19-1632; Rev 1; 6/01

+3.0V to +5.5V, 10nA, 250kbps RS-232 Transceivers

with ±15kV ESD-Protected I/O and Logic Pins
General Description Features

MAX3238E/MAX3248E
The MAX3238E/MAX3248E transceivers use Maxim’s ♦ Enhanced ESD Protection on RS-232 I/O Pins and
revolutionary AutoShutdown Plus™ feature to achieve All Logic Pins
10nA supply current. These devices shut down the on-
±15kV—Human Body Model
board power supply and drivers when they do not sense
±8kV—IEC 1000-4-2 Contact Discharge
a valid signal transition on either the receiver or transmit-
ter inputs. This occurs if the RS-232 cable is disconnect- ±15kV—IEC 1000-4-2 Air-Gap Discharge
ed or if the transmitters of the connected peripheral are ♦ Guaranteed Data Rate: 250kbps
turned off. The devices turn on again when a valid transi-
♦ 10nA Low-Power Shutdown with Receivers Active
tion is applied to any RS-232 receiver or transmitter input.
AutoShutdown Plus automatically achieves this power ♦ Schmitt Triggers on All Inputs
savings through its on-board circuitry, as no changes are
required to the existing BIOS or operating system. ♦ Flow-Through Pinout
All RS-232 inputs and outputs, as well as the logic I/O ♦ Meets EIA/TIA-232 Specifications Down to 3.0V
pins, have enhanced ESD protection to ±15kV. The addi- ♦ Guaranteed 6V/µs Slew Rate
tional ESD protection on the logic I/O pins makes the
MAX3238E/MAX3248E ideal for cell phone data cable ♦ Low-Level Logic Thresholds (MAX3248E)
applications because it eliminates the need for costly ♦ RS-232-Compatible Outputs to 2.7V
external TransZorb™ or protection schemes.
The MAX3238E/MAX3248E contain five drivers and three
receivers and are 3V-powered EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24
communication interfaces intended for cell phones, data Ordering Information
cables, and modem applications. A proprietary, high-effi-
ciency, dual charge-pump power supply and a low- PART TEMP. RANGE PIN-PACKAGE
dropout transmitter combine to deliver true RS-232 MAX3238ECAI 0°C to +70°C 28 SSOP
performance from a single +3.0V to +5.5V supply. A MAX3238EEAI -40°C to +85°C 28 SSOP
guaranteed data rate of 250kbps provides compatibility MAX3248ECAI 0°C to +70°C 28 SSOP
with popular software for communicating with personal
MAX3248EEAI -40°C to +85°C 28 SSOP
computers.
Typical Operating Circuit appears at end of data sheet.
The MAX3238E and the MAX3248E differ only in their
input logic thresholds. The MAX3238E has standard logic ___________________Pin Configuration
thresholds, while the MAX3248E has low-level logic
thresholds of 0.6V to 1.2V, which are ideal for 1.8V sys- TOP VIEW
tems. C2+ 1 28 C1+

The transmitter inputs, FORCEON, and FORCEOFF have GND 2 27 V+

a 400kΩ active positive feedback resistor. Once driven to C2- 3 26 VCC
a valid logic level, they will retain this level if the driving
signal is removed or goes high impedance. Unused V- 4 25 C1-
transmitter and logic inputs may be left unconnected. The T1OUT 5 24 T1IN
MAX3238E/MAX3248E can operate with supply voltages MAX3238E
T2OUT 6 MAX3248E 23 T2IN
ranging from +3.0V to +5.5V.
T3OUT 7 22 T3IN
Applications R1IN 8 21 R1OUT
Cellular Data Cables Peripherals R2IN 9 20 R2OUT
Modems Data Cradles T4OUT 10 19 T4IN
Battery-Powered Equipment Printers R3IN 11 18 R3OUT

AutoShutdown Plus is a trademark of Maxim Integrated Products. T5OUT 12 17 T5IN

TransZorb is a trademark of General Semiconductor Industries, Inc. FORCEON 13 16 R1OUTB

†C4; FORCEOFF 14 15 INVALID
4,r
pg. SSOP

________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products 1

For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim/Dallas Direct! at
1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.
 +3.0V to +5.5V, 10nA, 250kbps RS-232 Transceivers
with ±15kV ESD-Protected I/O and Logic Pins
MAX3238E/MAX3248E

