy computer or instrument port. The through-hole PDIP package is easy to prototype and repair, while the integrated charge pump reduces the number of external power components. Because RS-232 is point-to-point, the adapter should expose the appropriate driver and receiver connections for each supported direction and avoid presenting multiple active drivers on one bus. Connector shields, chassis grounding, and transient protection should follow the target installation environment.
Recommended
Legacy Equipment Service Interface
MAX232CPE-C70055 supports maintenance and diagnostic access on legacy equipment that uses RS-232 for service consoles. A technician's terminal can connect through the transceiver while the equipment controller remains on TTL/CMOS logic, allowing command exchange without changing the original bus architecture. Through-hole construction is advantageous in service-oriented products where field replacement and mechanical compatibility are priorities. The finished interface should include a clearly labeled connector, protected cable entry, and software-controlled handshake behavior to prevent unintended commands during maintenance.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX232CPE-C70055 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX232CPE+ | MAX232EPE | MAX232N | MAX202E | MAX230CPP+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PDIP-16 | PDIP-16 - same | PDIP-16 - same | PDIP-16 - same | PDIP-16 - same | PDIP-16 - same |
| Brand | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices |
| Device Type | Dual RS-232 transceiver | Dual RS-232 transceiver | RS-232 transceiver | RS-232 transceiver | RS-232 transceiver | RS-232 transceiver |
Key Differentiators
- C70055 ordering configuration within the established MAX232CPE family (vs MAX232CPE+)
- No charge-pump capacitor redesign required for the standard MAX232 architecture (vs MAX202E)
- Dual-driver and dual-receiver RS-232 interface in a through-hole package (vs MAX230CPP+)
- Same package class as the principal documented through-hole replacements (vs MAX232N)
Design Notes
Follow the manufacturer MAX232 application circuit for the charge-pump capacitors and place the capacitor connections close to the corresponding device pins. Keep the charge-pump loop compact because long traces can increase radiated noise and coupling into sensitive analog sections. Use a short ground-return path and place the supply bypass capacitor near the IC power pins rather than at the connector or system regulator.
Do not substitute MAX202E without reviewing the capacitor values: manufacturer guidance states that MAX202E uses 0.1 uF charge-pump capacitors, whereas MAX232 uses 1 uF. A footprint-compatible part can still require component-value changes. Likewise, confirm the numbered pinout, operating-temperature grade, and C70055 ordering requirements before treating another MAX232-family suffix as a drop-in replacement.
Add appropriate transient and surge protection at an exposed RS-232 connector because the transceiver is intended for cable-connected equipment. Keep protection-device routing away from the charge-pump and receiver paths, and terminate unused inputs according to the manufacturer guidance. Use a properly referenced connector ground and shield arrangement to reduce common-mode noise and prevent surge current from entering the logic-side circuitry.
Configure the UART baud rate, data bits, parity, and stop bits consistently on both connected devices, and avoid relying on RS-232 for multipoint buses. RS-232 is intended for point-to-point communication, so only one active driver should drive a given signal line. If the cable is long or crosses industrial noise sources, validate the complete interface rather than assuming the logic-side UART timing alone guarantees reliable reception.
Compliance Information
The available product excerpts do not state the required compliance status for the C70055 ordering code.