MAX3232CSE+ - 1Mbps Dual RS-232 Transceiver | Maxim
MPN: MAX3232CSE+ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.7939 | $0.79 |
| 10 | $0.7939 | $7.94 |
| 100 | $0.7939 | $79.39 |
| 500 | $0.7939 | $396.95 |
| 1,000 | $0.7939 | $793.90 |
MAX3232CSE+ Overview
A true RS-232 transceiver translates logic-level signals between CMOS-compatible systems and the voltage-defined RS-232 interface. Unlike a TTL or CMOS serial interface, RS-232 uses positive and negative signal voltages to represent data. The MAX3232CSE+ uses dual charge pumps and external capacitors to generate the required positive and negative transmitter voltage levels, allowing a single 3.0V-to-5.5V supply to interface with a conventional RS-232 port.
The device provides two transmit channels and two receive channels, making it suitable for bidirectional serial links, industrial-control connections, test equipment, and embedded systems that need RS-232 compatibility. Its low-power design is appropriate for portable and embedded equipment, while the 1Mbps capability supports higher-speed serial communication than many legacy RS-232 implementations. The verified data identifies the MAX3232CSE+ as a 16-SOIC device, suitable for surface-mount PCB assembly.
The external charge-pump capacitors are central to operation and must be placed close to the relevant pins. Layout, capacitor stability, supply decoupling, grounding, and protection-network design should follow the manufacturer datasheet recommendations. Because the verified excerpts do not provide complete electrical-characteristic tables or exact charge-pump capacitor values, those details should be confirmed from the official manufacturer datasheet before production release.
This page consolidates the verified distributor descriptions, package information, pricing reference, and application-oriented design guidance for engineers evaluating the MAX3232CSE+. It also distinguishes verified data from parameters requiring direct confirmation from the manufacturer datasheet, avoiding unsupported specifications.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX3232CSE+ — 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 MAX3232CSE+ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Mounting Type, Device Type, Maximum Data Rate, Supply Voltage Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX3232ECSE+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX3232CSE+T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX3232CSE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX3232CDR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX3232CPE+
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →MAX3232CSE+ Specifications
| Device Type | Dual RS-232 transceiver |
| Number of Drivers | 2 |
| Number of Receivers | 2 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0V to 5.5V |
| Maximum Data Rate | Up to 1Mbps |
| Interface Standard | True RS-232 |
| Technology | RS-232, CMOS |
| Power Class | Low-power |
| Charge-Pump Architecture | Dual charge pump |
| External Capacitors | Four 0.1uF external capacitors |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0C to +70C |
| Package | 16-SOIC narrow |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Logic Supply | 3.3V |
| Lead-Free Status | Lead-free |
| Data-Rate Guarantee | Up to 1Mbps |
MAX3232CSE+ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | C1+ — Charge-pump capacitor terminal; verify exact connection in the manufacturer datasheet |
| Pin 2 | C1- — Charge-pump capacitor terminal; verify exact connection in the manufacturer datasheet |
| Pin 3 | C2+ — Charge-pump capacitor terminal; verify exact connection in the manufacturer datasheet |
| Pin 4 | C2- — Charge-pump capacitor terminal; verify exact connection in the manufacturer datasheet |
| Pin 5 | VCC — Positive supply input |
| Pin 6 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | RIN1 — Receiver input 1 |
| Pin 8 | ROUT1 — Receiver output 1 |
| Pin 9 | RIN2 — Receiver input 2 |
| Pin 10 | ROUT2 — Receiver output 2 |
| Pin 11 | TIN1 — Transmitter input 1 |
| Pin 12 | TOUT1 — Transmitter output 1 |
| Pin 13 | TIN2 — Transmitter input 2 |
| Pin 14 | TOUT2 — Transmitter output 2 |
| Pin 15 | V+ — Positive charge-pump output or storage node; verify against datasheet |
| Pin 16 | V- — Negative charge-pump output or storage node; verify against datasheet |
Typical Applications
MAX3232CSE+ is suitable for 6 applications: Embedded RS-232 Serial Links, Industrial Control Equipment, Test and Measurement Interfaces, Data Acquisition and Telemetry, POS and Peripheral Connectivity, Portable and Battery-Powered Equipment.
Embedded RS-232 Serial Links
The MAX3232CSE+ fits embedded systems that need to connect a CMOS or TTL controller to a legacy RS-232 port. Its two transmitters and two receivers allow multiple serial directions or two communication channels in one device, while the verified 3.0V-to-5.5V supply range supports common 3.3V and 5V system rails. The low-power implementation is useful when the host does not have a native RS-232 transceiver. External 0.1uF charge-pump capacitors should be placed according to the manufacturer layout guidance.
