SparkFun Transceiver Breakout - MAX3232

The 'must-have' IC for TTL/CMOS projects finally has its own breakout board! This SparkFun Transceiver Breakout features the MAX3232, an RS232 converter that runs at 3V and communicates with 5V logic. Because it operates across a 3.0V to 5.5V range, you can use just this board for both your 3.3V and 5V projects without worrying about logic level mismatches.

Prototyping to the MAX

We took the standard SOIC package MAX3232 and broke out all the pins you need to establish a reliable RS232-to-TTL connection. To save you time on the breadboard, we also included the required 0.1uF charge pump capacitors directly on the PCB.

This simple board provides several performance features for your serial communication needs:

• Broad Compatibility: Operates from a 3.0V to 5.5V power supply, meeting true EIA/TIA-232-F standards.
• Fast Data Transfer: Supports a 250kbps transmission rate even under load.
• Power Efficient: Features a 1μA low-power shutdown mode while keeping the receivers active.
• Extended Range: Remains completely interoperable with RS232 connections down to a 2.7V power source.

By integrating the essential capacitors and breaking out the exact pins required for communication, this board gives you a ready-to-use solution for linking modern microcontrollers to traditional RS232 serial hardware.

• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• Fritzing Part
• Datasheet (3232EB)
• GitHub Hardware Repo