MAX232 RS232/TTL Converter IC

MAX232 IC is a dual driver/receiver communication IC that converts voltage levels (0 to 5V) of a TTL device to their equivalent RS232 voltage levels (-25 to +25V) and vice versa. This voltage translation is very much required whenever there is a serial communication between TTL devices e.g. microcontroller and RS232 devices e.g. standard PC. The Max 232 IC can be used in computers, modems, printers, fax machines and many more devices.

Product Description of the MAX232 RS232/TTL Converter IC

The IC needs four external capacitors to properly work. It includes a capacitive voltage generator to supply RS232 voltage levels from a single 5-V supply In the IC.  There are two transmitters, that convert TTL level to RS232 level and two receivers that convert RS232 level to a 5V TTL/CMOS level. The maximum data rate can be up to 120 kbit/sec over a distance of 12 to 15 meters.

Specifications of MAX232 RS232/TTL Converter IC

• Two Drivers and Two Receivers
• Operating temperature : 0 to 85 °C
• Operates From a Single 5-V Power Supply With 1.0-µF Charge-Pump Capacitors
• Maximum recommended bit rate: 120kbit/s
• Input voltage range : T1&T2 - ±3V ; R1&R2- ±30V
• Maximum input Supply voltage (Vcc) : 6V
• Low Supply Current: 8 mA Typical

Additional Resources

• MAX232 IC datasheet

Package Includes

1 x MAX232 RS232/TTL Converter IC