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS

VCC ...........................................................................-0.3V to +6V Short-Circuit Duration
V+ (Note 1) ...............................................................-0.3V to +7V T_OUT (one at a time) ............................................Continuous
V- (Note 1) ................................................................+0.3V to -7V Continuous Power Dissipation (TA = +70°C)
V+ + |V-| (Note 1) .................................................................+13V 28-Pin SSOP (derate 9.52mW/°C above +70°C) .........762mW
Input Voltages Operating Temperature Ranges
T_IN, FORCEOFF, FORCEON ..............................-0.3V to +6V MAX3238ECAI/MAX3248ECAI ...........................0°C to +70°C
R_IN .................................................................................±25V MAX3238EEAI/MAX3248EEAI .........................-40°C to +85°C
Output Voltages Storage Temperature Range ............................-65°C to +150°C
T_OUT...........................................................................±13.2V Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) ................................+300°C
R_OUT, INVALID ....................................-0.3V to (VCC + 0.3V)
Note 1: V+ and V- can have a maximum magnitude of +7V, but their absolute difference can not exceed +13V.
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional
operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to
absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(VCC = +3.0V to +5.5V, C1–C4 = 0.1µF (tested at 3.3V ±5%), C1–C4 = 0.22µF (tested at 3.3V ±10%), C1 = 0.047µF, and
C2–C4 = 0.33µF (tested at 5.0V ±10%), TA = TMIN to TMAX, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA = +25°C.)
PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
DC CHARACTERISTICS (VCC = +3.3V or +5.0V, TA = +25°C)
Receivers idle, T_IN = VCC or GND, FORCEON =
0.75 6 µA
GND, FORCEOFF = VCC
Supply Current, AutoShutdown Plus
R_IN = FORCEON = GND, FORCEOFF = VCC,
10 300 nA
T_IN = VCC or GND
Supply Current, Shutdown FORCEOFF = GND, R_IN = GND, T_IN = VCC or GND 10 300 nA
Supply Current, AutoShutdown Plus
FORCEON = FORCEOFF = VCC, no load 0.5 2.0 mA
Disabled
LOGIC INPUTS AND RECEIVER OUTPUTS
T_IN (active) 0.8 1.20
FORCEON, FORCEOFF, and T_IN
0.8 1.00
MAX3238E wake-up threshold; VCC = 3.3V
FORCEON, FORCEOFF, and T_IN
0.8 1.45
wake-up threshold; VCC = 5.0V
Input Logic Threshold Low V
T_IN (active) 0.6 0.7
FORCEON, FORCEOFF, and T_IN
0.6 0.85
MAX3248E wake-up threshold; VCC = 3.3V
FORCEON, FORCEOFF, and T_IN
0.6 1.0
wake-up threshold; VCC = 5.0V
T_IN (active) 1.60 2.0
FORCEON, FORCEOFF, and T_IN
1.30 2.0
MAX3238E wake-up threshold; VCC = 3.3V
FORCEON, FORCEOFF, and T_IN
2.10 2.4
wake-up threshold; VCC = 5.0V
Input Logic Threshold High V
T_IN (active) 1.10 1.2
FORCEON, FORCEOFF, and T_IN
0.95 1.2
MAX3248E wake-up threshold; VCC = 3.3V
FORCEON, FORCEOFF, and T_IN
1.15 1.6
wake-up threshold; VCC = 5.0V

2 _______________________________________________________________________________________
 +3.0V to +5.5V, 10nA, 250kbps RS-232 Transceivers
with ±15kV ESD-Protected I/O and Logic Pins
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)

MAX3238E/MAX3248E
(VCC = +3.0V to +5.5V, C1–C4 = 0.1µF (tested at 3.3V ±5%), C1–C4 = 0.22µF (tested at 3.3V ±10%), C1 = 0.047µF, and
C2–C4 = 0.33µF (tested at 5.0V ±10%), TA = TMIN to TMAX, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA = +25°C.)

PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

Input Leakage Current T_IN, FORCEON, FORCEOFF (Note 2) 9 18 µA
Output Leakage Current Receivers disabled ±0.05 ±10 µA
Output Voltage Low IOUT = 1.0mA 0.4 V
VCC - VCC -
Output Voltage High IOUT = -1.0mA V
0.6 0.1
RECEIVER INPUTS
Input Voltage Range -25 25 V
VCC = 3.3V 0.6 1.0
Input Threshold Low V
VCC = 5.0V 0.8 1.4
VCC = 3.3V 1.5 2.4
Input Threshold High V
VCC = 5.0V 2.0 2.4
Input Hysteresis 0.6 V
Input Resistance TA = +25°C 3 5 7 kΩ
AutoShutdown (FORCEON = GND, FORCEOFF = VCC)
Receiver Input Threshold to Positive threshold 2.7
Figure 4a V
INVALID Output High Negative threshold -2.7
Receiver Input Threshold to
Figure 4a -0.3 0.3 V
INVALID Output Low

