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Serial RS-232 (V.24) communication works with voltages -15V to +15V for high and low. On
the other hand, TTL logic operates between 0V and +5V . Modern low power consumption logic
operates in the range of 0V and +3.3V or even lower.
Thus the RS-232 signal levels are far too high TTL electronics, and the negative RS-232 voltage
for high can’t be handled at all by computer logic. To receive serial data from an RS-232
interface the voltage has to be reduced. Also the low and high voltage level has to be inverted.
This level converter uses a Max232 and five capacitors. The max232 is quite cheap (less than 5 dollars) or if youre lucky
you can get a free sample from Maxim.
The MAX232 from Maxim was the first IC which in one package contains the necessary drivers and receivers to adapt the
RS-232 signal voltage levels to TTL logic. It became popular, because it just needs one voltage (+5V or +3.3V) and generates
the necessary RS-232 voltage levels.
1 of 13 3/30/2011 9:48 PM
» MAX232 Serial level converter : SoDoItYourself.com http://sodoityourself.com/max232-serial-level-converter/
Schematic
This entry was posted on Monday, February 26th, 2007 at 9:25 pm and is filed under Electronics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the
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3. Comment by Greg:
Thursday, March 15th 2007 at 1:16 am
what to the symbols represent like the one that looks like + l l any refrence site i can go to to see what these symbols in
the schematic mean or can tou take a picture of the actual finished product? Thanks
4. Comment by Dave:
Thursday, March 15th 2007 at 9:59 pm
@Greg
The || symbols are capacitors. The + marks the plus side of the capacitors if they are polarized.
5. Comment by Chris:
2 of 13 3/30/2011 9:48 PM
» MAX232 Serial level converter : SoDoItYourself.com http://sodoityourself.com/max232-serial-level-converter/
The schematic shown is exactly what needs to be done and other components (resistors, etc.) are not needed? Also,
how can I get a regulated +5v supply for the Vcc? Because I am soldering the circuitry to the DB9 Female solder-cup
so I can connect it to my computer and want to make sure it doesn’t harm anything.
This was very helpful in my current project, thanks!
6. Comment by John:
Wednesday, April 4th 2007 at 6:11 am
The +5v supply can be generated by an outside source, but is usually supplied by the serial device you are connecting
to.
7. Comment by Pasan:
Thursday, April 5th 2007 at 6:28 pm
Im making serial 16X2 LCD for my PC. So now I found what i want. Thank you very much.
8. Comment by A.I.HAMAD:
Thursday, April 19th 2007 at 9:40 pm
It is quit simple circuit and I am already built it , OK. Is it possible to inform me about more details regarding the
procedure of programming a new blank pic 16f84 ? Is Mplab software suitable to work with it ? what kind of
configuration that i have to select for this programmer? and the last question what about the voltage 14V which should
be provided to pin 4 in many other programmers?
Thank you very much
9. Comment by Swapnil:
Thursday, April 26th 2007 at 4:27 pm
This was just what i needed to know. Thanks for the support
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah
In absence of power supply, Can input +15 to -15 volt signal is affected on max232 driver.
and can we receive the data from PC without using capacitor with IC max232 for one side communication
I am not found the internal logical diagram of driver/receiver can you provide me
Thanks
To A.I.HAMAD,
To program a PIC you’ll either need an In-circuit-debugger (ICD) or a Microchip programmer (like the one in this
image http://www.mp.ttu.ee/risto/rc/electronics/images/pctorc/07.jpg). MPLAB is fine. If you use programmer then
you’ll need to take the PIC out after each program and insert it back into you circuit (time consuming if you are new to
this stuff). If you use an ICD then you connect to it while still in the circuit through a socket you fix into your circuit. I
don’t know what country you are writing from but in the UK these things can be bought from RS or Farnell.
http://www.sparkfun.com/ for more PIC tips.
Ad
3 of 13 3/30/2011 9:48 PM
» MAX232 Serial level converter : SoDoItYourself.com http://sodoityourself.com/max232-serial-level-converter/
good excellent
Can somebody explain what the 10uF capacitor is for. Is it nessesary? Looking at the charts Maxim supply I can’t see
it.
[...] MAX232 Serial level converter is a wide used chip for converting RS232 logic levels to TTL logic levels that can
[...]
you can make it much more simpler.. by removing the 10uF capacitor from that circuit
17. Comment by 8051, AVR, PIC microcontroller projects, tutorials, books and much more...:
Tuesday, September 4th 2007 at 6:57 pm
@Loffe:
that 10uF is a bypass capacitor… usually it should be small like 100nF.. 10uF is a big value
[...] The XBEE uses 9600 8N1 by default. To use the XBEE with the picaxe it first must be programmed to use a
slower speed. Fortunately there is a utility build into the picaxe programming envirnoment that will setup the XBEE
for you. A programming board must be build. This consists of a a MAX3232 (Or since I didn’t have one a MAX232
with voltage divider between the outputs.) The RX and TX are wired appropriately. Here is a diagram from
doityourself.com: [...]
What is the need of capacitors in the circuit..what is their work over there …
how can we decide on the value of capacitors??
