MAX232 Pinout, Applications, Uses, Features and Other Details
MAX232 is a famous IC built for microcontroller and computer serial communication. In this post we are going to discuss MAX232 pinout, applications, uses, features, and other details about this IC.
MAX232 IC Features & Technical Specifications
- Can be operated with a single power supply
- Available in 3 different packages
- The IC contains two drivers and two receivers in a single package.
- Current consumption is only 8mA
- Easy to setup
- Low cost and reliable to use
- The operating speed of the IC is up to 120kbits per second.
- Input Levels ±30V
- Supports two conversations at the same time dual receivers & dual drivers.
MAX232 IC Pin Configuration
| Pin# | Pin Name | Pin Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C1+ | Positive connection of capacitor 1 |
| 2 | V+ | Positive charge pump output connection for capacitor |
| 3 | C1- | Negative connection of capacitor 1 |
| 4 | C2+ | Positive connection of capacitor 2 |
| 5 | C2- | Negative connection of capacitor 2 |
| 6 | V- | Negative charge pump output connection for capacitor |
| 7 | T2OUT | RS232 output or serial output to another RS232 system or computer's RS232 system |
| 8 | R2IN | RS232 input or serial input to another RS232 system or computer's RS232 system |
| 9 | R2OUT | Logic output to microcontroller's UART (2) |
| 10 | T2IN | Logic input from microcontroller's UART (2) |
| 11 | T1IN | Logic input from microcontroller's UART (1) |
| 12 | R1OUT | Logic output to microcontroller's UART (1) |
| 13 | R1IN | RS232 input or serial input to another RS232 system or computer's RS232 system |
| 14 | T1OUT | RS232 output or serial output to another RS232 system or computer's RS232 system |
| 15 | GND | Ground or negative supply connection of the IC |
| 16 | Vcc | Positive supply connection of the IC |
MAX232 Description
MAX232 is a 16 pin IC available in SOIC, PDIP, and SOP packages. This IC is built for serial communication between PC and microcontrollers and converts TTL/CMOS to RS232 Logic Levels. As you know microcontrollers use a TTL or Transistor Transistor Logic of 0 to 5V but in a computer the RS232 works at -24V or +24V therefore we can’t directly interface these microcontrollers with computer and we must require a device that converts the TTL/CMOS to RS232 Logic Level, therefore, the MSX232 IC is built to solve this problem by converting TTL/CMOS to RS232.
Where We Can Use it & How to Use:
MAX232 is very easy to setup to use max232 IC we need five 2.2uF electrolytic capacitors connected between C1+ & C1-, C2+ & C2-, V+ & Gnd, V- & Gnd, Vcc & Gnd. The IC has two transmission lines but here in this circuit we have used only one which are T1IN(Pin11) & T1OUT (Pin14), R1IN(Pin13) & R1OUT(Pin12). When all pins are connected then apply voltage to the IC, now if you have made the right connections then you will see the IC is performing TTL/CMOS to RS232 conversion.
Applications
Communication between microcontroller and computer.
Portable and battery operated equipment & devices.
Modems
RS232 Cables
How to Safely Long Run in a Circuit
For safety and long term performance do not apply more than 5.5V DC to the IC, the max voltage on T1IN, T2IN should not be more than 0,8V, receiver input voltage should be under ±30 and always store or operate the IC in temperature above -65V and below +150V.
Datasheet
To download the datasheet just copy and paste the below link in your browser.
https://datasheetspdf.com/pdf-down/M/A/X/MAX232-etcTI.pdf