INVALID Output Voltage Low IOUT = 1.0mA 0.4 V

VCC -
INVALID Output Voltage High IOUT = -1.0mA V
0.6
Receiver Positive or Negative
VCC = 5V, Figure 4b 0.3 µs
Threshold to INVALID High (tINVH)

Receiver Positive or Negative

VCC = 5V, Figure 4b 60 µs
Threshold to INVALID Low (tINVL)
Receiver or Transmitter Edge to
VCC = 5V, Figure 4b (Note 3) 25 µs
Transmitters Enabled (tWU)
Receiver or Transmitter Edge to
Figure 4b 15 30 60 s
Shutdown (tAUTOSHDN)
TRANSMITTER OUTPUTS
Output Voltage Swing All transmitter outputs loaded with 3kΩ to ground ±5.0 ±5.4 V
Output Resistance VCC = 0, TOUT = ±2V 300 50k Ω
VCC ≤ 3.6V ±35 ±60
Output Short-Circuit Current mA
VCC > 3.6V ±40 ±100
ESD PROTECTION
ESD Protection (R_IN, T_IN, R_OUT, IEC 1000-4-2 Air-Gap Discharge Method ±15
T_OUT, FORCEON, FORCEOFF, IEC 1000-4-2 Contact Discharge Method ±8 kV
INVALID, R_OUTB) Human Body Model ±15

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 3
 +3.0V to +5.5V, 10nA, 250kbps RS-232 Transceivers
with ±15kV ESD-Protected I/O and Logic Pins
MAX3238E/MAX3248E

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)

(VCC = +3.0V to +5.5V, C1–C4 = 0.1µF (tested at 3.3V ±5%), C1–C4 = 0.22µF (tested at 3.3V ±10%), C1 = 0.047µF, and
C2–C4 = 0.33µF (tested at 5.0V ±10%), TA = TMIN to TMAX, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA = +25°C.)

PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

TIMING CHARACTERISTICS
Maximum Data Rate RL = 3kΩ, CL = 1000pF, one transmitter switching 250 kbps
R_IN to R_OUT, tPHL 0.15
Receiver Propagation Delay µs
CL = 150pF tPLH 0.15
Receiver Output Enable Time Normal operation 2.6 µs
Receiver Output Disable Time Normal operation 2.4 µs
Transmitter Skew | tPHL - tPLH | 50 ns
Receiver Skew | tPHL - tPLH | 50 ns
VCC = 3.3V,
TA = +25°C, CL = 150pF to 1000pF 6 30
Transition-Region Slew Rate RL = 3kΩ to 7kΩ, V/µs
measured from +3V to
CL = 150pF to 2500pF 4 30
-3V or -3V to +3V

Note 2: The transmitter inputs have an active positive feedback resistor. The input current goes to zero when the inputs are at the
supply rails.
Note 3: During AutoShutdown only, a transmitter/receiver edge is defined as a transition through the transmitter/receiver input logic
wake-up thresholds.

__________________________________________Typical Operating Characteristics

(VCC = +3.3V, 250kbps data rate, 0.1µF capacitors, all transmitters loaded with 3kΩ, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)

TRANSMITTER OUTPUT VOLTAGE SUPPLY CURRENT vs. LOAD CAPACITANCE

vs. LOAD CAPACITANCE SLEW RATE vs. LOAD CAPACITANCE WHEN TRANSMITTING DATA
6 12 50
MAX3238E toc01

MAX3238E toc02

MAX3238 TOC-03
5
VOUT+ 250kbps
TRANSMITTER OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)

4 10
SR- 40 120kbps
3
SUPPLY CURRENT (mA)
SLEW RATE (V/µs)

2 8
FOR DATA RATES UP TO 250kbps
1 30
1 TRANSMITTER 250kbps SR+
0 4 TRANSMITTERS 15.6kbps 6
ALL TRANSMITTERS LOADED 20kbps
-1 20
WITH 3kΩ + CL
-2 4 1 TRANSMITTER 20kbps, 120 kbps, 250kbps
-3 1 TRANSMITTER 250kbps 4 TRANSMITTERS 15.6kbps
4 TRANSMITTERS 15.6kbps 10 ALL TRANSMITTERS LOADED
-4 2 WITH 3kΩ + CL
ALL TRANSMITTERS LOADED
-5 VOUT-
WITH 3kΩ + CL
-6 0 0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
LOAD CAPACITANCE (pF) LOAD CAPACITANCE (pF) LOAD CAPACITANCE (pF)

4 _______________________________________________________________________________________
+3.0V to +5.5V, 10nA, 250kbps RS-232 Transceivers
with ±15kV ESD-Protected I/O and Logic Pins

