19-1144; Rev 1; 10/02
+3.0V to +5.5V, 1µA, up to 250kbps, True
RS-232 Transceiver with AutoShutdown Plus
_______________General Description
____________________________Features
The MAX3238 true RS-232 transceiver achieves a
1µA supply current with Maxim’s revolutionary
AutoShutdown Plus™ feature. When the device does
not sense a valid signal transition on either the receiver
or transmitter inputs within 30sec, the on-board power
supply and drivers shut down. This occurs if the RS-232
cable is disconnected or if the transmitters of the con-
nected peripheral are inactive. The system turns on
again when a valid transition is applied to any RS-232
receiver or transmitter input, saving power without
changes to the existing BIOS or operating system.
ꢀ 1µA Supply Current Achieved with
AutoShutdown Plus
ꢀ Guaranteed Data Rate: 250kbps
ꢀ 1µA Low-Power Shutdown
ꢀ Receivers Active in AutoShutdown Plus Mode
ꢀ Flow-Through Pinout
ꢀ Meets EIA/TIA-232 Specifications Down to 3.0V
ꢀ Guaranteed 6V/µs Slew Rate
The MAX3238 5-driver/3-receiver complete serial port is
a 3V-powered EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 communica-
tions interface intended for notebook or subnotebook
computer applications. A proprietary, high-efficiency,
dual charge-pump power supply and a low-dropout
transmitter combine to deliver true RS-232 performance
from a single +3.0V to +5.5V supply. A guaranteed
data rate of 250kbps provides compatibility with popu-
lar software for communicating with personal comput-
ers. The MAX3238 requires only 0.1µF capacitors in
3.3V operation. It is ideal for 3.3V-only systems, mixed
3.3V and 5.0V systems, or 5V-only systems that require
true RS-232 performance.
______________Ordering Information
PART
TEMP RANGE
0°C to +70°C
-40°C to +85°C
PIN-PACKAGE
28 SSOP
MAX3238CAI
MAX3238EAI
28 SSOP
Receiver R1 has an extra, always-active output (in addi-
tion to its standard output), which allows external
devices, such as a modem, to be monitored without for-
ward biasing the protection diodes in circuitry that may
__________________Pin Configuration
have V
completely removed.
CC
TOP VIEW
The MAX3238 is available in a space-saving SSOP
package.
C2+
GND
C2-
V-
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
1
2
C1+
V+
________________________Applications
V
3
CC
Notebook, Subnotebook, and Palmtop
Computers
C1-
4
T1IN
T2IN
T3IN
T1OUT
T2OUT
5
High-Speed Modems
Battery-Powered Equipment
Hand-Held Equipment
Peripherals
MAX3238
6
T3OUT
R1IN
7
21 R1OUT
8
9
20
R2IN
R2OUT
Printers
19
10
11
12
13
14
T4IN
18 R3OUT
T5IN
T4OUT
R3IN
Typical Operating Circuit appears at end of data sheet.
17
T5OUT
FORCEON
FORCEOFF
16 R1OUTB
15
INVALID
AutoShutdown Plus is a trademark of Maxim Integrated Products.
SSOP
________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products
1
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim/Dallas Direct! at
1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.