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Texas Instruments MAX3238ECPW — Sensors & Transducers
Texas Instruments

MAX3238ECPW RS-232 Transceiver 5/3 28-TSSOP – Texas

MPNMAX3238ECPW
End of Life

Texas Instruments MAX3238ECPW, RS-232 transceiver, full duplex, 5 drivers / 3 receivers, 400 kbps data rate, 3V–5.5V supply, 28-TSSOP package, 0°C to 70°C operating temperature.

$3.38Ref. price · indicative, final on quote
MAX3238ECPW datasheet
Packaging28-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
StockContact for availability
MOQ1 pcs
  • 100% new & originalTraceable channels only — no refurbs, no pulls, no remarked parts.
  • Date & lot codes on quoteStated per line before you commit; label photos on request.
  • MSL-compliant ESD packingMoisture-sealed bags with indicator cards; reels photo-verified.
  • PayPal buyer protectionPay by T/T, PayPal or Payoneer — card payments covered end to end.

Specifications

MAX3238ECPW Technical Specifications
ParameterValue
TypeTransceiver
Mounting typeSurface Mount
Voltage3V ~ 5.5V
ProtocolRS232
Operating temperature0°C ~ 70°C
DuplexFull
PackageTube
Data rate400kbps
Case28-TSSOP (0.173\", 4.40mm Width)
Receiver hysteresis300 mV
Number of drivers (Receivers)5/3

Product details

RS-232 transceiver with five drivers and three receivers

The MAX3238ECPW is a full-duplex RS-232 transceiver from Texas Instruments, packing five drivers and three receivers into a 28-TSSOP package. It handles data rates up to 400 kbps, which covers standard UART speeds up to 115.2 kbps with margin for higher baud rates on shorter cable runs. Supply voltage spans 3V to 5.5V, so the same BOM position works on a 3.3V microcontroller rail or a legacy 5V UART bus without an external level translator.

Driver/receiver count and receiver hysteresis

With five drivers and three receivers, this transceiver supports three full RS-232 ports (TX/RX plus RTS/CTS handshake) and leaves two spare drivers for auxiliary signals like DTR or DSR. The 300 mV receiver hysteresis filters out noise on long cable runs, reducing false start-bit detection.

Package and temperature grade for commercial equipment

The 28-TSSOP package (4.40 mm width, 0.65 mm pitch) is a common footprint that places cleanly on two-layer boards.

Frequently asked questions

What is the closest pin-compatible alternative to MAX3238ECPW?

The MAX3232 is a common RS-232 transceiver, but it offers only two drivers and two receivers in a 16-pin package, so it is not pin-compatible with the 28-TSSOP MAX3238ECPW. For a drop-in replacement, look for other 28-pin RS-232 transceivers from Texas Instruments with the same 5/3 driver/receiver count, such as the MAX3238E series.