MAX3238E/MAX3248E
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(VCC = +3.3V, 250kbps data rate, 0.1µF capacitors, all transmitters loaded with 3kΩ, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)

TRANSMITTER OUTPUT VOLTAGE SUPPLY CURRENT

vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
6 50

MAX3238E toc05
MAX3238E toc04
5 VOUT+
TRANSMITTER OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)

4
40
3

SUPPLY CURRENT (mA)

2
1 1 TRANSMITTER 250kbps 30
4 TRANSMITTERS 15.6kbps
0
ALL TRANSMITTERS LOADED
-1 WITH 3kΩ +1000pF 20
-2 1 TRANSMITTER 250kbps
-3 4 TRANSMITTERS 15.6kbps
10 ALL TRANSMITTERS LOADED
-4 VOUT- WITH 3kΩ +1000pF
-5
-6 0
2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V) SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)

______________________________________________________________Pin Description
PIN NAME FUNCTION
1 C2+ Positive Terminal of Inverting Charge-Pump Capacitor
2 GND Ground
3 C2- Negative Terminal of Inverting Charge-Pump Capacitor
4 V- -5.5V Generated by the Charge Pump
5, 6, 7, 10, 12 T_OUT RS-232 Transmitter Outputs (T1OUT–T5OUT)
8, 9, 11 R_IN RS-232 Receiver Inputs (R1IN–R3IN)
Force-On Input. Drive high to override AutoShutdown Plus, keeping transmitters and
receivers on (FORCEOFF must be high) (Table 1). This pin has an active positive feedback
13 FORCEON
resistor. Once driven to a valid logic level, the pin retains that level if left unconnected until
power is cycled.
Force-Off Input. Drive low to shut down transmitters, receivers (except R1OUTB), and on-
board supply. This overrides AutoShutdown Plus and FORCEON (Table 1). This pin has an
14 FORCEOFF
active positive feedback resistor. Once driven to a valid logic level, the pin retains that
level if left unconnected until power is cycled.
Output of the Valid Signal Detector. A logic 1 indicates if a valid RS-232 level is present on
15 INVALID
receiver inputs.
16 R1OUTB Noninverting Complementary Receiver Output. Always active.
TTL/CMOS Transmitter Inputs (T5IN–T1IN). This pin has an active positive feedback resis-
17, 19, 22, 23, 24 T_IN tor. Once driven to a valid logic level, the pin retains that level if left unconnected until
power is cycled.
18, 20, 21 R_OUT TTL/CMOS Receiver Outputs (R3OUT–R1OUT)
25 C1- Negative Terminal of Voltage-Doubler Charge-Pump Capacitor
26 VCC +3.0V to +5.5V Supply Voltage
27 V+ +5.5V Generated by the Charge Pump
28 C1+ Positive Terminal of Voltage-Doubler Charge-Pump Capacitor

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 5
 +3.0V to +5.5V, 10nA, 250kbps RS-232 Transceivers
with ±15kV ESD-Protected I/O and Logic Pins
MAX3238E/MAX3248E

Table 1. Output Control Truth Table

AutoShutdown OPERATION
FORCEON FORCEOFF T_OUT R_OUT R1OUTB
Plus STATUS

Shutdown
X 0 X High-Z High-Z Active
(Forced Off)

Normal Operation
1 1 X Active Active Active
(Forced On)

Normal
Operation
0 1 <30s* Active Active Active
(AutoShutdown
Plus)
Shutdown
0 1 >30s* (AutoShutdown High-Z Active Active
Plus)

X = Don’t care
*Time since last receiver or transmitter input transition.

