The MAX232N is a dual RS-232 transceiver in a 16-pin DIP package — the through-hole variant of the industry-standard MAX232 family. Data rate is rated at 120 kbps, sufficient for legacy serial ports, terminal interfaces, and low-speed instrumentation links where the cable run stays under a few metres. The 500 mV receiver hysteresis provides noise margin on a bus that often shares a cabinet with motor drives or relays.
Supply and temperature envelope
The 16-DIP (0.300" width) through-hole package suits prototyping, socketed designs, or boards where vibration resistance is less critical than ease of rework.
Production status and compliance
RoHS3 compliant (2011/65/EU + 2015/863). No REACH or UL certification is noted in the manufacturer's listing; the RoHS declaration is the compliance document typically provided with shipments.