MAX202CWE

MAX202CWE is a Maxim Integrated RS-232 transceiver that interfaces TTL/CMOS UART logic to RS-232 serial ports. It provides the level shifting in a single supply (typically 3.0–5.5 V) using a charge-pump to generate RS-232 voltages, so no separate ±12 V supply is needed. The device combines RS-232 drivers and receivers in one package and supports standard UART data rates for PC serial ports and embedded MCUs. Key features usually include low quiescent current, ESD protection, and RoHS-compliant packaging (suffix CWE). External charge-pump capacitors are required as specified in the datasheet. Applications include microcontroller-to-PC/modem serial interfaces, data loggers, instrumentation, and portable serial devices. In short, MAX202CWE offers a compact, cost-effective single-supply solution for reliable RS-232 interfacing.

MAX202CWE is a 2‑channel RS‑232 transceiver with a charge pump. Common equivalents from other vendors include:
- Analog Devices ADM202/ADM232
- STMicroelectronics ST232
- Exar SP232 / SP232E
- Intersil (Renesas) ICL232
- MAX232 (same function, from Maxim)

MAX202CWE is a 2‑channel RS-232 transceiver. Key features:
- Two RS-232 drivers and two receivers (supports full-duplex two‑channel interface).
- Single-supply operation from 3V to 5.5V; extended temperature range (-40°C to +85°C, CWE grade).
- On‑chip charge‑pump voltage generator; external capacitors required (for the charge pump).
- TTL/CMOS logic inputs with RS-232 level outputs (typical ±5V to ±9V).
- Low quiescent current suitable for portable/embedded apps.
- ESD protection on RS-232 I/O pins.
- Available in small 8‑pin packages (e.g., SOIC/DIP) with RoHS/lead‑free options.
Note: External capacitors are used for the charge pump; precise capacitor values depend on the package variant.

Pin count: 16 pins (DIP/SOIC).
Function: The MAX202CWE is a dual RS-232 transceiver (two drivers and two receivers) that translates TTL/CMOS UART logic levels to/from RS-232 voltage levels. It operates from a single +5V supply and uses an on-chip charge pump with four external capacitors to generate the required ± voltages, providing full ±6 to ±10V RS-232 signaling without a dual supply.

Manufacturer: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. (the original maker of the MAX202CWE; Maxim was acquired by Analog Devices in 2021, and many Maxim parts are now sold under Analog Devices).
Type of company: A U.S.-based semiconductor company that designs and supplies analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits (power management, interface transceivers like RS-232/RS-485, data converters, sensors, etc.).

MAX202CWE is a two-channel RS-232 transceiver with an onboard charge pump.
Common applications:
- RS-232 interface for microcontrollers/embedded systems
- Serial links to PCs, modems, printers, and network equipment
- Industrial control, instrumentation, data acquisition, and telemetry systems
- Point-of-sale terminals and other medical or laboratory devices with RS-232 ports
- Test and measurement gear and general purpose serial communication interfaces

MAX202CWE uses an 8-pin small-outline package (SOIC-8).