_______________General Description

The MAX3222/MAX3232/MAX3237/MAX3241 transceivers

have a proprietary low-dropout transmitter output

stage enabling true RS-232 performance from a

3.0V to 5.5V supply with a dual charge pump. The

devices require only four small 0.1μF external chargepump

capacitors. The MAX3222, MAX3232, and

MAX3241 are guaranteed to run at data rates of

120kbps while maintaining RS-232 output levels. The

MAX3237 is guaranteed to run at data rates of 250kbps

in the normal operating mode and 1Mbps in the

MegaBaud™ operating mode, while maintaining RS-232

output levels.

The MAX3222/MAX3232 have 2 receivers and 2

drivers. The MAX3222 features a 1μA shutdown mode

that reduces power consumption and extends battery

life in portable systems. Its receivers remain active in

shutdown mode, allowing external devices such as

modems to be monitored using only 1μA supply current.

The MAX3222 and MAX3232 are pin, package,

and functionally compatible with the industry-standard

MAX242 and MAX232, respectively.

The MAX3241 is a complete serial port (3 drivers/

5 receivers) designed for notebook and subnotebook

computers. The MAX3237 (5 drivers/3 receivers) is ideal

for fast modem applications. Both these devices feature

a shutdown mode in which all receivers can remain

active while using only 1μA supply current. Receivers R1

(MAX3237/MAX3241) and R2 (MAX3241) have extra outputs

in addition to their standard outputs. These extra

outputs are always active, allowing external devices

such as a modem to be monitored without forward biasing

the protection diodes in circuitry that may have VCC

completely removed.

The MAX3222, MAX3237, and MAX3241 are available

in space-saving TSSOP and SSOP packages.