MAX232DG4 - 2/2 RS-232 Transceiver 120kbps | Texas Instruments
MPN: MAX232DG4 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
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| 1 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
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MAX232DG4 Overview
An RS-232 transceiver is an interface IC that converts between single-ended digital logic levels and balanced, bipolar EIA-232 signal levels. This level-shifting function belongs to the interface-IC hierarchy and is essential when connecting a 5 V microcontroller, processor, or data terminal to an RS-232 port whose logic levels use positive and negative voltages.
Key features include operation from one 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply, integrated 1.0 µF charge-pump capacitors, support for data rates to 120 kbit/s, ±30 V receiver input levels, and low typical supply current of 8 mA. Two driver and two receiver channels allow two communication links or hardware flow-control signals to be implemented in one package. The device is intended for industrial and commercial systems operating from 0°C to 70°C.
Technically, the charge-pump circuitry generates the negative voltage required by an RS-232 transmitter from the positive supply. Receivers translate bipolar line voltages into CMOS-compatible logic levels, while the specified ±30 V input tolerance helps manage transient exposure on externally routed cables. Because this is a legacy interface rather than a modern differential bus, grounding, cable routing, and protection remain important system-level concerns.
Typical uses include service and test equipment, industrial controllers, point-of-sale equipment, data acquisition systems, and embedded serial-port adapters. The MAX232DG4 is most appropriate where two RS-232 channels are useful and a 5 V supply is available. It is not suitable for voltage-mode RS-485 or RS-422 networks, and its 120 kbit/s maximum data rate is adequate for legacy serial ports rather than high-speed physical-layer protocols.
The principal design consideration is charge-pump capacitor placement. The integrated capacitors still require correct bypassing and routing around the device, while protected RS-232 lines should be kept away from clocks and sensitive analog signals. Confirm line direction, connector polarity, and the target baud rate before layout because the package contains both transmitters and receivers. This page consolidates distributor data, cross-reference information, and practical RS-232 design guidance.
The MAX232DG4 provides a practical solution for two-channel RS-232 conversion in a compact 16-SOIC. Its integrated charge pump removes the need for external voltage-generation components, while 120 kbit/s operation and ±30 V receiver tolerance make it suitable for established EIA-232 equipment. Designers should still account for cable transients, grounding, baud-rate margin, and connector signal mapping. For systems requiring galvanic isolation, modern differential buses, or operation beyond 120 kbit/s, a different interface architecture is required.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX232DG4 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX232EIDR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX232ESE+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX232EESE+T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX202CDR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DS14C232CM
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX232DG4 Specifications
| Device Type | Dual EIA-232 driver and receiver |
| Number of Drivers | 2 |
| Number of Receivers | 2 |
| Duplex | Full duplex |
| Data Rate | 120 kbit/s |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Charge-Pump Capacitors | 1.0 µF integrated |
| Receiver Input Levels | ±30 V |
| Supply Current | 8 mA typical |
| Protocol | RS-232 |
| Package | 16-pin SOIC |
| Package Width | 3.90 mm |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 70°C |
| Mounting | Surface mount |
| ESD Protection | 8 mA typical; protection specification shown in retrieved data |
| Logic Compatibility | 5 V RS-232 interface |
MAX232DG4 3.90 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MAX232DG4 (3.90 mm 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 MAX232DG4.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MAX232DG4 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Serial Controllers, Point-of-Sale Equipment, Test and Measurement Equipment, Data Acquisition Systems, Embedded Serial-Port Adapters, Service and Diagnostics Ports.
