MAX3232CPE

MAX3232CPE is a dual RS-232 transceiver from Maxim (RS-232 line driver/receiver). It converts TTL/CMOS logic levels to RS-232 voltage levels and back, allowing a microcontroller UART to talk to RS-232 devices from a single 3.0–5.5 V supply. It uses an onboard switched-capacitor charge pump to generate the RS-232 voltages, so no extra RS-232 supply is needed. Data rate is up to about 250 kbps, suitable for typical UART speeds. It requires external charge-pump capacitors (four capacitors per datasheet). The CPE suffix indicates a RoHS-compliant plastic package (commercial temperature range), typically in an 8-pin package. Common applications include MCU serial links to PCs, modems, printers, and other RS-232 peripherals. For exact pinout, capacitor values, and electrical specs, consult the MAX3232CPE datasheet.

Common equivalents to MAX3232CPE (2-channel RS-232 transceivers with charge pumps) include:
- STMicroelectronics ST3232
- Analog Devices ADM3232 (and ADM232/ADM3232 variants)
- Exar/MaxLinear SP3232
- Microchip MCP2321/MCP2325 families
Choose devices with the same pinout (16-pin) and supply range (3.0–5.5V) and matching temperature grade as needed.

Concise features of MAX3232CPE:
- 2 drivers and 2 receivers (4 RS-232 lines)
- Single-supply operation: 3.0 V to 5.5 V (suitable for 3.3 V MCUs)
- Requires only four external 0.1 µF charge-pump capacitors (no external resistors)
- Internal charge-pump generates RS-232 levels (typical ±6 V to ±7 V)
- TTL/CMOS-compatible inputs; RS-232 outputs meet EIA/TIA-232
- OE control for enables/ disables of drivers and receivers
- Low quiescent current for power-sensitive apps
- Small package (CPE variant; RoHS-compliant)
- Industrial temperature range (typical for this family)
- Supports standard RS-232 data rates (several hundred kbps, suitable for many MCU applications)

- Pin count: 16 pins (package types like DIP-16/SO-16).
- Function: Dual RS-232 transceiver (two drivers and two receivers) that converts between TTL/CMOS logic levels and RS-232 voltage levels. Requires four external charge-pump capacitors (C1+, C1−, C2+, C2−) and provides V+, V−, VCC, and GND pins for the RS-232 voltage generation. TTL side: TIN1/TIN2 and ROUT1/ROUT2; RS-232 side: TOUT1/TOUT2 and RIN1/RIN2.

MAX3232CPE is manufactured by Maxim Integrated Products. Maxim is a semiconductor company that designs and manufactures analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits; it is a fabless company and is now part of Analog Devices.

MAX3232CPE is a dual RS-232 transceiver (two drivers, two receivers) that converts TTL/CMOS UART levels to RS-232 levels and back. It operates from 3.0–5.5 V and uses charge pumps to generate RS-232 voltages, with low power.
Common application areas:
- Embedded microcontroller systems needing an RS-232 interface (UART-to-RS-232)
- Serial console/communications ports on PCs, modems, routers, switches
- Industrial automation and instrumentation (PLCs, data loggers, test equipment)
- Point-of-sale devices, printers, barcode scanners, cash registers
- Battery-powered devices requiring low-power RS-232 serial links

MAX3232CPE is in a 16‑pin Plastic Small‑Outline package (SOIC‑16).