MAX3232CPWR RS-232 Line Driver/Receiver IC TSSOP-16 – 10 Pack
MAX3232CPWR RS-232 Line Driver/Receiver IC TSSOP-16 – 10 Pack
MAX3232CPWR RS-232 Line Driver/Receiver Integrated Circuit – 10-Pack
Get reliable serial communication in your embedded designs with this 10-piece set of MAX3232CPWR RS-232 Line Driver/Receiver ICs in the compact TSSOP-16 package. Engineered for low-voltage operation, the MAX3232 operates from a single 3.3V supply while maintaining full RS-232 compliance — making it ideal for microcontroller UART interfaces, industrial control boards, and communication modules.
Key Features
- IC Part: MAX3232CPWR
- Function: RS-232 Line Driver / Receiver
- Package: TSSOP-16 (Thin Shrink Small Outline Package)
- Supply Voltage: 3.0V – 5.5V (single supply operation)
- Dual Charge-Pump: Generates ±5.5V internally — no external voltage rails needed
- Data Rate: Up to 250 kbps
- Drivers / Receivers: 2 drivers, 2 receivers per chip
- Low Shutdown Current: 1µA typical — great for battery-powered designs
- Quantity: 10 pieces per order
- Condition: Brand new, genuine components
- High-concern chemicals: None
Common Applications
- Microcontroller UART-to-RS-232 level shifting
- Serial communication for embedded systems (Arduino, STM32, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, etc.)
- Industrial automation and PLC communication
- Portable and battery-powered serial devices
- Networking equipment and serial terminal interfaces
Why Choose the MAX3232CPWR?
The MAX3232 is a go-to choice for engineers and hobbyists needing robust RS-232 communication from a low-voltage 3.3V system. Its integrated charge-pump capacitors (only four small external caps required) keep your PCB footprint minimal, while the TSSOP-16 package suits space-constrained designs perfectly. Buying a 10-pack ensures you always have spares on hand for prototyping and production runs.
Made in Mainland China.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the MAX3232CPWR and what does it do?
A: The MAX3232CPWR is an RS-232 line driver/receiver integrated circuit (IC) in a TSSOP-16 package. It converts logic-level UART signals (3.3V) from a microcontroller or processor into RS-232-compliant voltage levels, enabling serial communication between devices such as PCs, modems, and industrial equipment. It includes two drivers and two receivers per chip.
Q: Is this IC compatible with 3.3V microcontrollers like STM32 or Arduino?
A: Yes. The MAX3232CPWR operates from a single 3.3V to 5.5V supply, making it fully compatible with 3.3V microcontrollers (e.g., STM32, ESP32, Raspberry Pi) as well as 5V systems like classic Arduino boards. Its internal charge pump generates the ±5.5V levels required for RS-232 output without any external power rails.
Q: What external components are needed to use the MAX3232CPWR?
A: Typically only four small capacitors (0.1µF each) are required for the internal charge pump — that's it. No external voltage regulators or additional power supplies are needed, which keeps your circuit design simple and your PCB compact.
Q: Why should I buy a 10-pack instead of a single unit?
A: Purchasing the 10-piece MAX3232CPWR pack is cost-effective for prototyping, development, and small-batch production. Having extras on hand prevents project delays caused by damaged or lost components and provides significant savings per unit compared to buying individually.