Industrial Serial Controllers
The MAX232DG4 fits industrial serial-controller designs that require two RS-232 channels from one 5 V supply. Its 2 drivers and 2 receivers support full-duplex communication, while the integrated 1.0-µF charge-pump capacitors simplify the external voltage-generation circuit. The 120 kbit/s rating is appropriate for legacy equipment links, and the 0°C to 70°C range suits temperature-controlled commercial or industrial enclosures. The designer should still route the bipolar RS-232 lines away from sensitive analog and switching circuitry.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Equipment
The MAX232DG4 is useful in point-of-sale terminals and peripheral interfaces that communicate with legacy RS-232 printers or scanners. Two drivers and two receivers can support separate transmit and receive paths or data and flow-control signals. Operation from 4.5 V to 5.5 V allows use with conventional embedded logic, while the 120 kbit/s limit is well above many legacy peripheral baud rates. Connector mapping and cable grounding must be verified before production because RS-232 is single-ended and not automatically isolated.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Equipment
The MAX232DG4 is appropriate for legacy test equipment that needs a short-distance RS-232 control or status link. The two receiver channels can monitor two control signals, while the two driver channels can provide command or handshake outputs. Its 120 kbit/s capability supports common serial-port rates, and the single 5 V supply simplifies instrument power design. Designers should verify receiver thresholds, line protection, and the exact 16-pin SOIC pinout before laying out the PCB.
Recommended
Data Acquisition Systems
The MAX232DG4 can bridge a 5 V controller to an RS-232 data-acquisition instrument that uses a legacy EIA-232 port. Its integrated charge pump eliminates the need for a separate negative supply, while the 2/2 channel arrangement allows command and response signals to be integrated efficiently. The 120 kbit/s rate is suitable for many configuration and status links. For long cables or electrically noisy installations, add appropriately rated transient protection and verify grounding to prevent data errors.
Recommended
Embedded Serial-Port Adapters
The MAX232DG4 is a practical choice for an embedded controller retrofit that needs to communicate with an RS-232 port. A microcontroller can use its logic-level UART pins while the transceiver creates the positive and negative line voltages required by the EIA-232 standard. The 5 V supply range is compatible with many embedded boards, and two channels provide flexibility for data plus flow control. The design should account for the 120 kbit/s ceiling, RS-232 cable length, and protection against electrostatic discharge.
Recommended
Service and Diagnostics Ports
The MAX232DG4 supports service-console and diagnostics links in equipment that predates USB or Ethernet. Two driver outputs and two receiver inputs can carry a main command channel and a secondary status or service channel, depending on the system architecture. The 120 kbit/s data-rate limit is suitable for many service interfaces, and the integrated charge pump supports a compact 16-SOIC implementation. Production designs should include connector pinout documentation and test points to simplify field troubleshooting.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX232DG4 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX232EIDR | MAX232ESE+ | MAX232EESE+T | MAX202CDR | DS14C232CM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interface Type | RS-232 transceiver | RS-232 transceiver family | RS-232 transceiver family | RS-232 transceiver family | RS-232 transceiver family | RS-232 transceiver |
Key Differentiators
- Two-channel RS-232 integration (vs MAX202CDR)
- Single 5 V supply operation (vs MAX232EIDR)
- Legacy serial speed coverage (vs DS14C232CM)
- Broad receiver input tolerance (vs MAX232ESE+)
Design Notes
Place the MAX232DG4 close to the RS-232 connector and keep the charge-pump-capacitor connections short. The retrieved data confirms integrated 1.0-µF charge-pump capacitors, but the exact capacitor-pin connections and layout guidance must follow the manufacturer datasheet. Keep the protected line side away from clocks, ADC inputs, and other sensitive analog nodes to reduce capacitive and inductive coupling.
Do not treat MAX232DG4 as an RS-485 or RS-422 interface. It generates bipolar, single-ended EIA-232 levels from one 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply and is limited to 120 kbit/s. Confirm that the host UART, connector D-sub pin mapping, ground reference, and cable length match the intended RS-232 application before releasing the PCB.
RS-232 cables can be exposed to ESD and other transients. The retrieved data states that the receivers tolerate input levels up to ±30 V, but that tolerance is not a substitute for application-specific surge protection. Evaluate the connector, cable length, grounding strategy, and required ESD protection while maintaining compatibility with the MAX232DG4 input and logic levels.
At the specified maximum rate of 120 kbit/s, route each RS-232 signal as a controlled interface trace and provide a clear ground reference to the connected equipment. Avoid long stubs and sharp impedance discontinuities. Because the transmitter is designed for voltage-mode signaling rather than a differential bus, use the datasheet's recommended termination and protection arrangements for the target connector and cable environment.
Compliance Information
The supplied verified data does not explicitly provide RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-mineral status. The operating-temperature range and interface use are consistent with an industrial/commercial component, but no compliance qualification should be inferred from that.