Recommended
Industrial Control Equipment
MAX3232CSE+ is suitable for industrial-control equipment that exposes an RS-232 configuration, diagnostic, or service interface. The 1Mbps capability provides more bandwidth than older low-rate serial links, while the dual-channel arrangement can support separate command and telemetry paths. The verified operating-temperature excerpt lists 0C to +70C, so the MAX3232ECSE+ candidate should be considered when a wider -40C to +85C range is required. Protection, grounding, and cable filtering remain application-specific.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Interfaces
The MAX3232CSE+ can provide the physical RS-232 interface used by programmable instruments, laboratory equipment, and service consoles. Its low-power single-supply operation simplifies systems that already operate from 3.3V or 5V, and the 1Mbps specification is useful for configuration data and instrument-control traffic. Designers should verify the complete timing and electrical characteristics from the manufacturer datasheet and add suitable transient protection when cables leave protected equipment areas.
Recommended
Data Acquisition and Telemetry
MAX3232CSE+ is appropriate for telemetry and data-acquisition units that must report measurements or accept configuration commands through RS-232. Two drivers and two receivers provide flexibility for bidirectional communication or multiple lines, and the 1Mbps capability supports faster command traffic. In field equipment, use controlled grounding and cable routing to minimize noise susceptibility. The verified operating range is 0C to +70C; use a wider-temperature alternative when environmental requirements exceed that range.
Recommended
POS and Peripheral Connectivity
The MAX3232CSE+ can be used in point-of-sale equipment, access-control equipment, and other peripheral controllers that require compatibility with an RS-232 host port. The device's dual-channel structure can simplify wiring when one line carries transmit data and another carries receive or status information. Its 3.0V-to-5.5V operating range accommodates both 3.3V and 5V logic systems. Confirm connector signaling, cable length, and ESD requirements before using it in exposed installations.
Recommended
Portable and Battery-Powered Equipment
MAX3232CSE+ is suitable for portable equipment needing an RS-232 service or communications port while operating from a low-voltage supply. Its low-power RS-232 interface avoids requiring a separate negative supply for the transceiver, and the 3.0V-to-5.5V range supports common battery-regulated rails. The device does not remove the need for careful charge-pump capacitor placement, supply decoupling, and low-leakage protection components. Validate battery-life impact and data integrity across the full temperature range used by the finished product.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX3232CSE+ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX3232ECSE+ | MAX3232CSE+T | MAX3232CDR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-SOIC narrow | 16-SOIC | 16-SOIC | 16-SOIC |
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated |
| Drivers | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Receivers | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Interface | True RS-232 | True RS-232 | True RS-232 | True RS-232 |
Key Differentiators
- Single-supply RS-232 operation (vs MAX3232CSE)
- Higher specified data-rate capability (vs Legacy low-rate RS-232 implementations)
- Dual-channel integration (vs Single-channel discrete interface designs)
- Surface-mount package (vs MAX3232CPE+)
Design Notes
Place the four verified 0.1uF charge-pump capacitors close to the corresponding C1+, C1-, C2+, and C2- connections, and follow the manufacturer layout for charge-pump routing. Add local supply decoupling near VCC and keep the ground return path short. Do not replace the charge-pump capacitors without checking start-up, output-level, and data-rate requirements.
Route the RS-232 transmitter and receiver traces away from switching nodes, clocks, and high-current return paths. Keep the transceiver's logic-side traces short and use a solid ground reference. Because RS-232 is a differential-enough voltage-mode interface only in the broad system sense, connector protection, cable length, and grounding must be designed for the installation rather than copied blindly from a logic-level interface.
Do not treat MAX3232CSE+ as a TTL-level RS-232 replacement without checking pin functions and voltage levels. Confirm the complete pinout, charge-pump capacitor connections, operating temperature, and electrical limits from the manufacturer datasheet. The supplied search excerpts contain conflicting package descriptions from secondary sources, so secondary-source SSOP or 28-pin references must not override the verified 16-SOIC distributor description without confirmation.
For cable-mounted RS-232 links, verify receiver input levels, transmitter output levels, baud rate, cable capacitance, and protection-network leakage across the complete operating temperature. The verified up-to-1Mbps capability does not guarantee reliable communication over every cable length. Add series damping or external protection only after checking the device's recommended network and waveform requirements.
Compliance Information
The verified DigChip search snippet describes MAX3232CSE+ as lead-free, but the supplied excerpts do not establish RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals status. Compliance claims should be confirmed against the current manufacturer datasheet and product documentation.
