MAX3232EIPWG4 - Dual RS-232 Transceiver 250kbps | TI
MPN: MAX3232EIPWG4 β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.89 | $1.89 |
| 10 | $1.7 | $17.00 |
| 100 | $1.42 | $142.00 |
| 500 | $1.18 | $590.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.99 | $990.00 |
MAX3232EIPWG4 Overview
An RS-232 line driver/receiver is an interface transceiver that converts logic-level UART signals (TTL/CMOS, 0 V to VCC) into the higher-voltage RS-232 signal levels defined by TIA/EIA-232-F (+/-5 V minimum) and back again. It sits in the physical layer of the serial-communication hierarchy - below protocols such as UART framing - and within the broader family of line drivers, bus transceivers, and interface ICs. Because RS-232 levels exceed the supply rail, these devices integrate charge-pump voltage converters that generate the required positive and negative rails from a single low-voltage supply.
Key features of the MAX3232E include operation from a single 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply, a proprietary low-dropout transmitter output stage delivering true RS-232 performance from 3.3 V and 5 V rails, dual charge pumps requiring only four small 0.1 uF external capacitors, and 250 kbps minimum data rate. ESD protection is rated at +/-15 kV (IEC 61000-4-2 air-gap), +/-8 kV (IEC 61000-4-2 contact discharge), and +/-15 kV human-body model on the RS-232 bus pins.
Architecturally, the device uses two charge-pump stages (voltage doubler and inverter) with external flying and reservoir capacitors to synthesize approximately +/-5.5 V transmitter supplies from the VCC rail. The transmitter outputs meet or exceed TIA/EIA-232-F and ITU V.28 requirements and are protected against unlimited +/-15 V simultaneous shorts, while receivers keep the input threshold compatible with legacy 5 V logic.
Typical applications include industrial process-control serial links, point-of-sale terminals and barcode scanners, battery-powered instrumentation using the low 0.3 mA typical supply current, and legacy DB9 COM-port interfacing for microcontrollers such as MSP430 and STM32.
When designing, use 0.1 uF charge-pump capacitors placed within 10 mm of the device, and remember the receivers remain active even when transmitters are tri-stated.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, pinout data, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, as of 2026-09-11.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX3232EIPWG4 β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX3232IPW
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX3222EIPWG4
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SN65C3232EIPW
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SN75C3232EIPW
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TRS3232EIPWR
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX3232EUE+
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX3232EIPWG4 Specifications
| Function | RS-232 Line Driver/Receiver |
| Number of Drivers | 2 |
| Number of Receivers | 2 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3 V to 5.5 V |
| Data Rate | 250 kbps |
| ESD Protection (IEC 61000-4-2 Air-Gap) | +/-15 kV |
| ESD Protection (IEC 61000-4-2 Contact) | +/-8 kV |
| ESD Protection (HBM) | +/-15 kV |
| Protocol Compliance | TIA/EIA-232-F, ITU V.28 |
| External Capacitors | 4 x 0.1 uF charge pump |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Package | 16-TSSOP (0.173 in, 4.40 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Supply Current (typ) | 0.3 mA |
| Type | Full RS-232 Transceiver |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| High-Speed Pin-Compatible Options | SN65C3232E / SN75C3232E (1 Mbit/s) |
MAX3232EIPWG4 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | C1+ β Charge-pump capacitor 1 positive terminal |
| Pin 2 | V+ β Positive charge-pump output (doubler), reservoir capacitor |
| Pin 3 | C1- β Charge-pump capacitor 1 negative terminal |
| Pin 4 | C2+ β Charge-pump capacitor 2 positive terminal |
| Pin 5 | C2- β Charge-pump capacitor 2 negative terminal |
| Pin 6 | V- β Negative charge-pump output (inverter), reservoir capacitor |
| Pin 7 | T2OUT β RS-232 transmitter 2 output |
| Pin 8 | R2IN β RS-232 receiver 2 input |
| Pin 9 | R2OUT β Receiver 2 logic output (TTL/CMOS) |
| Pin 10 | T2IN β Transmitter 2 logic input (TTL/CMOS) |
| Pin 11 | T1IN β Transmitter 1 logic input (TTL/CMOS) |
| Pin 12 | R1OUT β Receiver 1 logic output (TTL/CMOS) |
| Pin 13 | R1IN β RS-232 receiver 1 input |
| Pin 14 | T1OUT β RS-232 transmitter 1 output |
| Pin 15 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 16 | VCC β Power supply, 3 V to 5.5 V |
Typical Applications
MAX3232EIPWG4 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control Serial Links, Point-of-Sale Terminals and Barcode Scanners, Battery-Powered Instrumentation, Legacy DB9 COM-Port Interfacing with Microcontrollers, Medical Device Diagnostic Ports, Networking and Telecom Equipment Management Ports.
