MAX232ACPE+

MAX232ACPE+ is a MAX232-family RS-232 transceiver. It provides dual drivers and dual receivers to connect a microcontroller’s TTL/CMOS UART to RS-232 devices, enabling full-duplex serial communication. It uses on-chip charge pumps to generate the required RS-232 ± voltages from a single 5 V supply, so no extra power rails are needed. External components are typically four capacitors (often 1 µF each) for the charge pump. It operates from about 4.5–5.5 V and comes in a 16-pin package. Data rates are suitable for RS-232; the exact max speed depends on the specific variant, so consult the datasheet. The “+” suffix denotes a particular package/temperature grade variant; check the datasheet for exact specs. Common applications include connecting microcontrollers to PCs, modems, and other RS-232 peripherals.

Equivalents are other 2‑channel RS‑232 transceivers with onboard charge pumps. Examples include:
- Analog Devices: ADM232, ADM202
- Exar/MaxLinear: SP232, SP3232
- STMicroelectronics: ST232, ST3232
- Intersil/Renesas: ISL232 (ICL232)
- Maxim Integrated: MAX3232
Note: check voltage, capacitor size (0.1–1 µF), and pinout for your PCB.

Concise features of MAX232ACPE+:
- Dual RS-232 transceiver: 2 drivers and 2 receivers
- TTL/CMOS logic interface on the input side; RS-232 on the output side (two-way level shifting)
- Single-supply operation: typically 4.5–5.5 V
- Internal charge-pump that generates RS-232 voltages from a single supply; requires external pump capacitors (typical four capacitors, usually 1 µF each)
- RS-232 output swing typically in the ±6 to ±10 V range
- Operating temperature range commonly -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial)
- Pb-free, RoHS-compliant packaging options (e.g., 8-pin packages)
- Easy to use with standard RC capacitor values and minimal external components
Note: Exact capacitor values and package options may vary by exact datasheet revision; verify the latest datasheet for recommended caps and pinout.

- Pin count: 16 pins (DIP-16 / SO-16)
- Function: Dual RS-232 transceiver (two drivers and two receivers). Converts TTL/CMOS logic levels to RS-232 voltage levels and RS-232 signals back to TTL/CMOS. Uses an internal charge pump to generate the required ± voltages from a single 5V supply.

Manufacturer: Maxim Integrated (now a subsidiary of Analog Devices).
What kind of company: A semiconductor company specializing in analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits.

MAX232ACPE+ is an RS-232 transceiver with an on‑chip charge pump. Common applications:
- Interface TTL/CMOS microcontrollers to RS‑232 serial ports
- Embedded systems, consumer electronics, automotive and industrial control
- PCs/laptops, modems, routers, printers, POS terminals
- Data acquisition, test & measurement, instrumentation equipment
- Telemetry and medical devices requiring RS‑232 communication
It enables robust, low‑part-count RS‑232 links using a single supply with external charge‑pump capacitors.

16-pin plastic DIP package (DIP-16).