Machine Model
The Machine Model for ESD tests all pins using a 200pF
storage capacitor and zero discharge resistance. Its
objective is to emulate the stress caused by contact that
occurs with handling and assembly during manufactur-
ing. Of course, all pins require this protection during
manufacturing, not just RS-232 inputs and outputs.
Therefore, after PC board assembly, the Machine Model
is less relevant to I/O ports.
___________Applications Information
Capacitor Selection
The capacitor type used for C1–C4 is not critical for
proper operation; either polarized or nonpolarized
capacitors may be used. The charge pump requires
0.1µF capacitors for 3.3V operation. For other supply
voltages, refer to Table 3 for required capacitor values.
Do not use values smaller than those listed in Table 3.
Increasing the capacitor values (e.g., by a factor of 2)
reduces ripple on the transmitter outputs and slightly
reduces power consumption. C2, C3, and C4 can be
increased without changing C1’s value. However, do
not increase C1 without also increasing the values of
C2, C3, and C4 to maintain the proper ratios (C1 to
the other capacitors).
When using the minimum required capacitor values,
make sure the capacitor value does not degrade exces-
sively with temperature. If in doubt, use capacitors with a
larger nominal value. The capacitor’s equivalent series
resistance (ESR) usually rises at low temperatures and
influences the amount of ripple on V+ and V-.
Power-Supply Decoupling
In most circumstances, a 0.1µF VCC bypass capacitor is
adequate. In applications that are sensitive to power-
supply noise, use a capacitor of the same value as the
charge-pump capacitor C1. Connect bypass capacitors
as close to the IC as possible.
Transmitter Outputs
when Exiting Shutdown
Figure 8 shows two transmitter outputs when exiting
shut down mode. As they become active, the two trans-
mitter outputs are shown going to opposite RS-232 lev-
els (one transmitter output is high, the other is low).
Each transmitter is loaded with 3kΩin parallel with
1000pF. The transmitter outputs display no ringing or
undesirable transients as they come out of shutdown,
and are enabled only when the magnitude of V-
exceeds approximately -3V.
High Data Rates
The MAX3221E/MAX3223E/MAX3243E maintain the RS-
232 ±5.0V minimum transmitter output voltage even at
high data rates. Figure 9 shows a transmitter loopback
test circuit. Figure 10 shows a loopback test result at
120kbps, and Figure 11 shows the same test at 250kbps.
For Figure 10, all three transmitters were driven simulta-
neously at 120kbps into RS-232 loads in parallel with
1000pF. For Figure 11, a single transmitter was driven at
250kbps, and all three transmitters were loaded with an
RS-232 receiver in parallel with 1000pF.
Mouse Driveability (MAX3243E)
The MAX3243E has been specifically designed to power
serial mice while operating from low-voltage power sup-
plies. It has been tested with leading mouse brands such
as Logitech and Microsoft. When tested, the MAX3243E
successfully drove all serial mice and met their respective
current and voltage requirements. The MAX3243E’s regu-
lated dual charge pump ensures the transmitters will sup-
ply at least ±5V during worst-case conditions. Figure 12a
shows the transmitter outputs under increasing load cur-
rent. The AutoShutdown feature does not work with a
mouse, so FORCEOFF and FORCEON should be con-
nected to VCC. Figure 12b (on the following page) shows
a mouse driver test circuit. To achieve mouse driveability
with 1µA supply current when the port is inactive, use
parts with the AutoShutdown Plus feature (such as the
MAX3244E and MAX3245E).
MAX3221E/MAX3223E/MAX3243E
±15kV ESD-Protected, 1µA, 3.0V to 5.5V, 250kbps,
RS-232 Transceivers with AutoShutdown
______________________________________________________________________________________ 11
0.330.0474.5 to 5.5
0.10.13.15 to 3.6
0.220.223.0 to 3.6
C2, C3, C4
(µF)
C1, CBYPASS
(µF)
VCC
(V)
Table 3. Required Capacitor Values
10.223.0 to 5.5