MAX232 Serial Level RS232 to TTL Interface Chip Converter IC DIP-16

MAX232 Serial Level RS232 to TTL Interface Chip Converter IC DIP-16 The MAX232 is a reliable RS232-to-TTL serial level converter IC in a compact DIP-16 package, enabling seamless interfacing between RS232 devices and TTL/CMOS logic levels. It integrates dual charge pumps to generate +10V and -10V from a single +5V supply, ensuring full RS232 voltage compliance without external components. Four drivers and receivers support bidirectional communication, with typical 300ns propagation delay for high-speed data transfer up to 120kbps. Built-in 0.1µF capacitor support simplifies design, while ESD protection up to ±15kV safeguards against transients. Operating from 0-70°C at 4.5-5.5V, it’s ideal for microcontroller projects, embedded systems, Arduino/RS485 bridges, and legacy PC interfacing. Housed in standard 16-pin DIP (19.18×6.48mm), it offers easy prototyping and drop-in replacement for older RS232 chips like 1488/1489. Perfect for IoT gateways, GPS modules, and serial debugging—delivering robust, low-power (10mA typical) performance in space-constrained applications. Features Dual charge pumps generate ±10V RS232 levels from single +5V supply, eliminating bulky external transformers for compact designs. Four drivers and four receivers enable full-duplex bidirectional communication, supporting multiple serial channels simultaneously. Low 300ns propagation delay ensures high-speed data rates up to 120kbps, ideal for real-time microcontroller interfacing. Integrated 0.1µF capacitor support simplifies circuitry with no external components needed, reducing BOM cost and board space. ±15kV ESD protection on RS232 pins safeguards against electrostatic discharge, enhancing reliability in industrial environments. Low power consumption (10mA typical) extends battery life in portable devices like GPS trackers and IoT sensors. Wide supply range (4.5-5.5V) and 0-70°C operation deliver robust performance across varied applications and temperatures. 16-pin DIP package provides easy prototyping and drop-in compatibility with legacy RS232-to-TTL converters. Pin Configuration Pin Number Pin Name Description 1 C1 + Connects to the positive end of First capacitor 2 V+ Connects to one end of the capacitor & other end is grounded 3 C1 – Connects to the negative end of First Capacitor 4 C2+ Connects to positive end of second capacitor 5 C2- Connects to negative end of second capacitor 6 V- Connects to one end of the capacitor & other end is grounded 7 T2 OUT Transmission pin of second converter module for RS232 cable 8 R2 IN Reception pin of second converter module for RS232 cable 9 R2 OUT Reception pin of second converter module for Microcontroller(Rx) 10 T2 IN Transmission pin of second converter module for Microcontroller(Tx) 11 T1 IN Transmission pin of first converter module for Microcontroller(Tx) 12 R1 OUT Reception pin of first converter module for Microcontroller(Rx) 13 R1 IN Reception pin of first converter module for RS232 cable 14 T1 OUT Transmission pin of first converter module for RS232 cable 15 Ground Connects to the ground of the circuit 16 Vcc Connects to the supply voltage typically +5V Specifications Physical Case/Package PDIP Contact Plating Tin Mount Through Hole Number of Pins 16 Technical Data Rate 120 kbps ESD Protection No Interface RS-232 Logic Function Receiver, Transceiver Max Operating Temperature 70 °C Max Supply Current 10 mA Max Supply Voltage 5.5 V Min Operating Temperature 0 °C Min Supply Voltage 4.5 V Nominal Supply Current 5 mA Number of Drivers 2 Number of I/Os 8 Number of Receivers 2 Number of Transceivers 1 Number of Transmitters 2 Operating Supply Current 10 mA Operating Supply Voltage 5 V Dimensions Applications Microcontroller serial communication interfaces for Arduino, PIC, or 8051 projects. Level shifting between RS232 devices and TTL/CMOS logic in embedded systems. Legacy PC serial port connections to modern microcontrollers for debugging. GPS module integration with single-board computers like Raspberry Pi. Industrial control systems requiring RS232-to-TTL conversion for sensors. IoT gateways bridging RS232 sensors to TTL networks. Serial data logging and monitoring in data acquisition setups. Vintage equipment restoration, such as old modems or terminals. Wireless module interfaces (e.g., XBee) needing RS232 compatibility. Educational prototyping for learning serial protocols and level conversion. Package Contents 1 x MAX232 Serial Level RS232 to TTL Interface Chip Converter IC DIP-16 Datasheet MAX232

Maxims MAX232 is one of those wonderful components that solves so many signal conversion problems. This chip converts RS232 signal voltage levels to TTL voltage levels and visa-versa. Hence if you need to communicate to your PC through it's serial port (COM1 or COM2) then this is the chip that can perform that function. If you have a microcontroller circuit, or a phone, or a calculator that requires a PC connection then this is the chip that is needed to make that communication happen. For MAX232 data sheet, please click here For MAX232 basics, please click here For Maxim tutorials and application notes on using MAX232, click here