RS-232 interface in a compact 16-SSOP
It operates from a 3V to 5.5V supply rail, covering both 3.3V and 5V logic domains without a separate level shifter. The part supports a 235 kbps data rate, sufficient for legacy serial ports, industrial terminal links, and configuration interfaces on embedded controllers. Industrial temperature rating (-40°C to 85°C) qualifies it for factory-floor, outdoor telecom, and engine-bay environments where commercial-grade parts would drift out of spec.
Supply flexibility and receiver hysteresis
The 3V to 5.5V supply range means the MAX3221EAE+ can be dropped into a 3.3V-only BOM or a legacy 5V RS-232 port without a regulator change. The receiver hysteresis of 300 mV provides noise immunity on longer cable runs, reducing bit errors in electrically noisy environments like motor drives or switching power supplies.
The part is ROHS3 compliant.