_______________Detailed Description When FORCEOFF is driven to ground, the transmitters

and receivers are disabled and the outputs go high
Dual Charge-Pump Voltage Converter impedance, except for R1OUTB. When the Auto-
The MAX3238E/MAX3248Es’ internal power supply Shutdown Plus circuitry senses that all receiver and
consists of a regulated dual charge pump that provides transmitter inputs are inactive for more than 30s, the
output voltages of +5.5V (doubling charge pump) and transmitters are disabled and the outputs go into a
-5.5V (inverting charge pump), regardless of the input high-impedance state, but the receivers remain active.
voltage (VCC) over the 3.0V to 5.5V range. The charge When the power is off, the MAX3238E/MAX3248E per-
pumps operate in a discontinuous mode: if the output mit the outputs to be driven up to ±12V.
voltages are less than 5.5V, the charge pumps are
The transmitter inputs, FORCEON and FORCEOFF,
enabled; if the output voltages exceed 5.5V, the charge
have a 400kΩ active positive-feedback resistor. Once
pumps are disabled. Each charge pump requires a fly-
driven to a valid logic level, they will retain this level if
ing capacitor (C1, C2) and a reservoir capacitor (C3,
the driving signal is removed or goes high-impedance.
C4) to generate the V+ and V- supplies.
Unused transmitter inputs may be left unconnected.
RS-232 Transmitters
RS-232 Receivers
The MAX3248E transmitters are inverting level translators
The receivers convert RS-232 signals to CMOS-logic
that convert a logic low of 0.6V and logic high of 1.2V to
output levels. All receivers have inverting three-state
5.0V EIA/TIA-232 levels. The MAX3238E transmitters are
outputs and are inactive in shutdown (FORCEOFF)
inverting level translators that convert CMOS-logic levels
(Table 1). The MAX3238E/MAX3248E also feature an
to 5.0V EIA/TIA-232 levels. The MAX3238E/MAX3248E
extra, always-active noninverting output, R1OUTB. This
transmitters both guarantee a 250kbps data rate with
extra output monitors receiver activity while the other
worst-case loads of 3kΩ in parallel with 1000pF, provid-
receivers are high impedance, allowing Ring Indicator
ing compatibility with PC-to-PC communication software
to be monitored without forward biasing other devices
(such as LapLink™). Transmitters can be paralleled to
connected to the receiver outputs. This is ideal for sys-
drive multiple receivers. Figure 1 shows a complete sys-
tems where VCC is set to 0 in shutdown to accommo-
tem connection.
date peripherals, such as UARTs (Figure 2).

LapLink is a trademark of Traveling Software.

6 _______________________________________________________________________________________
+3.0V to +5.5V, 10nA, 250kbps RS-232 Transceivers
with ±15kV ESD-Protected I/O and Logic Pins

MAX3238E/MAX3248E
VCC
POWER FORCEOFF
MANAGEMENT
UNIT OR FORCEON
KEYBOARD INVALID
CONTROLLER
PROTECTION
DIODE
PREVIOUS
MAX3238E/ VCC RS-232
MAX3248E
Rx I
T1

UART 5kΩ
T2
Tx
T3
GND SHDN = GND
I/O
CPU CHIP T4
WITH RS-232
UART
T5
a) OLDER RS-232: POWERED-DOWN UART DRAWS CURRENT FROM ACTIVE
RECEIVER OUTPUT IN SHUTDOWN.
R1
VCC
R2
TO LOGIC
µP TRANSITION
R3
DETECTOR

I MAX3238E
PROTECTION MAX3248E
DIODE
Figure 1. Interface Under Control of PMU R1OUTB

VCC
AutoShutdown Plus Mode
A 10nA supply current is achieved with Maxim’s Rx R1OUT R1IN
AutoShutdown Plus feature, which operates when
THREE-STATED
FORCEOFF is low and FORCEON is high. When the UART 5kΩ
MAX3238E/MAX3248E sense no valid signal transitions
on all receiver and transmitter inputs for 30s, the on- T1IN
T1OUT
board power supply and drivers are shut off, reducing Tx
supply current to 1µA. If the receiver inputs are in the GND FORCEOFF = GND
invalid range (-0.3V < R_IN < +0.3V) and the transmit-
ter inputs are at GND or VCC, supply current is further
reduced to 10nA. This occurs if the RS-232 cable is
disconnected or if the connected peripheral transmit- b) NEW MAX3238E/MAX3248E: IN SHUTDOWN, R1OUTB IS USED TO MONITOR
ters are turned off. The system turns on again when a EXTERNAL DEVICES AND R1OUT IS THREE STATED, ELIMINATING A CURRENT
valid transition is applied to any RS-232 receiver or PATH THROUGH THE UART'S PROTECTION DIODE.
transmitter input. As a result, the system saves power
without changes to the existing BIOS or operating sys- Figure 2. MAX3238E/MAX3248E detect RS-232 activity when
tem. The INVALID output is high when the receivers are the UART and interface are shut down.
active. Since INVALID indicates the receiver inputs’
condition, it can be used in any mode (Figure 3).

