MAX232ACPE

MAX232ACPE is a dual RS-232 transceiver from Maxim (MAX232 family). It provides two bidirectional channels between TTL/CMOS UART logic (5V logic on the low-voltage side) and RS-232 signal levels on the RS-232 side. The device includes two transmitters and two receivers and uses an on-chip charge pump to generate RS-232 voltage levels from a single 5V supply, so external capacitors (typically four 1 µF or 0.1 µF) are required. It supports standard UART data rates and RS-232 level swings (approx. ±6 to ±10 V). The suffix “CPE” denotes a specific package/temperature option (check the datasheet for exact details). Common applications include connecting microcontrollers or embedded systems to PCs, modems, or other RS-232 devices. When using, verify supply voltage, capacitor values, baud-rate support, and the chosen package’s pinout.

Equivalent RS-232 transceivers (2 drivers, 2 receivers) to MAX232ACPE include:
- MAX3232 (Maxim) – pin-compatible, supports 3.3V/5V
- SP3232 (Sipex/Exar) – 2-channel RS-232 transceiver
- ADM232A (Analog Devices) – 2-driver/2-receiver
- ST232 (STMicroelectronics) – RS-232 transceiver

Here are the key features of MAX232ACPE (RS-232 transceiver):
- Dual RS-232 driver and receiver (2 TX, 2 RX)
- Converts TTL/CMOS to RS-232 and RS-232 to TTL/CMOS
- Single-supply 5V operation (typical 4.5–5.5V)
- Requires external charge-pump capacitors (typical ~1 µF each)
- Internal charge pumps generate RS-232-level swings (roughly ±6V to ±10V)
- Data rates up to ~120 kbps
- Fully RS-232 compliant outputs and inputs
- Available in small packaging (e.g., 16-pin DIP/SOIC variants, including CPE package)
- Low quiescent current and fast switching for microcontroller interfaces
These summarize the core capabilities you’d expect for the MAX232ACPE RS-232 transceiver family.

- Pin count: 16 pins (in standard 16‑pin packages such as DIP or SOIC).
- Function: Dual RS-232 transceiver. It provides two TTL/CMOS-to-RS-232 drivers (T1IN/T2IN to T1OUT/T2OUT) and two RS-232-to-TTL receivers (R1IN/R2IN to R1OUT/R2OUT). It uses an external charge-pump capacitor network to generate the required RS-232 voltage levels from a single 5V supply (VCC) with GND, plus the charge-pump pins (C1+/C1-, C2+/C2-, V+/V-).

- Manufacturer: Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices).
- What kind of company: A semiconductor company that designs and sells analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits; historically fabless (outsourced fabrication).

MAX232ACPE is a dual RS-232 transceiver that converts TTL/CMOS UART signals to RS-232 levels and back. Typical applications:
- Microcontroller to PC/terminal serial links
- Modems, printers, POS terminals
- Industrial controllers (PLC, instrumentation, data loggers)
- Telemetry and measurement equipment
- Networking gear with RS-232 console ports
It enables simple, low-power RS-232 interfaces from a single supply.

MAX232ACPE comes in a 16‑pin package, typically the SO-16 surface‑mount package (RoHS‑compliant).