-receiver, true RS-232 transceiver that operates over a wide voltage range ( 3.0V3.0 cap V 5.5V5.5 cap V
use the MAX3232 for its predictable performance across 3.3V and 5V. Raspberry Pi HATs: sp3232+vs+max3232+exclusive
Both use four external 0.1µF capacitors to generate the required RS-232 signal levels. -receiver, true RS-232 transceiver that operates over a
| | MAX3232 | SP3232 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Supply Voltage | 3.0V – 5.5V | 3.0V – 5.5V | | ESD Protection (HBM) | ±15kV | ±8kV | | Data Rate | Up to 1 Mbps | Up to 250 kbps | | Quiescent Current (3.3V) | 300 µA | 1 mA | | External Capacitors | 4 × 0.1 µF | 2 × 0.1 µF | | Operating Temperature | –40°C to +85°C (select –40°C to +125°C) | –40°C to +85°C | | Shutdown Current | 1 µA (receivers active) | Not specified; higher | | Application Focus | Industrial, automotive, medical | Cost‑sensitive consumer, compact designs | | Attribute | MAX3232+ (example) | SP3232+ (example)
While the datasheets appear nearly identical, subtle differences emerge under stress.
| Attribute | MAX3232+ (example) | SP3232+ (example) | |---|---:|---:| | Supply range | 3.0–5.5 V | 3.0–5.5 V | | Quiescent current | Low (µA–mA range) | Varies by vendor | | RS-232 output swing | ±x V into 3 kΩ | ±y V into 3 kΩ | | Max data rate | up to ~1 Mbps | up to ~1 Mbps | | ESD (HBM) | up to ±15 kV (device dependent) | vendor-specific | | Shutdown pin | yes/no, thresholds | yes/no, thresholds | | Packages | SOIC, TSSOP, MSOP | SOIC, TSSOP, MSOP |
designs due to slightly better charge-pump efficiency at these levels. C. Manufacturer Reliability and Cost