MAX3232 - RS232 to TTL Converter IC

MAX3232 Pinout Configuration

Features and Specifications

• Wide range of operating Voltage: 3V to 5.5V
• Can work with 5V and 3.3V logic devices
• TTL/CMOS to RS232 Converter IC
• Can support two conversion at the same time (Dual drivers and Receivers)
• Easy to set-up and initialize
• Operating speed: 120kbit/s
• ±30-V Input Levels
• Operating current: 8mA
• Available in 16-pin PDIP, SO, SOIC packages

Note: Complete technical details can be found in the MAX3232 datasheet given at the end of the page.

MAX3232 Equivalent IC

MAX232

Alternatives RS232 Converters

RS232 module, FT232RL, RS232 adapter cable

MAX232 vs MAX3232

The most commonly used TTL/CMOS to RS232 converter IC is the MAX232 IC which has been in the market for a long time now. The modern replacement for MAX232 IC is the MAX3232 both the IC’s share the same pin –out and package style hence it is a direct substitute .The major advancement made in this IC is that it can support both 3.3V system and 5V system while the predecessor MAX232 can support only 5V system. Hence if you are working with a 3.3V system then MAX3232 is an ideal choice than MAX232 since it can avoid the problem of logic level conversion.

Where to use MAX3232 IC

MAX3232 is used for TTL/CMOS to RS232 conversion. Meaning most of our Microcontrollers (PIC/ARM/Atmel) operates on TTL/CMOS logic that is it communicates through either 0V or +5V, but our computers work with the help of RS232 which operates at logic level -24V or +24V. So, if we have to interface these microcontrollers with Computer we need to convert the TTL/CMOS logic to RS232 logic. Hence if you are looking for an IC to perform this conversion and interface a Microcontroller with your computer then this IC is the right one for you

How to use a MAX3232 Converter IC

This IC is easy to set-up and can be used easily. The IC work with the help of 3.3V/+5V, hence power the Vcc with the required voltage and the ground pin to circuit ground. The IC also needs four capacitors to work; these capacitors can be of any value from 1uF to 22uF.

The IC can help you to convert two logic level conversion that is you can use two Microcontrollers, but to get started we will use only one MCU and connect it to a computer, the complete circuit is to do the same is shown below. As you can see the pins (T2 out, R2 in, T2 in, R2 out) are left free since we are not using the second module.

Every microcontroller that has Serial communication capability will have a Tx pin and a Rx pin. These two pins should be connected to the T1 in (pin 10) and the R1 out (pin 13) pin respectively. This is the TTL/CMOS logic inputs, and then the converter RS232 logic signals can be obtained from the pins R1 in (pin 13) and T1 out (pin 14). You might wonder how a 3.3V/5V signal is being converter to +25V signal when the IC itself is powered with 3.3V/5V. This is made possible by a method called charge pump, which consists of a capacitor that charges up to provide 25V.

Applications

• Used to Connect Microcontroller with Computers
• TTL/CMOS logic to RS232 converters
• Used in RS232 cables

2D Model of MAX 3232 (PDIP)