Industrial Process Control Serial Links
Factory-floor PLCs, motor drives, and field instruments still rely on RS-232/RS-485 style serial links for configuration and telemetry. The MAX3232EIPWG4 fits these nodes because its +/-15 kV IEC ESD protection (air-gap) and +/-8 kV contact rating withstand handling of exposed DB9 connectors in electrically noisy environments, while the 250 kbps rate comfortably covers Modbus-style command traffic. Powered from a standard 3.3 V or 5 V logic rail, the dual driver/receiver channel pair supports both a local console port and a diagnostic link from one IC, and the 0.3 mA typical supply current keeps standby power negligible. Four 0.1 uF charge-pump capacitors minimize BOM cost relative to older 1 uF designs.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminals and Barcode Scanners
POS terminals, receipt printers, and handheld barcode scanners frequently expose serial ports that operators and customers touch daily. The MAX3232EIPWG4's +/-15 kV IEC 61000-4-2 air-gap and +/-8 kV contact ESD ratings are engineered precisely for these human-interface scenarios, where static discharge through the connector is routine. The 3 V to 5.5 V supply range allows direct operation from battery-backed 3.3 V or 5 V electronics, and the 0.3 mA typical quiescent current extends battery runtime in portable scanners. Its dual channels support simultaneous printer and scanner/console serial connections in one compact 16-TSSOP footprint, simplifying the motherboard layout and reducing component count versus discrete level-shifting solutions.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Instrumentation
Portable data loggers, hand meters, and environmental monitors need occasional RS-232 connectivity without draining batteries. The MAX3232EIPWG4 draws only 0.3 mA typical supply current and operates down to 3.0 V, so it runs directly from two-cell Li/SOCl2 or three-cell alkaline stacks through the low end of its range. TI receiver design keeps receivers active for wake-on-data while transmitter load only appears during actual transmission. The four-capacitor charge pump tolerates small 0.1 uF ceramic components, saving board area in compact handheld enclosures. With -40C to +85C operation, the part also survives outdoor cold-chain and field-service conditions that consumer-grade transceivers cannot guarantee across the full battery voltage sweep.
Recommended
Legacy DB9 COM-Port Interfacing with Microcontrollers
Connecting modern MCUs such as STM32, MSP430, or AVR to legacy PC COM ports, CNC controllers, or lab equipment requires true RS-232 levels that 3.3 V logic cannot generate directly. The MAX3232EIPWG4 bridges this gap: receivers accept +/-RS-232 swings (to +/-15 V tolerant inputs) and output clean logic signals, while drivers produce TIA/EIA-232-F compliant levels from the 3.3 V or 5 V MCU rail using the integrated charge pumps. The 250 kbps rate exceeds the 115.2 kbps common COM-port ceiling with margin, and the 16-TSSOP package fits standard prototyping adapter boards. Its +/-15 kV HBM robustness protects against accidental hot-plugging of serial cables during development.
Recommended
Medical Device Diagnostic Ports
Patient monitors, infusion pumps, and diagnostic analyzers use isolated or protected serial service ports for calibration and data download. The MAX3232EIPWG4's enhanced ESD ratings help these ports survive repeated cable mating and ESD events during servicing, supporting equipment reliability requirements. The 3 V to 5.5 V supply range integrates cleanly with the low-voltage digital domains typical of battery-backed medical electronics, while 0.3 mA typical current preserves standby battery budget during transport between wards. Dual channels allow one device to serve both a maintenance console and a nurse-station data link. Note that patient-connected circuits require additional isolation per applicable medical standards; this device suits the service/data ports, not direct patient-signal paths.
