MAX3212

The MAX3212 uses Maxim's new proprietary Auto-Shutdown mode to reduce supply current to 1A. The MAX3212, with 3 RS-232 drivers and 5 RS-232 receivers, is intended for 2.7V to 3.6V-powered EIA/TIA-232E and V.28/V.24 serial interface. True RS-232 levels are maintained across the operating range. A guaranteed data rate of 235kbps provides compatibility with popular software for communicating with personal computers.

Supply current of the MAX3212 is reduced to 1A with Maxim's new AutoShutdown feature. When the MAX3212 does not sense a valid signal level on the receiver inputs, the onboard power supply and drivers shut down. This occurs if the RS-232 cable is disconnected or if the transmitters of the connected peripheral are turned off. The system turns on again when a valid level is applied to any RS-232 receiver input. As a result, the system saves power without changes to the existing software.

A second power-management feature of the MAX3212 is incorporated to permit automatic shutdown when the RS-232 connection is valid but inactive. In this case, a transition detector facilitates shutdown when the receivers are presented with stationary RS-232 levels for long periods.Three-state drivers are provided on receiver outputs so that multiple receivers, generally of different interface standards, can be wire-ORed at the UART. The MAX3212 is available in 28-pin SO and SSOP packages.