MAX3238CDBE4 Texas Instruments Integrated Circuit (Small Outline Packages) In Stock
Texas Instruments MAX3238CDBE4 is a multichannel RS-232 line driver and receiver supporting 3 V to 5.5 V operation. It integrates 5 drivers and Schmitt-trigger inputs compliant with EIA-232-F and TIA-232-F standards. Housed in a 28-pin SOIC package with RoHS e4 finish for modern manufacturing.
- Manufacturer
- Texas Instruments
- Package
- Small Outline Packages
- Pin Count
- 28
- Lifecycle
- OBSOLETE
- Datasheet
- MAX3238CDBE4 Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Integrated Circuit
- Temp Range
- ?°C to 70.0°C
- RoHS
- Compliant
- Lead Time
- 3–7 business days
- Shipping
- DHL Express · Worldwide
What are the key features of MAX3238CDBE4?
- 3 V to 5.5 V supply range allows direct interfacing with both 3.3 V and 5 V logic systems without external level translation
- 5-channel RS-232 driver and receiver with Schmitt-trigger inputs for noise immunity on long cables
- Compliant with EIA-232-F, TIA-232-F, and V.28 standards ensuring universal RS-232 compatibility
- 28-pin SOIC package supports multichannel serial port designs in compact industrial and embedded applications
What is MAX3238CDBE4 used for?
The MAX3238CDBE4 is used in embedded systems and industrial equipment requiring multi-port RS-232 serial communication, such as PLCs, test instruments, and modem interfaces. Its 3 V to 5.5 V supply range makes it a drop-in interface bridge between low-voltage 3.3 V microcontrollers and legacy RS-232 serial peripherals. The Schmitt-trigger receiver inputs improve noise rejection on long cable runs typical in factory automation and rack-mounted equipment.
What are the specifications of MAX3238CDBE4?
| YTEOL | 0 |
| Additional Feature | CAN ALSO OPERATE WITH 5V SUPPLY |
| Differential Output | NO |
| Driver Number of Bits | 5 |
| High Level Input Current-Max | 0.000001A |
| Input Characteristics | SCHMITT TRIGGER |
| Interface IC Type | LINE TRANSCEIVER |
| Interface Standard | EIA-232-F; TIA-232-F; V.28 |
| JESD-30 Code | R-PDSO-G28 |
| JESD-609 Code | e4 |
| Number of Functions | 3 |
| Out Swing-Min | 10V |
| Output Low Current-Max | 0.0016A |
| Package Body Material | PLASTIC/EPOXY |
| Package Equivalence Code | SSOP28,.3 |
| Package Shape | RECTANGULAR |
| Package Style | SMALL OUTLINE, SHRINK PITCH |
| Peak Reflow Temperature (Cel) | 260 |
| Qualification Status | Not Qualified |
| Receiver Number of Bits | 3 |
| Supply Current-Max | 2mA |
| Supply Voltage-Max | 3.6V |
| Supply Voltage-Min | 3V |
| Supply Voltage-Nom | 3.3V |
| Supply Voltage1-Max | 5.5V |
| Supply Voltage1-Min | 4.5V |
| Supply Voltage1-Nom | 5V |
| Surface Mount | YES |
| Technology | BIPOLAR |
| Temperature Grade | COMMERCIAL |
| Terminal Finish | NICKEL PALLADIUM GOLD |
| Terminal Form | GULL WING |
| Terminal Pitch | 0.65mm |
| Terminal Position | DUAL |
| Time@Peak Reflow Temperature-Max (s) | 30 |
| Package | Small Outline Packages |
Compliance & Regulatory
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes (Pb-Free) |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level | MSL 1 |
| ECCN | EAR99 |
| HTS Code | 8542.39.00.60 |
Where can I find the MAX3238CDBE4 datasheet?
MAX3238CDBE4 Datasheet DownloadOfficial datasheet from Texas Instruments
What are equivalent replacements for MAX3238CDBE4?
Compatible alternatives and drop-in replacements for MAX3238CDBE4:
Frequently Asked Questions
How many RS-232 driver and receiver channels does MAX3238CDBE4 provide, and what supply voltages does it support?
The MAX3238CDBE4 provides 5 RS-232 driver channels and corresponding receiver channels on a single IC, all operating from a 3 V to 5.5 V supply. This means a single chip can handle up to 5 full-duplex serial signals, reducing the number of ICs needed in multi-port designs such as GPS modules or industrial terminals. Both 3.3 V and 5 V microcontroller systems are directly supported without external level shifting.
Why are Schmitt-trigger inputs important for the receiver section of MAX3238CDBE4 in industrial environments?
Schmitt-trigger inputs introduce hysteresis — typically around 0.4 V — that prevents spurious toggling when the incoming RS-232 signal has slow edges or noise superimposed on it. In factory floors with variable-frequency drives and switching power supplies, RS-232 cables can pick up significant electrical interference. The Schmitt-trigger design of MAX3238CDBE4 ensures that only intentional signal transitions above the threshold are registered, improving data integrity on cable runs of several meters.
What interface standards does MAX3238CDBE4 comply with, and which legacy equipment can it directly connect to?
MAX3238CDBE4 complies with EIA-232-F, TIA-232-F, and CCITT V.28 standards, which collectively define RS-232 electrical characteristics including voltage levels of ±5 V to ±15 V for drivers and input thresholds for receivers. This makes it directly compatible with any legacy serial device using a DB-9 or DB-25 connector such as industrial modems, barcode scanners, point-of-sale terminals, and older PLCs that predate USB serial adoption.
For a design using a 3.3 V MCU that needs to talk to a 5 V RS-232 port, does MAX3238CDBE4 eliminate the need for a separate level shifter?
Yes. The MAX3238CDBE4 accepts a supply voltage as low as 3 V, so it can be powered from the MCU's 3.3 V rail while its charge pump generates the ±5 V to ±10 V RS-232-compliant output levels internally. The UART TX and RX signals from the 3.3 V MCU connect directly to the TTL-level driver inputs and receiver outputs of the IC, removing any need for a discrete 3.3 V-to-5 V level translator. This simplifies the BOM and saves at least 2 additional components per channel.
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About Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments (TI) is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Dallas, Texas. TI designs and manufactures analog and embedded processing chips used in industrial, automotive, consumer, communications, and enterprise systems.
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