MAX232

Hi. I know that MAX232 is a dual driver/receiver. I bet it is similar to line driver/receiver? :?
I heard it can be used to have a couple of serial ports? COs in my proj I require 2 outgoing serial ports. How do i go about doing the separation?

A MAX232 is, in simple words, a 2-channel +10V/-10V to +5V/0V convertor, with another 2-channel +5V/0V to +10V/-10V convertor. So in all, there are 2 outgoing and 2 ingoing channels. If you do not require the control lines, you can connect up to 2 bidirectional serial ports (ie 2 TXs and 2 RXs) to a single max232 chip, or 4 sets of unidirectional serial ports, or any other configuration in which you are comfortable with. Get the MAX232A instead as it allows lower-valued caps to be used.