The Maxim MAX233 is an integrated circuit designed to facilitate serial communication by translating between TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic) and RS232 voltage levels.

Note

Unlike the standard MAX232, the MAX233 does not require external capacitors for its charge pump circuitry, simplifying board layout and reducing component count.

Technical Specifications#

• Function: Dual RS232 transmitter/receiver.
• Voltage Levels: Converts TTL/CMOS logic levels to RS232 levels.
• Capacitor Requirement: None (internal charge pump).
• Application: Serial data logging, ECU communication interfaces, and diagnostic hardware.

Reference Documentation#

For detailed electrical characteristics, pin configurations, and timing diagrams, refer to the official manufacturer documentation:

MAX233 Datasheet0

Related Concepts#

• TTL Logic Levels0
• RS232 Communication Standards0
• Serial Communication Protocols0