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Texas Instruments MAX3232IPW — Interface & Transceivers

MAX3232IPW RS-232 Transceiver, 250 kbps, 16-TSSOP

MPNMAX3232IPW
Obsolete

Texas Instruments MAX3232IPW, RS-232 transceiver, full duplex, 250 kbps data rate, 3V–5.5V supply, 2/2 drivers/receivers, 300 mV receiver hysteresis, -40°C to 85°C, 16-TSSOP package.

$2.6000Ref. price · indicative, final on quote
Texas Instruments MAX3232IPW datasheet (PDF)
Independent supplier — new & surplus stockAuthenticity-screened · ESD-safe packingListing updated Jul 2026

Specifications

MAX3232IPW specifications
ParameterValue
TypeTransceiver
MountingSurface Mount
Supply voltage3V ~ 5.5V
ProtocolRS232
Operating temperature-40°C~85°C
DuplexFull
PackageTube
Data rate250kbps
Case16-TSSOP (0.173\", 4.40mm Width)
Receiver hysteresis300 mV
Number of drivers (Receivers)2/2

Product details

RS-232 interface chip for the serial port

The Texas Instruments MAX3232IPW is a full-duplex RS-232 transceiver that handles the voltage-level translation between a UART's logic signals and the ±5V to ±15V swing required by the RS-232 bus. Rated for a 250 kbps data rate, it covers the common 115.2 kbps and 230.4 kbps UART speeds with margin.

Any remaining inventory is surplus or broker-held stock. For a new design or a BOM that needs a guaranteed supply, look at the active MAX3232IDR (SOIC-16) or the MAX3232IPWR (TSSOP-16, tape-and-reel) — both are current-production parts from TI with the same electrical specification. The IPW (tube) package option is the one that went end-of-life.

Submit an RFQ for the quantity and date-code range you need; the desk will check the open-market inventory and respond with a firm offer.

Frequently asked questions

Is MAX3232IPW obsolete?

Yes, the MAX3232IPW is listed as Obsolete. TI no longer produces this TSSOP-16 tube variant.

What is the replacement for MAX3232IPW?

The active replacements are the MAX3232IDR (SOIC-16) and MAX3232IPWR (TSSOP-16, tape-and-reel). Both are electrically identical to the IPW.

MAX3232IPW vs MAX3232IDR: what is the difference?

The MAX3232IDR is the active SOIC-16 variant of the same transceiver. The MAX3232IPW is the obsolete TSSOP-16 tube variant. Electrically they are identical: 250 kbps, 3V–5.5V supply, 2/2 drivers/receivers.