MAX3238CDBRG4 Texas Instruments Integrated Circuit (Small Outline Packages) In Stock

MAX3238CDBRG4 is a Texas Instruments multichannel RS-232 line driver and receiver transceiver compliant with EIA/TIA-232-F, operating from 3 V to 5.5 V supply. It integrates 5 drivers and multiple receivers with Schmitt trigger inputs in a 28-pin SOIC package. Ideal for multi-port serial communication interfaces in industrial and embedded systems.

OBSOLETEIntegrated CircuitVerified May 2026
Package / Visual Reference
MAX3238CDBRG4Small Outline Packages
Quick Facts
Manufacturer
Texas Instruments
Package
Small Outline Packages
Pin Count
28
Lifecycle
OBSOLETE
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 MAX3238CDBRG4?

  • 5 RS-232 drivers with EIA/TIA-232-F compliance enabling multi-port serial communication from a single 3 V to 5.5 V supply
  • Schmitt trigger inputs on receiver channels providing hysteresis noise immunity for reliable data reception in noisy industrial environments
  • 3 V to 5.5 V operating supply range simplifying integration with both 3.3 V microcontrollers and legacy 5 V RS-232 systems
  • 28-pin SOIC package providing all transmitter and receiver channels in a compact form factor for multi-port UART interface boards

What is MAX3238CDBRG4 used for?

MAX3238CDBRG4 is used in multi-port RS-232 serial interfaces for industrial PLCs, embedded controllers, and test equipment where multiple UART channels must connect to legacy RS-232 equipment. Its 3 V to 5.5 V supply range makes it directly compatible with modern microcontrollers while driving the ±5 V to ±15 V RS-232 voltage levels required by legacy host systems. The device also suits panel PC serial expansion cards and modem interface boards needing 5 independent RS-232 transmit channels.

What are the specifications of MAX3238CDBRG4?

YTEOL0
Additional FeatureCAN ALSO OPERATE WITH 5V SUPPLY
Differential OutputNO
Driver Number of Bits5
High Level Input Current-Max0.000001A
Input CharacteristicsSCHMITT TRIGGER
Interface IC TypeLINE TRANSCEIVER
Interface StandardEIA-232-F; TIA-232-F; V.28
JESD-30 CodeR-PDSO-G28
JESD-609 Codee4
Number of Functions3
Out Swing-Min10V
Output Low Current-Max0.000001A
Output PolarityINVERTED
Package Body MaterialPLASTIC/EPOXY
Package Equivalence CodeSSOP28,.3
Package ShapeRECTANGULAR
Package StyleSMALL OUTLINE, SHRINK PITCH
Peak Reflow Temperature (Cel)260
Qualification StatusNot Qualified
Receiver Number of Bits3
Supply Current-Max2mA
Supply Voltage-Max3.6V
Supply Voltage-Min3V
Supply Voltage-Nom3.3V
Supply Voltage1-Max5.5V
Supply Voltage1-Min4.5V
Supply Voltage1-Nom5V
Surface MountYES
TechnologyBIPOLAR
Temperature GradeCOMMERCIAL
Terminal FinishNICKEL PALLADIUM GOLD
Terminal FormGULL WING
Terminal Pitch0.65mm
Terminal PositionDUAL
Time@Peak Reflow Temperature-Max (s)30
PackageSmall Outline Packages

Compliance & Regulatory

RoHS StatusCompliant
Lead-FreeYes (Pb-Free)
Moisture Sensitivity LevelMSL 1
ECCNEAR99
HTS Code8542.39.00.60

Where can I find the MAX3238CDBRG4 datasheet?

MAX3238CDBRG4 Datasheet Download

Official datasheet from Texas Instruments

What are equivalent replacements for MAX3238CDBRG4?

Compatible alternatives and drop-in replacements for MAX3238CDBRG4:

MAX3238ECDBRG4Texas Instruments

Line Transceiver, 3 Func, 5 Driver, 3 Rcvr, PDSO28

View Part →
MAX3238CDBG4Texas Instruments

Line Transceiver, 3 Func, 5 Driver, 3 Rcvr, PDSO28

View Part →
MAX3238CDBE4Texas Instruments

Line Transceiver, 3 Func, 5 Driver, 3 Rcvr, BIPolar, PDSO28

View Part →
MAX3238IDBRG4Q1Texas Instruments

Line Transceiver, 3 Func, 5 Driver, 3 Rcvr, PDSO28

View Part →
MAX3238IDBTexas Instruments

Line Transceiver, 3 Func, 5 Driver, 3 Rcvr, BIPolar, PDSO28

View Part →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many RS-232 driver channels does MAX3238CDBRG4 provide and what supply voltage does it require?

MAX3238CDBRG4 integrates 5 RS-232 drivers and operates from a 3 V to 5.5 V supply, internally generating the ±5.5 V RS-232 output levels from the low-voltage rail using built-in charge pump capacitors. This enables direct interfacing to legacy RS-232 serial equipment from modern 3.3 V microcontroller systems without a separate bipolar power supply.

What does the Schmitt trigger input on MAX3238CDBRG4 receivers do for noisy industrial serial links?

The Schmitt trigger inputs provide approximately 0.5 V of hysteresis, ensuring clean logic transitions even when the RS-232 input signal has noise, ringing, or slow edges. In industrial environments where RS-232 cables run near motor drives or relay panels, this hysteresis prevents false bit framing errors that would occur with standard comparator-level receiver inputs at 115,200 baud.

Can MAX3238CDBRG4 operate from a 3.3 V supply in a design connecting to legacy 5 V RS-232 serial port equipment?

Yes. MAX3238CDBRG4 operates from 3 V to 5.5 V and generates RS-232 output levels compliant with EIA-232-F specification (typically ±5.5 V outputs) regardless of supply voltage in this range. This allows a 3.3 V microcontroller-based board to drive all 5 RS-232 transmitter channels to levels fully compatible with legacy 5 V PC serial ports and industrial terminals.

When would MAX3238CDBRG4 be selected over a single-channel RS-232 transceiver in an embedded design?

MAX3238CDBRG4 is the better choice when 5 independent RS-232 channels are needed, such as a multi-port serial expansion module, a PLC with several sensor ports, or a gateway device bridging multiple UART buses to RS-232. Using a single 28-pin device replaces 5 separate single-channel transceivers, reducing BOM cost, total board area, and assembly complexity on high-channel-count serial interface boards.

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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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