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 7
 +3.0V to +5.5V, 10nA, 250kbps RS-232 Transceivers
with ±15kV ESD-Protected I/O and Logic Pins
MAX3238E/MAX3248E

Table 2. INVALID Truth Table +0.3V

RS-232 SIGNAL PRESENT AT

INVALID OUTPUT
ANY RECEIVER INPUT R_IN
60µs
TIMER INVALID
Yes H R
-0.3V
No L
INVALID ASSERTED IF ALL RECEIVER INPUTS ARE BETWEEN +0.3V AND -0.3V FOR
AT LEAST 60µs.
Tables 1 and 2 and Figure 3 summarize the MAX3238E/
MAX2348Es’ operating modes. FORCEON and FORCE- Figure 3a. INVALID Functional Diagram, INVALID Low
OFF override the automatic circuitry and force the
transceiver into its normal operating state or into its low-
power standby state. When neither control is asserted,
the IC enters AutoShutdown Plus mode and selects
+2.7V
between these states automatically, based on the last
receiver or transmitter input edge received.
When shut down, the devices’ charge pumps turn off, R_IN
60µs
V+ decays to VCC, V- decays to ground, and the trans- TIMER INVALID
mitter outputs are disabled (high impedance). The time -2.7V
R
required to recover from shutdown is typically 25µs
(Figure 4b). INVALID DEASSERTED IF ANY RECEIVER INPUT HAS BEEN BETWEEN +2.7V AND -2.7V
FOR LESS THAN 60µs.
Software-Controlled Shutdown
If direct software control is desired, use INVALID to Figure 3b. INVALID Functional Diagram, INVALID High
indicate DTR or Ring Indicator signal. Tie FORCEOFF
and FORCEON together to bypass the AutoShutdown
Plus feature so the line acts like a SHDN input.
EDGE
ESD Protection T_IN
DETECT FORCEOFF
As with all Maxim devices, ESD protection structures
are incorporated to protect against electrostatic dis- S
charges (ESDs) encountered during handling and 30s TIMER
AUTOSHDN
assembly. The MAX3238E/MAX3248E RS-232 transmit- EDGE
R_IN
DETECT R
ters and receivers, as well as the I/O have extra protec-
tion against static electricity found in normal operation.
Maxim’s engineers developed state-of-the-art struc-
FORCEON
tures to protect these pins against ESD of ±15kV with-
out damage. After an ESD event, the MAX3238E/ Figure 3c. AutoShutdown Plus Logic
MAX3248E keep working without latchup.
ESD protection can be tested in various ways. The pins
are characterized for protection to ±15kV and ±8kV
(see Electrical Characteristics).
FORCEOFF
POWERDOWN*
ESD Test Conditions
Contact Maxim for a reliability report that documents FORCEON
test setup, methodology, and results. AUTOSHDN

Human Body Model

Figure 5a shows the Human Body Model, and Figure * POWER DOWN IS ONLY AN INTERNAL SIGNAL.
5b shows the current waveform it generates when dis- IT CONTROLS THE OPERATIONAL STATUS OF
THE TRANSMITTERS AND THE POWER SUPPLIES.
charged into a low impedance. This model consists of
a 100pF capacitor charged to the ESD voltage of inter- Figure 3d. Power-Down Logic

8 _______________________________________________________________________________________
 +3.0V to +5.5V, 10nA, 250kbps RS-232 Transceivers
with ±15kV ESD-Protected I/O and Logic Pins
help you design equipment that meets Level 4 (the high-

MAX3238E/MAX3248E
est level) of IEC 1000-4-2, without additional ESD pro-
INVALID HIGH tection components.
+2.7V
The major difference between tests done using the
RECEIVER INPUT LEVELS

INDETERMINATE Human Body Model and IEC 1000-4-2 is higher peak

+0.3V current in IEC 1000-4-2. Because series resistance is
0V INVALID LOW lower in the IEC 1000-4-2 ESD test model (Figure 6a),
-0.3V
the ESD withstand voltage measured to this standard is
generally lower than that measured using the Human
INDETERMINATE Body Model. Figure 6b shows the current waveform for
-2.7V the ±8kV IEC 1000-4-2 Level 4 ESD Contact Discharge
INVALID HIGH test.
The Air-Gap test involves approaching the device with a
charged probe. The Contact Discharge method connects
Figure 4a. Receiver Positive/Negative Thresholds for INVALID the probe to the device before the probe is energized.

est, which is then discharged into the test device Machine Model
through a 1.5kΩ resistor. The Machine Model for ESD testing uses a 200pF stor-
age capacitor and zero-discharge resistance. Its objec-
IEC 1000-4-2 tive is to mimic the stress caused by contact that
The IEC 1000-4-2 standard covers ESD testing and per- occurs with handling and assembly during manufactur-
formance of finished equipment; it does not specifically ing. Of course, all pins (not just RS-232 inputs and out-
refer to integrated circuits. The MAX3238E/MAX3248E puts) require this protection during manufacturing.

