The MAX3232EUE+T is the industry-standard MAX3232 RS-232 transceiver - the 3V-capable, low-power counterpart of the classic MAX232. It carries two drivers and two receivers, runs from a single +3.0V to +5.5V supply and is guaranteed for data rates up to 1Mbps, maintaining true EIA/TIA-232 levels throughout.

A dual charge pump generates the RS-232 line voltages from 3.3V using only 0.1µF capacitors, and the low-power architecture suits battery and portable equipment. The MAX3232's always-on R2 receiver output lets a system monitor an incoming RS-232 line even while the rest of the device is idle.

With two complete RS-232 channels in a compact 16-pin TSSOP, the MAX3232EUE is the workhorse choice for general 3V serial ports. Where an externally exposed connector needs extra ruggedness, the pin-compatible ±15kV ESD-protected MAX3232E family is the upgrade path.

Note: Refer to the official Maxim MAX3222-MAX3241 datasheet for full electrical parameters. Subject to change without notice; verify all parameters before final design.

The MAX3232EUE+T is supplied in a 16-pin TSSOP package, indicated by the EUE suffix (E = extended -40°C to +85°C, UE = TSSOP). The MAX3232 is also offered in DIP and SO.

The "+" suffix indicates lead-free, RoHS-compliant finish and the "T" suffix tape-and-reel packing. Standard 16-lead TSSOP land patterns and reflow profiles apply; place the four 0.1µF charge-pump capacitors and VCC bypass close to the device. The diagram below shows the typical operating circuit.

The MAX3232 uses a 16-pin RS-232 pinout (top view):

• Pin 1 - C1+ / Pin 3 - C1- / Pin 4 - C2+ / Pin 5 - C2-: Charge-pump capacitor connections.
• Pin 2 - V+ / Pin 6 - V-: Charge-pump outputs (+5.5V / -5.5V).
• Pin 11 - T1IN / Pin 10 - T2IN: Driver TTL/CMOS inputs.
• Pin 14 - T1OUT / Pin 7 - T2OUT: Driver RS-232 outputs.
• Pin 13 - R1IN / Pin 8 - R2IN: Receiver RS-232 inputs.
• Pin 12 - R1OUT / Pin 9 - R2OUT: Receiver TTL/CMOS outputs (R2OUT always-on).
• Pin 15 - GND / Pin 16 - VCC: Ground and +3V-+5.5V supply.

Connect the four 0.1µF capacitors, route T_IN/R_OUT to the UART and T_OUT/R_IN to the RS-232 connector. Confirm the exact pin assignment against the datasheet image below before layout.

The following parts are listed for reference. Verify ESD rating, channel count and package before substituting.

Maxim Integrated, now part of Analog Devices (NASDAQ: ADI), defined the low-power 3V RS-232 standard with the MAX3232 and its family. The MAX3232 remains a default 2-Tx/2-Rx transceiver for 3.3V serial ports up to 1Mbps.

Maxim/ADI provides complete datasheets, application notes and long-term supply, with authorized distribution and technical support across China for both prototype and volume programs.