MAX3232CPE+ - 3.0V to 5.5V Dual RS-232 Transceiver | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX3232CPE+ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $10.5565 | $10.56 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
MAX3232CPE+ Overview
An RS-232 transceiver is an interface IC that bridges the voltage-domain difference between digital logic and the bipolar, noise-tolerant RS-232 standard. MAX3232 belongs to the RS-232 transceiver hierarchy, which sits above interface ICs and semiconductor devices. Its dual charge-pump design generates the positive and negative voltages required by true RS-232 while operating from a single low-voltage supply.
The key verified features include a 3.0V minimum and 5.5V maximum supply range, operation up to 1 Mbps, two drivers and two receivers, true RS-232 operation, and four external 0.1 uF charge-pump capacitors. The MAX3232CPE+ is identified by distributors as a 16-PDIP through-hole device. One distributor result also associates the family with low-power operation, making it suitable for portable and embedded systems where supply current and board area matter.
The device uses a dual charge-pump architecture with a proprietary low-dropout transmitter output stage. This architecture provides true RS-232 output levels from a single 3.0V to 5.5V supply. The required charge-pump capacitors should be placed close to their associated pins, and the external capacitor values should follow the manufacturer datasheet rather than general-purpose substitution assumptions.
Typical applications include RS-232 adapters, industrial serial controllers, test equipment, POS terminals, embedded debug ports, and communication links to legacy computers or peripherals. The two-driver, two-receiver arrangement supports bidirectional point-to-point serial links when paired with the appropriate line-side protection and connector design.
When designing a board, reserve a dedicated 16-pin PDIP footprint, route the charge-pump network close to the IC, and keep RS-232 traces away from sensitive analog or high-speed digital signals. Add appropriate transient protection according to the cable length and exposure to industrial transients; the supplied data does not specify an external protection component, so protection selection remains a board-level design decision.
This page combines distributor pricing, verified electrical facts, source links, and engineering-oriented design guidance for engineers evaluating MAX3232CPE+ procurement and implementation.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX3232CPE+ — 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 MAX3232CPE+ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Device Type, Maximum Data Rate, Mounting Type, Package, Supply Voltage Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX232CPE+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX3232CPA+
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX3232CPE+ Specifications
| Device Type | RS-232 transceiver |
| Number of Drivers | 2 |
| Number of Receivers | 2 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Maximum Data Rate | 1 Mbps |
| External Charge-Pump Capacitors | 4 x 0.1 uF |
| Interface Standard | True RS-232 |
| Logic Compatibility | TTL/CMOS |
| Architecture | Dual charge-pump |
| Package | 16-pin PDIP |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
MAX3232CPE+ 16-pin pdip Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MAX3232CPE+ (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 MAX3232CPE+.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MAX3232CPE+ is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial RS-232 Control Links, Embedded UART Serial Ports, Legacy Computer Peripherals, Test and Measurement Equipment, POS and Retail Terminal Interfaces, Communication and Debug Interfaces.
Industrial RS-232 Control Links
MAX3232CPE+ fits industrial serial-control links that need true RS-232 levels from a 3.0V to 5.5V logic supply. Its two drivers and two receivers support a bidirectional point-to-point connection, while the verified 1 Mbps capability provides headroom above common 115.2 kbit/s control rates. Place the four 0.1 uF charge-pump capacitors close to the IC and add cable-side transient protection appropriate to the installation environment.
Recommended
Embedded UART Serial Ports
The MAX3232CPE+ is appropriate for embedded systems that expose a legacy RS-232 connector from a 3.3V or 5V UART. A single transceiver handles both logic-to-line driver and line-to-logic receiver functions, reducing external circuitry. Verify the UART voltage levels and connector pinout during design-in; the supplied data does not specify operating temperature or ESD limits.
Recommended
Legacy Computer Peripherals
Use MAX3232CPE+ when an embedded controller must communicate with a legacy RS-232 peripheral or service port. The device translates between TTL/CMOS logic and true RS-232 levels, while its 1 Mbps rated operation allows higher-speed links than the traditional 115.2 kbit/s range when the connected equipment supports it. Keep the RS-232 trace away from sensitive analog circuitry.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Equipment
MAX3232CPE+ can be used in test and measurement equipment that needs a robust RS-232 service or configuration port. The 3.0V to 5.5V supply range supports common instrument logic rails, and the dedicated RS-232 transceiver simplifies the interface compared with discrete level conversion. For bench equipment, add protection and consider cable length, grounding, and ESD exposure during the system-level design.
Recommended
POS and Retail Terminal Interfaces
The MAX3232CPE+ is suitable for serial connectivity in point-of-sale and retail terminal equipment where a dedicated RS-232 port is required. Its dual-driver, dual-receiver organization supports the standard bidirectional RS-232 signal set, and the PDIP package facilitates through-hole assembly in products that are not constrained to ultra-small form factors. Validate grounding and transient protection for the deployed cable environment.
Recommended
Communication and Debug Interfaces
MAX3232CPE+ can provide a wired RS-232 debug or configuration interface for boards that retain through-hole assembly. The transceiver’s single-supply operation removes the need for a separate external RS-232 line-power supply, while the charge-pump network generates the required bipolar signaling. Design the connector, grounding, and protection network with the cable environment in mind rather than treating the IC as a complete surge-protection solution.
Recommended
Engineering reference data for MAX3232CPE+ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX3232CSE+ | MAX3232CWE+ | MAX232CPE+ | MAX3232CPA+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-pin PDIP | 16-pin SOIC | 16-pin SOIC | 16-pin PDIP | 16-pin PDIP |
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated |
| Device Type | RS-232 transceiver | RS-232 transceiver | RS-232 transceiver | RS-232 transceiver family | RS-232 transceiver family |
| Mounting Style | Through Hole | SMD/SMT | SMD/SMT | Through Hole | Through Hole |
Key Differentiators
- Through-hole package option (vs MAX3232CSE+)
- Verified single-supply operation (vs MAX3232CPA+)
- True RS-232 conversion (vs MAX232CPE+)
Design Notes
Connect the MAX3232CPE+ to a 3.0V to 5.5V supply within the verified operating range, and place the required 0.1 uF charge-pump capacitors close to the associated IC pins. The supplied data does not specify supply-current limits, so use the manufacturer datasheet for quiescent and load-current calculations rather than estimating from the family description.
Reserve the exact 16-pin PDIP footprint for MAX3232CPE+ and verify the pin numbering against the manufacturer datasheet before fabrication. The verified search results do not provide a complete pin table, so no pin names are asserted here. Keep the charge-pump loop compact and route RS-232 traces away from sensitive analog nodes.
Do not substitute MAX3232CSE+ or MAX3232CWE+ directly on a MAX3232CPE+ board without checking the package transition. The verified Xecor comparison identifies MAX3232CSE+ as surface-mount SOIC while MAX3232CPE+ is through-hole PDIP. Also do not assume the IC replaces external cable protection; use connector-side transient protection appropriate to the cable environment.
Treat the RS-232 connector, transceiver, and cable interface as a system-level signal-integrity and protection design. Keep high-current and switching paths away from the RS-232 output and receiver traces, provide a defined ground reference, and validate the completed board with the intended cable length and equipment grounding arrangement.
Compliance Information
The supplied search results identify MAX3232CPE+ as lead-free in one generic listing, but they do not provide a reliable manufacturer compliance statement. RoHS, REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status are therefore recorded as unknown.
