General Description

The MAX3238 true RS-232 transceiver achieves a 1µA supply current with Maxim’s revolutionary AutoShutdown Plus™ feature. When the device does not sense a valid signal transition on either the receiver or transmitter inputs within 30sec, the on-board power supply and drivers shut down. This occurs if the RS-232 cable is disconnected or if the transmitters of the connected peripheral are inactive. The system turns on again when a valid transition is applied to any RS-232 receiver or transmitter input, saving power without changes to the existing BIOS or operating system.

Features

♦ 1µA Supply Current Achieved with AutoShutdown Plus

♦ Guaranteed Data Rate: 250kbps

♦ 1µA Low-Power Shutdown

♦ Receivers Active in AutoShutdown Plus Mode

♦ Flow-Through Pinout

♦ Meets EIA/TIA-232 Specifications Down to 3.0V

♦ Guaranteed 6V/µs Slew Rate

Applications

   Notebook, Subnotebook, and Palmtop

   Computers

   High-Speed Modems

   Battery-Powered Equipment

   Hand-Held Equipment

   Peripherals

   Printers