19-1298; Rev 7; 2/03
±15kV ESD-Protected, Down to 10nA, 3.0V to 5.5V,
Up to 1Mbps, True RS-232 Transceivers
General Description
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 ±15kV using IEC 1000-4-2 Air-Gap
Discharge, ±8kV using IEC 1000-4-2 Contact Discharge
(±9kV for MAX3246E), and ±15kV using the Human Body
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 ±15kV using the Human
Body Model.
A proprietary low-dropout transmitter output stage delivers
true RS-232 performance from a +3.0V to +5.5V power
supply, using an internal dual charge pump. The charge
pump requires only four small 0.1µF capacitors for opera-
tion from a +3.3V supply. Each device guarantees opera-
tion at data rates of 250kbps while maintaining RS-232
output levels. The MAX3237E guarantees operation at
250kbps in the normal operating mode and 1Mbps in the
MegaBaud™ 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 battery-pow-
ered portable systems. The MAX3222E receivers remain
active in shutdown mode, allowing monitoring of external
devices while consuming only 1µA of supply current. The
MAX3222E and MAX3232E are pin, package, and func-
tionally compatible with the industry-standard MAX242
and MAX232, respectively.
The MAX3241E/MAX3246E are complete serial ports
(three drivers/five receivers) designed for notebook and
subnotebook 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 only 1µA (MAX3241E/MAX3246E) or 10nA
(MAX3237E).
The MAX3222E, MAX3232E, and MAX3241E are avail-
able in space-saving SO, SSOP, and TSSOP packages.
The MAX3237E is offered in an SSOP package. The
MAX3246E is offered in the ultra-small 6 x 6 UCSP™
package.
Features
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
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
MAX3222E/MAX3232E/MAX3237E/MAX3241E
†
/MAX3246E
_______________Ordering Information
PART
MAX3222ECUP
MAX3222ECAP
TEMP RANGE
0°C to +70°C
0°C to +70°C
PIN-PACKAGE
20 TSSOP
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
Battery-Powered Equipment
Cell Phones
Cell-Phone Data Cables
Notebook, Subnotebook,
and Palmtop Computers
Printers
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.
1
________________________________________________________________
Maxim Integrated Products
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.
MAXIM [ MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS ]
