RS-232 transceiver in a through-hole DIP
The Maxim Integrated MAX203CPP+G36 is a full-duplex RS-232 transceiver packing two drivers and two receivers in a 20-pin DIP package (0.300" body, 7.62 mm pitch). It handles data rates up to 120 kbps over a 4.75 V to 5.25 V supply rail, with a receiver hysteresis of 500 mV for noise rejection on the line. The through-hole PDIP package is a practical choice for breadboard prototyping, legacy bus retrofits, or any board where a socketed interface IC simplifies field service.
Commercial temperature grade and supply reality
Rated for 0°C to 70°C, this part is suited for indoor equipment, benchtop instruments, and commercial telecom gear — not for an unheated enclosure or under-hood automotive use. The 5 V ±5% supply rail is tight: a 4.75 V minimum means a lightly loaded 5 V rail or a regulated 5 V output from a 12 V bus keeps it happy, but a 3.3 V-only system needs a boost converter or a different transceiver.
Lifecycle and sourcing posture
The MAX203CPP+G36 carries an Active product status with ROHS3 compliance.