19-1298; Rev 6; 12/02
1ꢀ5k EꢁDꢂ-rotected, Down to 10nA, 3.0k to ꢀ.ꢀk,
Up to 1Mbps, True Rꢁꢂ232 Transceivers
General Description
Features
The MAX3222E/MAX3232E/MAX3237E/MAX3241E/
MAX3246E +3.0V-powered EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24
communications interface devices feature low power con-
sumption, high data-rate capabilities, and enhanced
electrostatic-discharge (ESD) protection. The enhanced
ESD structure protects all transmitter outputs and
receiver inputs to ±1ꢀ5V using IEꢁ 1000-4-2 Air-ꢂap
Discharge, ±85V using IEꢁ 1000-4-2 ꢁontact Discharge
(±±5V for MAX3246E), and ±1ꢀ5V using the ꢃuman ꢄodꢅ
Model. The logic and receiver I/O pins of the MAX3237E
are protected to the above standards, while the transmit-
ter output pins are protected to ±1ꢀ5V using the ꢃuman
ꢄodꢅ Model.
o ESD Protection for RS-232 I/O Pins
(MAX3222E/MAX3232E/MAX3241E/MAX3246E)
15kV—Human Body Model
8kV—IEC 1000-4-2, Contact Discharge
9kV (MAX3246E Only)—IEC 1000-4-2, Contact
Discharge
15kV—IEC 1000-4-2, Air-Gap Discharge
o ESD Protection for all Logic and Receiver I/O Pins
(MAX3237E)
15kV—Human Body Model
8kV—IEC 1000-4-2, Contact Discharge
15kV–IEC 1000-4-2, Air-Gap Discharge
A proprietarꢅ low-dropout transmitter output stage delivers
true RS-232 performance from a +3.0V to +ꢀ.ꢀV power
supplꢅ, using an internal dual charge pump. The charge
pump requires onlꢅ four small 0.1µF capacitors for opera-
tion from a +3.3V supplꢅ. Each device guarantees opera-
tion at data rates of 2ꢀ05bps while maintaining RS-232
output levels. The MAX3237E guarantees operation at
2ꢀ05bps in the normal operating mode and 1Mbps in the
Megaꢄaud™ operating mode, while maintaining RS-232-
compliant output levels.
The MAX3222E/MAX3232E have two receivers and two
transmitters. The MAX3222E features a 1µA shutdown
mode that reduces power consumption in batterꢅ-pow-
ered portable sꢅstems. The MAX3222E receivers remain
active in shutdown mode, allowing monitoring of external
devices while consuming onlꢅ 1µA of supplꢅ current. The
MAX3222E and MAX3232E are pin, pac5age, and func-
tionallꢅ compatible with the industrꢅ-standard MAX242
and MAX232, respectivelꢅ.
o ESD Protection for Transmitter Output Pins
(MAX3237E)
15kV—Human Body Model
o Guaranteed Data Rate
250kbps (MAX3222E/MAX3232E/MAX3241E/
MAX3246E/MAX3237E, Normal Operation)
1Mbps (MAX3237E, MegaBaud Operation)
o Latchup Free
o Low-Power Shutdown with Receivers Active
1µA (MAX3222E/MAX3241E/MAX3246E)
10nA (MAX3237E)
o Flow-Through Pinout (MAX3237E)
o Guaranteed Mouse Drivability (MAX3241E)
o Meets EIA/TIA-232 Specifications Down to +3.0V
The MAX3241E/MAX3246E are complete serial ports
(three drivers/five receivers) designed for noteboo5 and
subnoteboo5 computers. The MAX3237E (five drivers/
three receivers) is ideal for peripheral applications that
require fast data transfer. These devices feature a shut-
down mode in which all receivers remain active, while
consuming onlꢅ 1µA (MAX3241E/MAX3246E) or 10nA
(MAX3237E).
The MAX3222E, MAX3232E, and MAX3241E are avail-
able in space-saving SO, SSOP, and TSSOP pac5ages.
The MAX3237E is offered in an SSOP pac5age. The
MAX3246E is offered in the ultra-small 6 x 6 UꢁSP™
pac5age.
_______________Ordering Information
PART
TEMP RANGE
0°C to +70°C
0°C to +70°C
PIN-PACKAGE
20 TSSOP
MAX3222ECUP
MAX3222ECAP
20 SSOP
Ordering Information continued at end of data sheet.
Pin Configurations appear at end of data sheet.
Selector Guide appears at end of data sheet.
Typical Operating Circuits appear at end of data sheet.
________________________Applications
ꢄatterꢅ-Powered Equipment Printers
ꢁell Phones
ꢁell-Phone Data ꢁables
Noteboo5, Subnoteboo5,
and Palmtop ꢁomputers
Smart Phones
xDSL Modems
MegaBaud is a trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
UCSP is a trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
†
Covered by U.S. Patent numbers 4,636,930; 4,679,134;
4,777,577; 4,797,899; 4,809,152; 4,897,774; 4,999,761; and
other patents pending.
________________________________________________________________ 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.