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MAX232 vs. MAX233 — Parallax Forums

MAX232 vs. MAX233

SterlingSterling Posts: 51
edited 2006-05-10 17:05 in General Discussion
I've been looking over the MAX232 datasheets and found the MAX233 which requires no caps. Is there any reason I would pick the MAX232 over the MAX233? It would be nice if you didn't have to use the caps, but there must be a reason they sell both versions, right?

Comments

  • kjennejohnkjennejohn Posts: 171
    edited 2006-05-06 08:56
    Probably the main reason is the prolific number of circuits built using the MAX232(A) in its 16 pin package.

    Here's MAXIM's quickie data sheet for their MAX2xx line:
    http://www.maxim-ic.com/quick_view2.cfm/qv_pk/1798[noparse][[/noparse]url]

    kenjj
  • ForrestForrest Posts: 1,341
    edited 2006-05-06 12:33
    The last time I checked, the MAX233 was about $1 more than a MAX232. A MAX232 plus 4 capacitors is still about $.65 less expensive than a MAX233. Also, the MAX232 is available from many companies, and the price is generally less from other companies (ie. the TI MAX232N)
  • PJAllenPJAllen Banned Posts: 5,065
    edited 2006-05-06 12:57
    · They made/make the MAX233 to conserve circuit-board area (what they call "real estate") and to minimize assembly errors.
    · The area not used by the four capacitors and/or their traces·can be used for something else or to make the board smaller.· And, when the caps (polarized) don't have to be placed, then there is no chance that they will be placed backwards.
    · The 'guzintas' & 'guzouttas' are the same.
  • SterlingSterling Posts: 51
    edited 2006-05-06 18:05
    Great answers! Thanks!
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2006-05-06 19:53
    The Max 233 seems to be very appealing, but I think you will find it harder to buy.

    For the little guy that buys a few chips here and there, it seems that it is hard to get these kind of chips.
    I guess they just sell too fast in the big quantities. After all, putting one chip on a board is a lot easier than one chip and the 5 capcitors [noparse][[/noparse]if you include the one on the voltage inputs].

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  • nick bernardnick bernard Posts: 329
    edited 2006-05-08 19:02
    'guzintas' & 'guzouttas' ?

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  • Charlie JohnsonCharlie Johnson Posts: 147
    edited 2006-05-08 20:01
    guzintas = goes ins
    guzouttas= goes outs
  • SSteveSSteve Posts: 808
    edited 2006-05-10 17:05
    Jameco sells the MAX233 in single quantities. They are $6.19 versus $2.89 for the 232.

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