Comparison Analysis of MAX3232EEAE and Other RS-232 Transceivers

Part No.:: MAX3232EEAE

Manufacturer:: Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated

Package:: 16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)

Description:: IC TRANSCEIVER FULL 2/2 16SSOP

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Article Details

Details
Specifications
Comparison

1. Introduction

In embedded system design, converting between TTL/CMOS levels and RS-232 levels is a common requirement, especially when communicating with computers and industrial equipment. The MAX3232EEAE, produced by Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices), is a widely used RS-232 transceiver known for its low power consumption, high compatibility, and compact packaging.
This article compares the MAX3232EEAE with other common RS-232 transceivers such as the MAX232, MAX3232CSE, and SP3232EEN, to help engineers make informed choices.

2. Key Parameters of MAX3232EEAE

Parameter	Specification
Operating Voltage	3.0V ~ 5.5V
Interface	2 Drivers + 2 Receivers
Data Rate	Up to 250 kbps
Package	TSSOP-16
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ +85°C
ESD Protection	±15kV (Human Body Model)
Compliance	EIA/TIA-232, V.28

3. Comparison with Common RS-232 Transceivers

Model	Voltage (V)	Data Rate (kbps)	ESD Protection	Package	Key Features
MAX232	5V	~120	None	DIP/SOIC	Legacy model, 5V only
MAX3232EEAE	3.0V ~ 5.5V	250	±15kV	TSSOP-16	Low voltage, wide temp, strong ESD
MAX3232CSE	3.0V ~ 5.5V	250	±15kV	SOIC-16	Similar to EEAE, larger package
SP3232EEN	3.0V ~ 5.5V	250	±15kV	SOIC-16/TSSOP	Compatible alternative, cost-effective

4. Analysis Highlights

- Voltage Compatibility: MAX3232 series supports 3.3V systems, ideal for modern MCUs. MAX232 supports only 5V systems.

- Package Size: MAX3232EEAE offers compact TSSOP-16 packaging for space-constrained designs.

- ESD Protection: EEAE, CSE, and SP3232EEN have ±15kV protection, suitable for industrial environments.

- Performance and Compatibility: Fully RS-232 compliant and reliable for various embedded UART applications.

5. Selection Recommendations

Application Scenario	Recommended Model	Reason
Compact Devices	MAX3232EEAE	Small package, low power, full temperature range
General Embedded Systems	MAX3232CSE	Larger package, same performance
Industrial or ESD-Sensitive	MAX3232EEAE / SP3232EEN	Strong ESD protection
Legacy 5V Designs	MAX232	5V only, not recommended for new designs

6. Conclusion

With its wide operating voltage, strong ESD protection, compact package, and high reliability, the MAX3232EEAE stands out as a preferred choice for modern serial communication systems. While multiple compatible models exist, MAX3232EEAE offers a balanced solution for most low-voltage RS-232 applications.

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated

Series:: -

Package/Case:: 16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)

Packaging:: Tube

Product Status:: Obsolete

Resistance:: Transceiver

Tolerance:: RS232

Power (Watts):: 2/2

Composition:: Full

Features:: 500 mV

Temperature Coefficient:: 250kbps

Operating Temperature:: 3V ~ 5.5V

Supplier Device Package:: -40°C ~ 85°C

Ratings:: -

Size / Dimension:: -

Height - Seated (Max):: Surface Mount

Number of Terminations:: 16-SSOP

Failure Rate:

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Part Number	MAX3232EEAE+T	MAX3232EEAE+	MAX3232EEAE+G1Z	MAX3232EEAE	MAX3232EEAE+TG1Z
Manufacturer	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
Series	-	-	-	-	-
Package/Case	16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)	16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)	16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)	16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)	16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Packaging	Tape & Reel (TR)	Tube	Bulk	Tube	Tape & Reel (TR)
Product Status	Active	Active	Obsolete	Obsolete	Obsolete
Type	Transceiver	Transceiver	Transceiver	Transceiver	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232	RS232	RS232	RS232	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	2/2	2/2	2/2	2/2	2/2
Duplex	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV	500 mV	500 mV	500 mV	500 mV
Data Rate	250kbps	250kbps	250kbps	250kbps	250kbps
Voltage - Supply	3V ~ 5.5V	3V ~ 5.5V	3V ~ 5.5V	3V ~ 5.5V	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C
Grade	-	-	-	-	-
Qualification	-	-	-	-	-
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount
Supplier Device Package	16-SSOP	16-SSOP	16-SSOP	16-SSOP	16-SSOP