±50V Isolated, 3.0V to 5.5V, 250kbps, 2 Tx/2 Rx, RS-232 Transceiver

Active: In Production.

The MAX3250 is a 3.0V to 5.5V powered, ±50V isolated EIA/TIA-232 and V.28/V.24 communications interface with high data-rate capabilities. The MAX3250 is a dual die part that operates with up to ±50V difference between the RS-232 side and the logic side (ISOCOM to GND). This makes the device ideal for operation in noisy conditions with high common-mode voltages. This feature prevents damage to the device if RS-232 lines are inadvertently short-circuited to a +24V or ±48V power bus.

The MAX3250 is powered by a single 3V to 5.5V supply on the logic side. Power is transferred from the logic side to the isolated side by ±100V external capacitors.

The MAX3250 has two receivers (Rx) and two drivers (Tx) and is guaranteed to run at data rates of 250kbps while maintaining RS-232 output levels. The transceivers have a proprietary low-dropout transmitter output stage, delivering true RS-232 performance from a 3V to 5.5V supply with a dual charge pump. The device features an active-low FAULT open-drain output to signal an excessive isolated-side voltage condition on any of the RS-232 inputs. This output can drive an alarm LED or can be monitored by the processor to prevent operation under these conditions. The receiver outputs are high impedance in shutdown, allowing multiple interfaces (IrDA, RS-232, RS-485) to be connected to the same UART.

The MAX3250 is available in a space-saving 28-pin SSOP package.

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