MAX3232ID - 2/2 RS-232 Transceiver, 5.5V, SOIC-16 | TI
MPN: MAX3232ID ✗ End of LifeMAX3232ID Overview
An RS-232 transceiver is an interface IC that converts between low-voltage CMOS logic levels and the positive and negative voltage levels used by RS-232 ports. Within the broader semiconductor hierarchy, it is a line transceiver, then an interface IC, and finally a power-management and connectivity component. It is intended for asynchronous point-to-point serial communication, particularly where legacy computers, industrial equipment, test systems, or peripherals use DB-style RS-232 connectors.
The principal features of the MAX3232ID are its dual-driver, dual-receiver configuration, 3 V to 5.5 V operation, 250 kbit/s maximum data rate, and ±15 kV terminal-to-terminal ESD protection. According to the manufacturer datasheet, it meets or exceeds TIA/EIA-232-F and ITU V.28 requirements. Its typical supply current is 300 µA, making it suitable for low-power serial interfaces where the host operates intermittently.
The MAX3232ID uses a charge-pump voltage converter with external capacitors to develop the negative voltage required by an RS-232 driver. The logic-side pins remain compatible with 5 V CMOS systems, while the driver outputs deliver RS-232-compatible levels. The four required 0.1 µF capacitors should be placed close to their associated supply and ground pins to minimize switching noise and maintain stable charge-pump operation.
Typical applications include industrial serial-port adapters, laboratory instrumentation, POS terminals, configuration ports, legacy peripheral upgrades, and embedded systems that retain an RS-232 physical interface. It is particularly appropriate where a 3.3 V or 5 V controller must communicate with an RS-232 device without adding a separate external negative-voltage supply.
The primary design consideration is capacitance selection and PCB placement. Use the specified 0.1 µF capacitors, keep charge-pump loops compact, connect the device ground to the interface reference ground, and route the RS-232 traces away from sensitive analog or high-speed digital signals. External protection may still be needed for long or exposed cables even though the integrated terminals provide ±15 kV ESD protection.
This product data combines verified manufacturer and distributor information with application guidance, package details, pricing context, and drop-in replacement analysis. It focuses on engineering decisions that are not apparent from a distributor title alone: data-rate capability, supply range, ESD coverage, charge-pump implementation, replacement compatibility, and layout constraints.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX3232ID — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
MAX3232EIDR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX3232EID
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX3232ECDR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TRS3232EIDR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX3232ID Specifications
| Product Type | 2/2 RS-232 line driver and receiver |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3 V to 5.5 V |
| Maximum Data Rate | 250 kbit/s |
| Driver Count | 2 |
| Receiver Count | 2 |
| ESD Protection | ±15 kV |
| Typical Supply Current | 300 µA |
| Logic Input Compatibility | 5 V logic |
| External Capacitors | 4 × 0.1 µF |
| Interface Standard | TIA/EIA-232-F and ITU V.28 |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 °C to 70 °C |
| Package | 16-pin SOIC |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| Technology | RS-232, CMOS |
| Charge-Pump Configuration | Dual charge-pump circuit |
MAX3232ID 16-pin soic Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MAX3232ID (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 MAX3232ID.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MAX3232ID is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial RS-232 Configuration Port, Legacy Computer Serial Adapter, Laboratory Instrument Control, Point-of-Sale and Peripheral Equipment, Embedded Data Acquisition System, Portable RS-232 Diagnostic Adapter.
Industrial RS-232 Configuration Port
The MAX3232ID fits industrial equipment that retains an RS-232 service or configuration connector. Its 3 V to 5.5 V supply range supports embedded controllers operating from either 3.3 V or 5 V rails, while the 250 kbit/s data rate is sufficient for command exchange, firmware upload, and diagnostic protocols. Two driver and two receiver channels can support bidirectional links without adding a second transceiver. The ±15 kV terminal ESD rating adds useful protection for industrial cables. Designers should still use a chassis-ground strategy, shield termination, and protected connector because the integrated rating does not replace external surge protection.
Recommended
Legacy Computer Serial Adapter
The MAX3232ID is suitable for modern controllers that must connect to a legacy DB-style RS-232 port. Its logic-side operation accepts 5 V inputs and operates from 3 V to 5.5 V, allowing the same interface circuit to bridge several controller generations. The two transmitters and two receivers support a full-duplex RS-232 link, and the 250 kbit/s capability covers common serial adapters and data-acquisition equipment. Designers should confirm connector gender, signal-ground continuity, and whether the legacy device uses hardware handshaking before assigning the available driver and receiver channels.
