• Device Type: RS-232 Transceiver (2 Drivers / 2 Receivers)
• Package Type: 20-Pin PDIP (CPP suffix)
• Protocol: RS-232 (EIA/TIA-232E, V.28/V.24)

General Features

• 2 RS-232 transmitters (drivers)
• 2 RS-232 receivers
• Ultra-low-power CMOS design
• Built-in AutoShutdown™ power-saving feature
• On-board DC-DC voltage converters
• Three-state receiver outputs
• Flow-through pinout for easier PCB layout
• Designed for battery-powered equipment

Electrical Characteristics

• Supply Voltage Range:
  • +1.8 V to +4.25 V
• Supply Current:
  • As low as 1 µA in AutoShutdown mode
• Data Rate:
  • Up to 120 kbps
• Receiver Hysteresis:
  • 700 mV typical

AutoShutdown™ Function

• Automatically enters low-power mode when:
  • RS-232 cable is disconnected
  • Remote transmitter becomes inactive
• Automatically wakes when valid RS-232 activity is detected
• Can also be controlled through logic inputs
• Greatly extends battery life in portable equipment

RS-232 Interface

• Meets EIA/TIA-232E specifications
• Maintains true RS-232 voltage levels from low supply voltages
• Compatible with:
  • PCs
  • Modems
  • Serial peripherals
  • Embedded systems

Package Information

• Package: PDIP-20
• Pin Count: 20
• Mounting Style: Through-Hole

Operating Temperature

• MAX3218CPP (Commercial Grade):
  • 0°C to +70°C
• Industrial variant:
  • MAX3218EPP: -40°C to +85°C

Key Features

• 1 µA standby current
• 2 transmitters + 2 receivers
• RS-232 compliant
• AutoShutdown™ power management
• Internal charge pumps/DC-DC converters
• Operates directly from two batteries
• 120 kbps guaranteed data rate
• 20-pin DIP package

Typical Applications

• Battery-powered instruments
• Handheld terminals
• PDAs
• Cellular phones
• Portable test equipment
• Embedded controllers
• Subnotebook computers
• Serial communication interfaces