MAX241CWI

MAX241CWI is a dual RS-232 transceiver from Maxim Integrated. It provides two drivers and two receivers to connect a microcontroller’s UART to RS-232 interfaces. It runs from a single 3.3V or 5V supply and uses a charge-pump to generate RS-232 voltage levels; external capacitors are required. It converts TTL/CMOS inputs to RS-232 voltage levels and RS-232 inputs back to logic levels for the microcontroller. Typical features include low power consumption, true RS-232 level translation, TTL/CMOS input thresholds, and protection (ESD) on the ports. Package options are compact (SOIC/VSSOP). Common applications: embedded systems requiring a UART-to- RS-232 bridge (microcontrollers, modems, serial peripherals, data acquisition).

MAX241CWI is a MAXIM RS-232 transceiver. Direct equivalents include other MAXIM parts in the same family (e.g., MAX241, MAX241C, MAX251? MAX241CW). Common third‑party equivalents (RS‑232 transceivers) include TI SP232/SP3232, Analog Devices ADM232/ADM232A, and ST ST232. Note pinout and voltage ranges vary; verify the datasheet for footprint, supply, and temp rating before replacement.

Key features of MAX241CWI (RS-232 transceiver):
- Dual RS-232 driver/receiver: 2 transmitters and 2 receivers
- Wide supply range: 3.0 V to 5.5 V
- On-chip charge pump to generate RS-232 voltages; requires external capacitors
- Data rate up to about 1 Mbps
- TTL/CMOS compatible inputs; RS-232 level outputs
- Industrial temperature range: -40°C to +85°C
- Low quiescent current with standby/power-down option
- Robust ESD protection on RS-232 and input pins
Notes: Uses external capacitors (typical 1 µF each) for the charge pump.

Pin count: 16 pins.
Function: Dual RS-232 transceiver (two drivers and two receivers). It translates TTL/CMOS signals to RS-232 levels and vice versa, with an internal charge pump to generate the RS-232 voltages from a single supply. Inputs: TIN1/TIN2; Outputs: TOUT1/TOUT2; Receiver inputs: RIN1/RIN2; TTL outputs: ROUT1/ROUT2.

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

MAX241CWI is an RS-232 transceiver (2 drivers/2 receivers). Common applications:
- Interfaces between microcontrollers/DSPs and RS-232 ports in PCs, laptops, modems, printers
- Industrial automation and instrumentation (data acquisition, remote sensors)
- Point-of-sale terminals and cash registers
- Test and measurement equipment
- Networking/telecom equipment requiring reliable RS-232 links
- Embedded systems needing simple, low-power RS-232 signaling

MAX241CWI is available in an 8-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package.