The MAX212 is a Texas Instruments 3V powered EIA/TIA-232E and V.28/V.24 communication interface transceiver with 3 drivers and 5 receivers with minimum power consumption. The operating voltage range extends from 3.6V to 3.0V while still maintaining true RS-232 and EIA/TIA-562 voltage levels. A typical 1µA shutdown mode reduces power consumption, extending battery life in portable systems. When shut down, all receivers can remain active or can be disabled under logic control. This enables a system incorporating the CMOS MAX212 to be in low-power shutdown mode and monitor incoming RS-232 activity. A guaranteed data rate of 120kbps provides compatibility with popular software for communicating with personal computers. Three-state drivers on all receiver outputs are provided so that multiple receivers, generally of different interface standards, can be wired-ORed at the UART. The MAX212 is available in both small-outline (SO) and shrink-small-outline (SSOP) packages. The SSOP package occupies less than half of the board area required by the equivalent SO package.
The MAX212 RS‑232 transceiver from Maxim operates from a single 3.0 V to 3.6 V supply and provides true RS‑232 voltage levels while consuming minimal power. It features three drivers and five receivers, a guaranteed 120 kbps data rate, and a shutdown mode that reduces supply current to 1 µA, extending battery life in portable applications.
The device is offered in 24‑pin SSOP and wide‑SO packages and includes an evaluation kit for quick testing. Detailed electrical, timing, and pin‑description specifications are provided, along with guidelines for interfacing to 5 V logic and driving serial mice.
| Operating Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
|---|---|
| Shutdown Supply Current | 1 µA |
| Supply Current (unloaded) | 1.5 mA to 3.0 mA |
| Data Rate (guaranteed) | 120 kbps |
| Package Types | 24‑pin SSOP or Wide SO |
| Number of Drivers / Receivers | 3 drivers, 5 receivers |
The MAX212 operates from 3.0 V up to 3.6 V.
In shutdown mode the device draws only about 1 µA.
Yes, but a 200 kΩ series resistor is required between the 5 V logic signal and the –S—D pin.
The MAX212 guarantees a data rate of 120 kbps.