INTRODUCTION: The MAX232 is a dual driver/receiver that includes a capacitive voltage generator to supply TIA/EIA-232-F voltage levels from

a single 5-V supply. Each receiver converts TIA/EIA-232-F inputs to 5-V TTL/CMOS levels. These receivers have a typical threshold of 1.3 V, a typical hysteresis of 0.5 V, and can accept 30-V inputs. Each driver converts TTL/CMOS input levels into TIA/EIA-232-F levels.

PIN DIAGRAM:

The MAX232 from MAXIM was the first IC which in one package contains the necessary drivers (two) and receivers (also two), to adapt the RS-232 signal voltage levels to TTL logic. It became popular, because it just needs one voltage (+5V) and generates the necessary RS-232 voltage levels (approx. -10V and +10V) internally. This greatly simplified the design of circuitry. Circuitry designers no longer need to design and build a power supply with three voltages (e.g. 12V, +5V, and +12V), but could just provide one +5V power supply, e.g. with the help of a simple 78x05 voltage converter.

FUNCTION TABLES: AX232 Pin Layout No. Name Purpose Signal Voltage Capacitor Value Capacitor Value MAX232 MAX232A

C1+

+ connector for capacitor C1

capacitor should stand at least 16V

1F

100nF

V+

output of voltage pump - connector for capacitor C1 + connector for capacitor C2 - connector for capacitor C2 output of voltage pump / inverter

+10V, capacitor should stand at least 16V capacitor should stand at least 16V capacitor should stand at least 16V capacitor should stand at least 16V -10V, capacitor should stand at least 16V RS-232 RS-232 TTL TTL TTL TTL RS-232 RS-232 0V +5V 1F to VCC see above 100nF to VCC see above 1F to GND 100nF to GND 1F 100nF 1F to VCC 100nF to VCC

C1-

C2+

1F

100nF

C2-

1F

100nF

V-

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

T2out Driver 2 output R2in Receiver 2 input

R2out Receiver 2 output T2in T1in Driver 2 input Driver 1 input

R1out Receiver 1 output R1in Receiver 1 input

T1out Driver 1 output GND VCC Ground Power supply

LOGIC DIAGRAM:

The MAX232 has two receivers (converts from RS-232 to TTL voltage levels) and two drivers (converts from TTL logic to RS-232 voltage levels). This means only two of the RS-232 signals can be converted in each direction. Typically a pair of a driver/receiver of the MAX232 is used for TX and RX and the second one for CTS and RTS. There are not enough drivers/receivers in the MAX232 to also connect the DTR, DSR, and DCD signals. Usually these signals can be omitted when e.g. communicating with a PC's serial interface. If the DTE really requires these signals either a second MAX232 is needed, or some other IC from the MAX232 family can be used (if it can be found in consumer electronic shops at all). An alternative for DTR/DSR is also given below.

OPERATING CONDITIONS:

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

MAX232 to RS232 DB9 Connection as a DCE MAX232 Pin No. MAX232 Pin Name Signal Voltage DB9 Pin 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 T2out R2in R2out T2in T1in R1out R1in T1out GND CTS RTS RTS CTS TX RX TX RX GND RS-232 RS-232 TTL TTL TTL TTL RS-232 RS-232 0 7 8 n/a n/a n/a n/a 3 2 5

In addition one can directly wire DTR (DB9 pin 4) to DSR (DB9 pin 6) without going through any circuitry. This gives automatic DSR acknowledgment of an incoming DTR signal. Sometimes pin 6 of the MAX232 is hard wired to DCD (DB9 pin 1). This is not recommended. Pin 6 is the raw output of the voltage pump and inverter for the -10V voltage. Drawing currents from the pin leads to a rapid breakdown of the voltage, and as a consequence to a breakdown of the output voltage of the two RS-232 drivers The circuitry is completed by connecting five capacitors to the IC as it follows. The MAX232 needs 1.0F capacitors.

The 5V power supply is connected to +5V: Pin 16 and GND: Pin 15