MAX202CSE

MAX202CSE is a dual RS-232 transceiver from Maxim Integrated. It provides two drivers (TTL/CMOS to RS-232) and two receivers (RS-232 to TTL/CMOS), allowing a microcontroller’s UART to talk to RS-232 devices (PCs, modems, etc.). It typically runs from a single supply (around 5 V, some variants 3–5.5 V) and uses an internal charge pump to generate the required bipolar RS-232 voltages from the supply. The device offers standard UART-compatible logic thresholds, low power consumption, and RS-232 level outputs/inputs suitable for common serial communication speeds. It’s available in compact packages for embedded systems. For exact pinout, supply voltage ranges, external capacitor requirements (for the charge pump), and supported data rates, refer to the MAX202CSE datasheet.

Equivalent RS-232 transceivers (2-channel, charge-pump, 5V):
- Analog Devices: ADM202
- STMicroelectronics/Exar: SP3232 (SP3232E)
- Maxim Integrated: MAX232 / MAX3232
These are drop-in competitors with similar functions to MAX202CSE.

Here are the typical features of the MAX202CSE (dual RS-232 transceiver):
- Dual RS-232 transceivers: 2 drivers and 2 receivers
- Single 5V supply operation
- Internal charge-pump to generate RS-232 level voltages
- Requires four external charge-pump capacitors (typical values around 1 µF)
- TTL/CMOS logic-level inputs; RS-232 compatible outputs
- Output voltage swing roughly ±6V to ±9V
- Data rate up to several hundred kbps per channel (typical specs around 120 kbps)
- Small 8-pin package (CSE variant), suitable for compact embedded designs
- Low power consumption for portable applications
Note: check the exact datasheet for operating temperature range and precise data-rate and capacitor values for your package variant.

- Pin count: 16 pins (DIP-16/SO-16 variants)
- Function: Dual RS-232 transceiver (two drivers, two receivers) with an on‑chip charge pump. Converts TTL/CMOS logic levels to RS-232 levels and RS-232 levels back to TTL/CMOS, powered from a single 5V supply.

- Manufacturer: Maxim Integrated Products (now part of Analog Devices, Inc.)
- What kind of company: A fabless semiconductor company that designs and sells analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits.

MAX202CSE is a 2-channel RS-232 transceiver (two drivers, two receivers) with an integrated charge-pump to generate RS-232 voltages from a single 5V supply. Applications: any MCU-based system needing RS-232 interfaces; PC/modem/printer serial links; GPS receivers, data loggers, and instrumentation; industrial automation/PLCs; point-of-sale terminals and telecom/network equipment; serial console ports in embedded systems. Useful where space and power are at a premium due to its compact package.

8-pin Small Outline IC (SOIC) package (gull-wing leads).