INVALID
REGION
RECEIVER * **
INPUTS
VOLTAGE

TRANSMITTER
INPUTS
VOLTAGE

TRANSMITTER
OUTPUTS
VOLTAGE

INVALID VCC
OUTPUT
0 tAUTOSHDN
INVL tAUTOSHDN
tWU tWU
V+

VCC
0

V-

*ALL RECEIVERS/TRANSMITTERS INACTIVE

**ANY ONE RECEIVER/TRANSMITTER BECOMES ACTIVE FORCEON = GND, FORCEOFF = VCC

Figure 4b. AutoShutdown Plus and INVALID Timing Diagram

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 9
 +3.0V to +5.5V, 10nA, 250kbps RS-232 Transceivers
with ±15kV ESD-Protected I/O and Logic Pins
MAX3238E/MAX3248E

RC 1MΩ RD 1500Ω

IP 100% Ir PEAK-TO-PEAK RINGING

CHARGE-CURRENT DISCHARGE
90% (NOT DRAWN TO SCALE)
LIMIT RESISTOR RESISTANCE

AMPERES
HIGH- DEVICE
VOLTAGE Cs STORAGE UNDER
100pF CAPACITOR 36.8%
DC TEST
SOURCE
10%
0
0 TIME
tRL
tDL
CURRENT WAVEFORM

Figure 5a. Human Body ESD Test Model Figure 5b. Human Body Model Current Waveform

RC 50MΩ to 100MΩ RD 330Ω

I
CHARGE-CURRENT DISCHARGE 100%
LIMIT RESISTOR RESISTANCE 90%
IPEAK

HIGH- DEVICE
VOLTAGE Cs STORAGE UNDER
DC 150pF CAPACITOR TEST
SOURCE
10%

tr = 0.7ns to 1ns 30ns t

60ns

Figure 6a. IEC 1000-4-2 ESD Test Model Figure 6b. IEC 1000-4-2 ESD Generator Current Waveform

Therefore, the Machine Model is less relevant to the I/O Power-Supply Decoupling
ports than the Human Body Model and IEC 1000-4-2. In most applications, decouple VCC to ground with a
0.1µF capacitor. Further increasing this capacitor value
Applications Information reduces power-supply ripple and enhances noise mar-
Capacitor Selection gin. Connect the bypass capacitor as close to the IC as
The capacitor type used for C1–C4 is not critical for possible.
proper operation; polarized or nonpolarized capacitors
can be used. The charge pump requires 0.1µF capaci- Table 3. Required Minimum Capacitance
tors for 3.3V operation. For other supply voltages, see
Table 3 for required capacitor values. Do not use val- Values
ues smaller than those listed in Table 3. Increasing the VCC C1, CBYPASS C2, C3, C4
capacitor values (e.g., by a factor of 2) reduces ripple (V) (µF) (µF)
on the transmitter outputs and slightly reduces power 3.0 to 3.6 0.22 0.22
consumption. C2, C3, and C4 can be increased without 3.15 to 3.6 0.1 0.1
changing C1’s value. However, do not increase C1
4.5 to 5.5 0.047 0.33
without also increasing the values of C2, C3, C4,
and CBYPASS to maintain the proper ratios (C1 to the 3.0 to 5.5 0.22 1
other capacitors).

10 ______________________________________________________________________________________
 +3.0V to +5.5V, 10nA, 250kbps RS-232 Transceivers
with ±15kV ESD-Protected I/O and Logic Pins

MAX3238E/MAX3248E
FORCEON =
FORCEOFF +5V
5V/div T1IN 0
T2OUT

+5V

2V/div T1OUT 0
-5V

+5V
T1OUT
R1OUT 0

4µs/div 2µs/div
VCC = 3.3V, C1–C4 = 0.1µF, RLOAD = 3kΩ, CLOAD = 2500pF VCC = 3.3V, C1–C4 = 0.1µF, CLOAD = 1000pF

Figure 7. Transmitter Outputs when Recovering from Shutdown Figure 9. Loopback Test Result at 120kbps
or Powering Up

VCC

+5V
T1IN 0
VCC
C1+ V+
C1 C3* +5V
C1-
T1OUT 0
C2+ MAX3238E V-
-5V
C2 MAX3248E C4
C2-
+5V
R1OUT 0
T_ IN T_ OUT

2µs/div
VCC = 3.3V, C1–C4 = 0.1µF, CLOAD = 1000pF
R_ OUT R_ IN
Figure 10. Loopback Test Result at 250kbps
FORCEON 5kΩ 1000pF

puts are shown going to opposite RS-232 levels (one

VCC FORCEOFF
GND
transmitter input is high, the other is low). Each trans-
mitter is loaded with 3kΩ in parallel with 2500pF. The
transmitter outputs display no ringing or undesirable
transients as they come out of shutdown. Note that the
*C3 CAN BE RETURNED TO VCC OR GND.
transmitters are enabled only when the magnitude of V-
Figure 8. Loopback Test Circuit
exceeds approximately 3V.
High Data Rates
Transmitter Outputs when The MAX3238E/MAX3248E maintain the RS-232 ±5.0V
Recovering from Shutdown minimum transmitter output voltage even at high data
Figure 7 shows two transmitter outputs when recovering rates. Figure 8 shows a transmitter loopback test cir-
from shutdown mode. As they become active, the out- cuit. Figure 9 shows a loopback test result at 120kbps,