Recommended
Laboratory Instrument Control
The MAX3232ID can provide the control link between a laboratory instrument and an embedded controller or host computer. Its 250 kbit/s rate supports command protocols, measurement-result transfer, and firmware updates, while the dual-channel arrangement allows simultaneous command and status paths. The low 300 µA typical supply current is beneficial in portable or intermittently powered test equipment. Because instrument grounds can carry large noise or ground-potential differences, the design should isolate grounds where necessary and avoid routing charge-pump current through sensitive analog return paths.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale and Peripheral Equipment
The MAX3232ID is appropriate for point-of-sale terminals, printers, scanners, and other peripherals that expose an RS-232 service interface. Two transmitters and two receivers provide enough channels for typical bidirectional command and status communication, while 250 kbit/s exceeds the throughput of many legacy peripherals. Its 3 V to 5.5 V operating range supports embedded systems with mixed logic voltages. The on-board ±15 kV ESD protection improves robustness at the transceiver pins, but the connector should still be designed with a short ground path and appropriate cable shielding.
Recommended
Embedded Data Acquisition System
The MAX3232ID can serve as the host-side interface in an embedded data-acquisition system that sends configuration commands and receives sampled data over RS-232. The 250 kbit/s limit is suitable for many low-rate measurement streams, and two drivers plus two receivers can accommodate bidirectional traffic or separate control and monitoring links. Its 300 µA typical supply current helps conserve power in unattended equipment. Engineers should account for cable capacitance and propagation delay at higher baud rates, and should place the four 0.1 µF charge-pump capacitors close to the device pins.
Recommended
Portable RS-232 Diagnostic Adapter
The MAX3232ID fits a compact portable diagnostic adapter that connects a low-voltage embedded controller to field equipment through RS-232. Operation from 3 V to 5.5 V permits use with rechargeable-system rails and 5 V service equipment, while the 300 µA typical supply current limits idle consumption. The 250 kbit/s rate supports log transfer and command traffic without requiring a higher-speed transceiver. A portable implementation should minimize exposed cable length, use a chassis-connected shield, and retain the specified 0.1 µF capacitors in a compact layout to keep switching noise away from sensitive circuitry.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX3232ID — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX3232EIDR | MAX3232EID | MAX3232ECDR | TRS3232EIDR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-pin SOIC | 16-pin SOIC - same | 16-pin SOIC - same | 16-pin SOIC - same | 16-pin SOIC - same |
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Device Type | 2/2 RS-232 transceiver | RS-232 transceiver | RS-232 transceiver | RS-232 transceiver | RS-232 transceiver |
Key Differentiators
- Direct same-footprint migration to the recommended MAX3232E family (vs MAX3232EIDR)
- Two full-duplex channels in a single 16-pin SOIC (vs TRS3232EIDR)
- Documented ±15 kV terminal ESD protection (vs MAX3232EID)
- Low-power operation for embedded serial interfaces (vs MAX3232ECDR)
Design Notes
Place all four required 0.1 µF capacitors close to the MAX3232ID charge-pump pins, with their connections to the appropriate supply or ground pins kept as short as practical. Follow the polarity and connection diagram in the manufacturer datasheet rather than inferring capacitor polarity from a generic charge-pump schematic. Short loops reduce switching-node radiation and help prevent unstable operation when the surrounding ground plane is shared with sensitive analog circuitry.
Do not treat the MAX3232ID as a TTL/CMOS UART level converter. The logic-side inputs accept 5 V logic, but the line-side outputs use positive and negative RS-232 voltages generated by the charge pump. Verify the direction of every driver and receiver connection, provide a common signal ground, and avoid applying ±12 V directly to logic-side pins. Incorrect pin direction or confusing the two voltage domains can damage the device.
Keep charge-pump components away from RS-232 receive paths, sensor inputs, reference voltages, and clocked digital lines. Maintain a compact ground reference beneath the interface circuit and connect the connector shield through an installation-appropriate path rather than routing surge current through the transceiver ground pin. Although the device provides ±15 kV terminal ESD protection, exposed cables can still introduce larger transients that require external protection.
For maximum RS-232 data rate, follow the manufacturer recommendations for line capacitance, cable length, grounding, and driver slew behavior. Avoid long unprotected traces or vias in the charge-pump network, and observe the datasheet's output and input handling limits. Since the verified text does not provide the complete pin table or recommended board dimensions, use the official Texas Instruments footprint and layout guidance during PCB implementation.
Compliance Information
The supplied verified text does not explicitly state RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals status. AEC-Q100 is not applicable because MAX3232ID is specified for a 0 °C to 70 °C commercial-temperature range rather than as an automotive-qualified device.