Ok, i am looking through the Jameco magazine, and there are well over 30 different MAX232 chips to choose from...

I am not sure which one to get? I just want a "general purpose" one that i can experiment with...

Do i need a multichannel driver? or just a single channel? I am assuming that means there are multiple inputs and outputs?

Part numbers would be nice....

Thanks

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Generic ST232.

They all have 2 inputs and 2 outputs, some need 0.1 uf or 1uf and some 10uf caps.

Oh yea DIP 16 would be good.

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maxim do one variant that doesn't need external caps. got one, haven't tried it yet. seems to me like it will be an improvement.

 

MAX232CPE: 5V powered, 1 uF (min) external caps, DIP16. This is the basic chip.

 

get the DIP version that works off 0.1uf caps, with a little work on your pcb layout, you can fit most of the caps under the chip itself, a great space saver for layouts.

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i'd get the one where rebecca romaine -stamos is in there, naked, july 2006 i think.

oh, i thought you were talking about the guy magazine.

 

The maixim ones are used for various apps, power consuption, size, voltage supply etc.. Some are 3v, 3.3v, 5v etc..some require no caps at all, and I believe some are even 'line powered'. The ST versions are identical, and a hell of a lot cheaper. Even Analog Devices do some..down to 2.8V.

I have quite a few laying around that I've tacked on to previous orders...most are the 'ST232CN'. DIL 16..100nF caps, works a treat. Dual channel (like almost all of them) for either two UARTS, or one with handshaking lines. (DTR, CTS...sometimes used for reset on PIC's for bootloading).

Have you considered this?
http://www.scienceprog.com/alternati...dget-projects/

Not quite 'perfect' if you're going to have a 20 metre serial cable, but I haven't had problems with it so far, plus it works down to 2v...very handy for those 12F series PICs...you don't have to worry about supply voltage really. Again, not as true to the RS232 spec as those **232 IC's, but nevertheless, its a level shifter.

Datasheets are our friends

Blueteeth

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thanks. I will get a MAX232CPE or two ( they are 2.89 a piece! )

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Futurlec sells the MAX232CPE for only $1.50. Shipping cost is based on the cost of the ordered components but tends to take a little while using standard shipping.

 

jameco has the original texas instruments MAX232N for $0.88 ea, DIP 16

also the same in a so16 package for $0.357 ea!

these are probably non-rohs parts, hence the cheap price

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so should i get the MAX232N?

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at that price, yes, unless the maxim version (max232cpe) does something fancy that you need specifically. if you want a premium level shifter, consider the max3232 which is a low voltage version, so you can interface with 3v projects.

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I am going to stick with TTL for now. I can't seem to fine the MAX232N in the catalog. Or is it online only?

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i don't know, I rarely if ever use printed catalogs for anything.

I punch MAX232N into the mfg part # box, and it comes up.

its interesting, there is also a MAX232NE4 listed on the jameco website, even cheaper $0.635 ea min qty 2

http://focus.ti.com/docs/prod/folders/print/max232.html

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Favorite numbers:
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Well, you can build a MAX232-based serial interface on veroboard and provide connections to +5 V, GND, TX and RX, so that you can use the little board with any circuit that requires RS-232 level shifting.

The MAX232N is the fine too. I've used the MAX232EPE too, it has extended temperature range.

As JustDIY suggests, the MAX3232 will be useful if you'll need to use the serial interface with 3V-powered circuits. You can choose the external capacitors so that the MAX3232 will operate from 3 to 5 V. I don't remember if there is a through-hole version of this chip, mine are all SMD.

For general purpose... I would get the cheapest.