Active RS-232 driver for single-supply serial links
The MAX3188EEUT+T: Rated for 250kbps data rate and full-duplex operation, this driver handles typical serial communication with peripherals like barcode scanners, GPS modules, or industrial controllers over standard RS-232 levels.
Supply voltage and signal integrity at the board level
The 4.5V to 6V supply range means it runs from a 5V rail with margin — no charge-pump or dual supplies needed. The 100 mV receiver hysteresis adds noise margin on the input side, which matters when the cable run picks up common-mode noise in an industrial enclosure. Housed in a SOT-23-6 package, the footprint is 2.9 mm × 1.6 mm typical — small enough for a multi-channel RS-232 bank on a compact PCB.