General Description
The MAX3222E/MAX3232E/MAX3237E/MAX3241E/MAX3246E +3.0V-powered EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 communications interface devices feature low power consumption, high data-rate capabilities, and enhanced electrostatic-discharge (ESD) protection. The enhanced ESD structure protects all transmitter outputs and receiver inputs to ±15kV using IEC 1000-4-2 Air-Gap Discharge, ±8kV using IEC 1000-4-2 Contact Discharge (±9kV for MAX3246E), and ±15kV using the Human Body Model. The logic and receiver I/O pins of the MAX3237E are protected to the above standards, while the transmitter output pins are protected to ±15kV using the Human Body Model.
A proprietary low-dropout transmitter output stage delivers true RS-232 performance from a +3.0V to +5.5V power supply, using an internal dual charge pump. The charge pump requires only four small 0.1μF capacitors for operation from a +3.3V supply. Each device guarantees operation at data rates of 250kbps while maintaining RS-232 output levels. The MAX3237E guarantees operation at 250kbps in the normal operating mode and 1Mbps in the MegaBaud™ operating mode, while maintaining RS-232-compliant output levels.
The MAX3222E/MAX3232E have two receivers and two transmitters. The MAX3222E features a 1μA shutdown mode that reduces power consumption in battery-powered portable systems. The MAX3222E receivers remain active in shutdown mode, allowing monitoring of external devices while consuming only 1μA of supply current. The MAX3222E and MAX3232E are pin, package, and functionally compatible with the industry-standard MAX242 and MAX232, respectively.
The MAX3241E/MAX3246E are complete serial ports (three drivers/five receivers) designed for notebook and subnotebook computers. The MAX3237E (five drivers/three receivers) is ideal for peripheral applications that require fast data transfer. These devices feature a shutdown mode in which all receivers remain active, while consuming only 1μA (MAX3241E/MAX3246E) or 10nA (MAX3237E).
The MAX3222E, MAX3232E, and MAX3241E are available in space-saving SO, SSOP, TQFN and TSSOP packages. The MAX3237E is offered in an SSOP package. The MAX3246E is offered in the ultra-small 6 x 6 UCSP™ package.

Applications
Battery-Powered Equipment
Cell Phones Smart Phones
Cell-Phone Data Cables
Notebook, Subnotebook, and Palmtop Computers
Printers
xDSL Modems