______________________________________________________________________________________ 11
 +3.0V to +5.5V, 10nA, 250kbps RS-232 Transceivers
with ±15kV ESD-Protected I/O and Logic Pins
MAX3238E/MAX3248E

28 1
+ C1+ C2+
C1 C2
0.1µF 25 3 0.1µF
C1- C2-
MAX3238E
27 MAX3248E
V+ V- 4
C3 C4
0.1µF 0.1µF
±15kV ESD ±15kV ESD
26 PROTECTION PROTECTION
VCC
TVS C5
0.1µF

24 T1IN T1OUT 5 DCD

1

23 T2IN T2OUT 6 DSR

6

22 T3IN T3OUT 7 RD
2

19 T4IN T4OUT 10 RTS

7

SUB- 17 T5IN T5OUT 12 TD

MINIATURE 3
CONNECTOR
21 R1OUT R1IN 8 CTS
8

20 R2OUT R2IN 9 DTR

4

18 R3OUT R3IN 11 RI
9

16 R1OUTB
5

13 FORCEON
CONTROL

14 FORCEOFF

15 INVALID
GND
2

Figure 11. Data Cable Application Example

12 ______________________________________________________________________________________
+3.0V to +5.5V, 10nA, 250kbps RS-232 Transceivers
with ±15kV ESD-Protected I/O and Logic Pins
and Figure 10 shows the same test at 250kbps. For

MAX3238E/MAX3248E
Typical Operating Circuit Figure 9, all transmitters were driven simultaneously at
+3.3V 120kbps into RS-232 loads in parallel with 1000pF. For
Figure 10, a single transmitter was driven at 250kbps,
and all transmitters were loaded with an RS-232 receiv-
1µF er in parallel with 1000pF.
26 Data Cable Applications
VCC
28 C1+ V+ 27 The MAX3238E/MAX3248Es’ ±15kV ESD protection on
0.1µF* both the RS-232 I/Os as well as the logic I/Os makes
0.1µF
25 C1- them ideal candidates for data cable applications. A
MAX3238E data cable is both an electrical connection and a level
1 C2+ MAX3248E V- 4 translator, allowing ultra-miniaturization of cell phones
and other small portable devices.
0.1µF 0.1µF
3 C2- Previous data cable approaches suffered from com-
plexity due to the required protection circuits on both
24 T1IN T1OUT 5 the logic side of the cable as well as on the RS-232
T1
connections. The example shown in Figure 10 shows
23 T2IN T2OUT 6 the ease of using the MAX3238E/MAX3248E in data
T2
cable applications.
LOGIC 22 T3IN
T3
T3OUT 7 RS-232 The MAX3238E/MAX3248Es’ five-transmitter and three-
INPUTS OUTPUTS receiver configuration is optimized for a data communi-
19 T4IN T4OUT 10 cation equipment (DCE) application, allowing full hard-
T4
ware handshaking. The 9-pin RS-232 connector is
17 T5IN T5OUT 12 configured for direct attachment to a PC’s serial port.
T5
R1OUTB is also connected to the subminiature con-
14 FORCEOFF nector. This allows the remote system to shut down
AutoShutdown Plus
until the PC asserts the ready to send (RTS) signal.
13 FORCEON INVALID 15 R1OUTB stays active when the MAX3238E/MAX3248E
is shut down (FORCEOFF = GND).
16 R1OUTB

21 R1OUT R1IN 8
___________________Chip Information
R1
TRANSISTOR COUNT: 2110
5kΩ
LOGIC
OUTPUTS
20 R2OUT R2IN 9 RS-232
R2
INPUTS
5kΩ

18 R3OUT R3IN 11
R3

5kΩ

GND
2

*C3 MAY BE RETURNED TO EITHER VCC OR GND.

______________________________________________________________________________________ 13
 +3.0V to +5.5V, 10nA, 250kbps RS-232 Transceivers
with ±15kV ESD-Protected I/O and Logic Pins
MAX3238E/MAX3248E

________________________________________________________Package Information

SSOP.EPS

Maxim cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim product. No circuit patent licenses are
implied. Maxim reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time.

14 ____________________Maxim Integrated Products, 120 San Gabriel Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 408-737-7600

© 2001 Maxim Integrated Products Printed USA is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products.
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