RS-232 transceiver for legacy serial links
It operates from a 4.5V to 5.5V supply and is specified over the commercial temperature range of 0°C to 70°C. This part is a direct fit for legacy RS-232 interfaces in industrial controllers, point-of-sale terminals, and test equipment where the 5V rail is already present.
At 120 kbps the MAX202CWE+ is sized for standard RS-232 communication up to about 15 metres of cable — enough for serial console, modem, or low-speed peripheral links.
Package and supply — board-fit constraints
The 16-SOIC wide-body (7.50 mm width) footprint is a common RS-232 transceiver layout, so the MAX202CWE+ drops onto existing pads without a board spin. The 4.5V to 5.5V supply range means it runs directly from a 5V rail; no extra regulator is needed, but it will not work from a 3.3V-only system without a boost converter.
Lifecycle and sourcing — still in active production
It remains a current-production part, so there is no last-time-buy pressure.