Recommended
Networking and Telecom Equipment Management Ports
Routers, switches, base-station hardware, and telecom shelves retain RS-232-style console ports for out-of-band management. The MAX3232EIPWG4 suits these always-installed ports: the +/-15 kV IEC air-gap ESD rating handles electrostatic events at rack connectors, and -40C to +85C operation covers unventilated equipment closets and outdoor telecom cabinets. The 250 kbps data rate exceeds all standard console baud rates up to 230.4 kbps. Because the device draws 0.3 mA typical, it does not burden the standby power budget even in always-on infrastructure. Designers needing future 921.6 kbps console speeds can adopt the pin-compatible SN65C3232E (1 Mbit/s) without changing the PCB footprint.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX3232EIPWG4 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX3232IPW | MAX3222EIPWG4 | SN65C3232EIPW | SN75C3232EIPW | TRS3232EIPWR | MAX3232EUE+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-TSSOP (PW) | 16-TSSOP (PW) - same | 16-TSSOP (PW) - same | 16-TSSOP (PW) - same | 16-TSSOP (PW) - same | 16-TSSOP (PW) - same | 16-TSSOP - same |
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Analog Devices |
| Supply Voltage | 3 V to 5.5 V | 3 V to 5.5 V | 3 V to 5.5 V | 3 V to 5.5 V | 3 V to 5.5 V | 3 V to 5.5 V | 3 V to 5.5 V |
| Data Rate | 250 kbps | 250 kbps | 250 kbps | 1 Mbit/s | 1 Mbit/s | 250 kbps | 250 kbps |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| External Capacitors | 4 x 0.1 uF | 4 x 0.1 uF | 4 x 0.1 uF | 4 x 0.1 uF | 4 x 0.1 uF | 4 x 0.1 uF | 4 x 0.1 uF |
| Enhanced ESD (E) Generation | Yes | No (original generation) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Enhanced +/-15 kV IEC air-gap ESD protection (vs MAX3232IPW)
- Speed headroom option without redesign (vs SN65C3232EIPW)
- Full industrial temperature range (vs SN75C3232EIPW)
- True RS-232 performance from 3.3 V rail (vs MAX3232EUE+)
Design Notes
Place the four 0.1 uF charge-pump capacitors (C1+, C1-, C2+, C2-, V+, V- network) within 10 mm of the MAX3232EIPWG4 pins, with a solid ground return. Use X7R or X5R ceramic dielectrics rated at 16 V or higher; Y5V parts lose capacitance with bias and can starve the charge pump at 5.5 V input, degrading transmitter output swing below the TIA/EIA-232-F +/-5 V minimum. Add a 0.1 uF local bypass plus a 1 uF bulk capacitor at VCC to handle the pulsed charge-pump current draw without supply sag.
Do not confuse the MAX3232IPW (original generation) with the MAX3232EIPWG4 (enhanced ESD generation) in BOMs - they share the footprint but the E-version is required for the +/-15 kV IEC air-gap rating. Also, when substituting the pin-compatible SN75C3232E, remember its commercial temperature limit of 0C to +70C; industrial designs at -40C must use SN65C3232E. Finally, the TIN inputs are not 5 V tolerant when VCC is 3.3 V in some competitor parts - the TI MAX3232E TIN thresholds accept both 3.3 V and 5 V logic, but verify signal source levels when mixing rails.
The charge-pump switching frequency injects ripple onto V+ and V-. Keep the V+ and V- traces short and away from high-impedance analog nodes; if the RS-232 link coexists with sensitive audio or ADC circuitry, place the transceiver near the connector rather than near the analog section. For long or field-wired serial cables, series ferrite beads on TOUT lines and an ESD array at the connector complement the on-chip +/-15 kV IEC protection for surge-level events (IEC 61000-4-5 class), which the transceiver alone does not absorb.
Estimated: at VCC = 3.3 V with a typical 0.3 mA quiescent current plus charge-pump load driving one loaded transmitter, expect roughly 1-2 mA total supply current; dissipation inside the 16-TSSOP stays far below the package thermal limit, so no heatsinking considerations are needed. Budget the RS-232 cable and receiver input loads (3 kOhm to 7 kOhm per TIA/EIA-232-F) when calculating worst-case transmitter drive - the low-dropout output stage holds valid levels down to the 3.0 V minimum supply.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance indicated by distributor listings; REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status should be confirmed via TI product quality pages for the exact order date.
