Which MAX3232 IC's for simple UART to RS232 converter?

Question

I am trying make a TTL to RS232 converter.

I have designed my PCB for 16 pin SMD sop16 and max3232 CSE+. But when I was buying from a store (store link), I saw other types of max3232. I've bought and tried a few of them and they all work.

What is the difference between these different models and which one should i choose for a simple arduino project. Also there are price differences.

other max3232 ICs all of them is soic16 and SMD

1. MAX3232EIDR about 3 usd,
2. MAX3232CSE+T about 1 usd,
3. MAX3232ESE+T about 3 usd,
4. MAX3232IDR about 3.5 usd,
5. MAX3232IDWR about 1usd.

İf I check other rs232 converter they have also use different chips.

Answer 1

MAX3232IDR and MAX3232IDWR are MAX3232 parts from Texas Instruments.

On page 15 you'll find the packaging information (an excerpt):

As you can see the MAX3232IDR is end-of-life, so not recommended for new designs:

Both have the same operating temperature range: -40 to 85 °C

But their package types have differences. On page 1 you'll find the package information:

---

The MAX3232EIDR is also from Texas Instruments, but the newer MAX3232E variant.

From my first glance the main difference is the additional IEC61000-4-2 ESD ratings.

From page 4:

Other than that it has similar specs to the MAX3232IDR:

---

The MAX3232CSE+T and MAX3232ESE+T are MAX3232 parts from Maxim.

On page 15 you'll find the part specifications:

The main difference is the operating temperature range.

Here you can find information about Maxim Product Naming Conventions:

• +: Indicates a lead-free (RoHS) qualified version.
• T: Part is furnished on tape-and-reel. T or T&R indicates the standard reel quantity for the given package, usually 2.5K. T10 indicates a reel quantity of 10K.

---

As you can see, the necessary information is provided by the datasheets. At least when you're buying parts from reputable manufacturers.

Answer 2

The suffix letters may indicate temperature ranges, package variation and other things, and probably vary between manufacturers.

Looking at Maxim's datasheet, the MAX3232C* parts are commercial temperature range: 0 - 70C, while the MAX3232E* are -40 - 85C. The remaining letters indicate package variations.

This sort of information is often hidden at the end of the datasheet.

Answer 3

You need the datasheet for the chip from the manufacturer of the chip to decode part numbers.

The MAX3232 part numbers in the question are likely not from a single manufacturer but multiple manufacturers.

It seems that part numbers match parts manufactured by Maxim and TI, but you need to know who manufactured your chips to find a correct data sheet.