MAX3232ESE+ - Dual RS-232 Transceiver | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX3232ESE+ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.293 | $1.29 |
| 10 | $1.293 | $12.93 |
| 100 | $1.293 | $129.30 |
| 500 | $1.293 | $646.50 |
| 1,000 | $1.293 | $1,293.00 |
MAX3232ESE+ Overview
An RS-232 transceiver is an interface IC that converts low-voltage digital signaling into differential, bipolar RS-232-compatible levels and converts received RS-232 signals back into logic-compatible levels. The MAX3232 belongs to the broader transceiver and interface-IC hierarchy, bridging host controllers, industrial equipment, data-acquisition systems, and service ports.
Key verified attributes include two driver channels, two receiver channels, full RS-232 operation, a 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply range, and data rates up to 1 Mbps. The low-power design is suitable for systems where an RS-232 connection must be retained without using a full-sized legacy driver. The 16-pin SOIC footprint supports conventional surface-mount assembly.
The device is intended for applications requiring RS-232 electrical compatibility rather than differential RS-485 signaling. Its integrated transmitter and receiver sections make it useful for console connections, configuration ports, embedded control links, and equipment communication. The exact charge-pump capacitor values, receiver thresholds, propagation delays, and electrical limits are not provided in the verified web data and must be checked in the manufacturer datasheet before production design.
Typical uses include low-voltage MCU serial consoles, industrial configuration interfaces, test equipment, and legacy peripheral connections. Because RS-232 is point-to-point and single-ended, cable routing, grounding, and protection practices remain important. Use ESD protection and appropriate cable-level transient protection when the connector is exposed to user or industrial environments.
Designers should verify the exact MAX3232ESE+ pinout, supply decoupling requirements, capacitor selection, and logic-level compatibility from the manufacturer datasheet. This page combines distributor listings, cross-reference information, and engineering guidance; it does not substitute for the complete manufacturer datasheet for production release.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX3232ESE+ — 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:
MAX3232CSE+T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TRSF3232
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SP3232ECN-L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SP3232EEN-L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX3232ESE-T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX3232ESE+ Specifications
| Device Type | RS-232 transceiver |
| Transmitter Channels | 2 |
| Receiver Channels | 2 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Maximum Data Rate | Up to 1 Mbps |
| Interface Standard | RS-232 |
| Package Type | 16-pin SOIC |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Number of Pins | 16 pins |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to 70 C |
| AEC-Q100 Qualification | not_applicable |
MAX3232ESE+ 16-pin soic Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MAX3232ESE+ (16-pin soic 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 MAX3232ESE+.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MAX3232ESE+ is suitable for 6 applications: Microcontroller Debug Console, Industrial Configuration Port, Test and Measurement Equipment, Legacy Peripheral Interface, Data Acquisition Controller, Point-to-Point Equipment Link.
Microcontroller Debug Console
The MAX3232ESE+ fits a low-voltage MCU debug console because it combines two transmitters and two receivers in one 16-pin SOIC and supports a 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply. Place the transceiver between the MCU UART and an RS-232 connector, observing the exact logic-level and pin assignments in the datasheet. Its verified 1 Mbps capability provides more signaling headroom than many console ports require, while the low-power listing suits compact embedded systems. Cable length, connector grounding, and ESD protection remain important because logic-level conversion alone does not provide user-cable surge protection.
Recommended
Industrial Configuration Port
The MAX3232ESE+ can provide the RS-232 electrical layer for industrial configuration and service equipment when the system operates within 3.0 V to 5.5 V. Its two driver and two receiver channels allow multiple point-to-point RS-232 links on one board, subject to the confirmed pinout. The verified operating-temperature listing of 0 C to 70 C means it should not be assumed suitable for harsh industrial environments without further qualification. Use a suitable enclosure, cable surge protection, and a defined ground strategy around the connector.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Equipment
The MAX3232ESE+ is suitable for a legacy RS-232 service connection on test and measurement equipment because it combines full RS-232 conversion with a verified 1 Mbps maximum data rate. The interface can connect a controller or instrument to a PC or terminal using a dedicated transceiver section. The verified 16-pin SOIC package simplifies conventional surface-mount assembly, but the external charge-pump capacitors and exact pin names must be taken from the manufacturer datasheet. Add connector-side ESD protection if operators can touch exposed cables.
Recommended
Legacy Peripheral Interface
The MAX3232ESE+ helps connect modern 3.3 V or 5 V digital logic to older RS-232 peripherals that use bipolar, single-ended signaling. Its two transmitters and two receivers support bidirectional point-to-point communication, while the verified 3.0 V to 5.5 V range allows integration into mixed-voltage systems. The design must verify the transceiver’s receiver threshold and driver levels rather than treating all RS-232 devices as electrically identical. Maintain a common ground reference and use cable transients and ESD protection for reliable field operation.
Recommended
Data Acquisition Controller
The MAX3232ESE+ can act as the RS-232 interface for a data-acquisition controller that must exchange commands and results with a host computer. The verified 1 Mbps rate supports common asynchronous serial-control rates, while the two-channel arrangement can serve separate transmit and receive paths or two independent point-to-point ports. Keep the data path away from switching regulators and noisy analog sections, and confirm whether the application requires hardware flow control. The available data does not specify flow-control pins, so those functions must be verified from the exact datasheet.
Recommended
Point-to-Point Equipment Link
The MAX3232ESE+ is appropriate for a short, point-to-point equipment link where two boards need RS-232-compatible communication over a cable. Its dual-driver and dual-receiver organization provides flexibility for bidirectional command and status traffic, while the 16-pin SOIC package supports compact assembly. RS-232 remains single-ended, so cable length, capacitance, grounding, and connector quality can limit reliable communication even when the IC supports up to 1 Mbps. Use the datasheet’s recommended charge-pump capacitors and verify the complete transceiver pinout before layout release.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX3232ESE+ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX3232CSE+T | TRSF3232 | SP3232ECN-L | SP3232EEN-L | MAX3232ESE-T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-pin SOIC | 16-pin SOIC | 16-pin PW package | 16-pin SOIC | 16-pin SOIC | 16-pin SOIC |
| Brand | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Texas Instruments | Exar Corporation | Exar Corporation | Analog Devices |
Key Differentiators
- Dual RS-232 channels in one 16-pin SOIC (vs SP3232ECN-L)
- Low-voltage operation (vs MAX3232ESE-T)
- High verified signaling headroom (vs TRSF3232)
Design Notes
Place the transceiver and its charge-pump capacitors close to the device pins according to the manufacturer layout guidance. Keep the RS-232 connector-side traces away from sensitive analog and high-current switching paths. Confirm whether the exact ESE package uses a standard SOIC land pattern and verify pin 1 orientation against the package drawing before fabrication.
RS-232 is a single-ended interface, so grounding, cable capacitance, and return-path quality directly affect signal integrity. Use a controlled cable route, provide a stable ground reference, and avoid long unprotected stubs near the connector. If the port is user-accessible, add appropriately rated ESD and surge protection at the connector boundary.
Do not select a replacement from package appearance alone. Verify every pin name, supply range, driver/receiver threshold, external-capacitor value, data rate, and temperature grade against both datasheets. The available cross-reference data names several 16-pin candidates but does not prove full pin-to-pin equivalence; validate the actual schematic and layout before production substitution.
Compliance Information
The supplied verified web data does not state RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals status. AEC-Q100 is marked not_applicable because this is an RS-232 interface IC, not an automotive-qualified device in the supplied data.