Nominal supply5 V
RS-232 transceiver
MAX232 Specifications
Review MAX232 electrical specifications, operating conditions and package details.
Package view
Key specifications
The charge pump creates the positive and negative voltages RS-232 needs, using a single 5 V supply.
Maximum data rate120 kbit/s
Ambient range0–70 °C
Each pump capacitor1 µF
Package details
MAX232N · PDIP-16
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Texas Instruments |
| Part number | MAX232N |
| Package | PDIP-16 |
| Connections | 16 pins |
| Mounting | Through-hole |
| Lead pitch | 2.54 mm |
| Package code | N |
| Thermal reference | 60.6 °C/W |
Electrical & physical specifications
Texas Instruments MAX232N · PDIP-16 · Reference values
Manufacturer specifications 14 parameters
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| Parameter | Value | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Supply voltage | 4.5–5.5 V | 5 V nominal; recommended operating range |
| Maximum data rate | 120 kbit/s | One transmitter output switching; see datasheet test conditions |
| Transmit / receive channels | 2 / 2 | Two drivers and two receivers |
| Supply current | 8 mA typ. / 10 mA max. | VCC = 5.5 V, outputs open, ambient = 25 °C |
| Driver output | +7 V / −7 V typical | VCC = 5 V, ambient = 25 °C, 3 kΩ load to GND; +5 V / −5 V guaranteed limits |
| Logic input HIGH / LOW | ≥ 2 V / ≤ 0.8 V | T1IN and T2IN; values between thresholds are undefined |
| Receiver input range | −30 to +30 V | R1IN and R2IN only |
| Receiver hysteresis | 0.5 V typical | At VCC = 5 V |
| Operating temperature | 0 to +70 °C | MAX232N commercial grade; MAX232I has a different range |
| Charge-pump capacitors | 4 × 1 µF | Plus supply bypass; follow the typical application, section 8 |
| Package | PDIP-16, 16 leads | TI N package; 2.54 mm lead pitch |
| Junction-to-ambient | 60.6 °C/W | PDIP-16; datasheet thermal characterization conditions |
| Supply absolute maximum | −0.3 to +6 V | Stress rating only, not an operating range |
| Maximum junction temperature | 150 °C | Absolute maximum, not the ambient operating rating |
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Reference: TI SLLS047N, sections 4–8 and package drawings. Check the exact manufacturer and suffix before substituting MAX232A, MAX3232 or another family member. Verify a production footprint against your ordered part.
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