What program did you use to make the schematic, it just looks great…
4 of 13 3/30/2011 9:48 PM
» MAX232 Serial level converter : SoDoItYourself.com http://sodoityourself.com/max232-serial-level-converter/
This circuit works great to talk to my PC, but I have a piece of equipment (video matrix switch) that it won’t work
with. My pc, however, can talk with the switch just fine.
I wound up using the circuit into serial port b, and then I have serial port a connected to my video switch. I then issued
a “copy com2 com1″ command from dos so the output of com2 is routed to com1. Works great, but not very sexy.
I switch pins 2,3 etc. but nothing I have tried will allow the circuit to drive the video switch. Could there be something
about this equipment that requires more current than the max232 can deliver? Any suggestions?
Hi Trey,
I think it is more likely that the handshaking lines are not being used. Probably only need the additional RTS/CTS lines.
Look at the MAX232CPE datasheet and you will find that this device can support RTS/CTS too. So use them to see.
BTW - we now do a popular kit version but with the handshaking lines RTS/CTS available.
I appreciate your comments. I am talking to the device using only 2,3 and 5 from the PC, so I discounted handshaking.
Also, the documentation for the device says only 2,3 and 5 are used with no flow control. It appears to be some sort of
current problem. I saw on a website somewhere that the impedence of some devices can cause an issue. I thought
about building one of the circuits I saw with transistors (that borrow 12v from the dormant receive line). Any luck with
this or other suggestions?
Hi Trey,
Other ICs/vendors do slightly different versions e.g. the ADM232 claims +/-9 output swing at RS232.
Usually most claim say 7.8v to 8V into 3K load with 5V supply.
If its is just a little low on the voltage for the load then you could try that.
Noz,
Tronisoft
USB / RS232 / IO Modules
MAX232A versions from Maxim, such as MAX232ACPE, and similar parts available from others require only 0.1uF
capacitors for the charge pump and inverter. They may cost a little more, but the cheaper capacitors usually make up
for it.
5 of 13 3/30/2011 9:48 PM
» MAX232 Serial level converter : SoDoItYourself.com http://sodoityourself.com/max232-serial-level-converter/
i have bit prob with this circuit..when im use this circuit and test it with the hyper terminal program..it doesn’t show
anything..im connect this circuit with the RFID reader. when the reader is activate there is nothing appeared in hyper
terminal..some one please help me with this situation..
I came cross a similar schema, but it was lacking the 10µF capacitor. What’s the purpose of the 10µF cap? What
version should I choose?
The 10uF is for the charge pump of the MAX232 minimum value based on the datasheet is 1uF for MAX232a its
100nF. 10uF for longer distance (long cables). my two cents.
how can I have the output of Tx to produce just 3.3V when it is at logic 1 ??
i only have 10uF capacitors available. Will it be OK to use 10uF capacitors for all the circuit or will it cause problems?
@232: i think you may have to use the 3232 chip which operates at LVTTL levels of 3.3v-5.0v. But if there is a way
that anyone knows to get 3.3v from this max 232 chip I would like to know too!!!
Hello -
I left a message in Feb concerning ttl to rs232 conversion. You were generous with suggestions, but unfortunately the
problem still exists. While I have worked around it for several months, I now need a hardware solution.
I can, however, make it work if I interface the microcontroller to a PC com1, and then the PC com2 to the switch. A
simple ‘copy com1 com2′ with timeout disabled (19200,8,n,1) allows the microcontroller to control the switch
indirectly. There are only three wires used both from the controller to the PC and to the switch - tx,rx,gnd. There is no
handshaking software or hardware enabled on any of the devices. The message I need to transmit is only a single
character, and I only transmit from the controller to the switch (not bidirectionally).
1) how can I measure the voltages present from max232? I have a scope, so can I just connect in parallel with TX and
gnd and monitor the voltage levels?
2) Do you have a suggestion on another cct that will provide a greater voltage swing?
3) other?
6 of 13 3/30/2011 9:48 PM
» MAX232 Serial level converter : SoDoItYourself.com http://sodoityourself.com/max232-serial-level-converter/
As a follow up to the above, I did hookup my scope in parallel and I am seeing a 7v swing from 0 (or +/- 7V) showing
on the scope relative to gnd. This is with a purchased level converter from Solarbotics, Ltd.
how can I have the output of Tx to produce just 3.3V when it is at logic 1 ??
Is it the Vcc of the max232 just supply 3.3v??
_____________________________________________
http://www.tronisoft.com/4205.php
Hope it helps!
Noz,
Tronisoft
USB / RS232 / IO Modules
plz any one tell me from where i can get the detail internal diagram of max232 ic….i also need to know what is the
requirment of capacitor….
hi,i m working with serial card but my card seems to give me dummy values.is there any thing wrong with my max232.i
used 22mic f capacitor.also i want to know abt voltage value of capacitor.urgent.
I am about to build the circuit and note the .1 micofarad cap off pin 6 has the + to the ground line- is this correct?
Can someone please e-mail me with a detailed pic of this all set up on a breadboardboard so I can replicate. I’ve been
trying for months to get this to work off and on with no luck. I am Trying to debrick my router. I have a small white
plastic breadboard. 1 DB9 and 6 1uf cylindrical caps and 6 .1uf ceramic caps but don’t have the 10uf cap but have a
bunch of other sizes. Also have the max3232cpe can’t figure out how to work this. atesfaye@yahoo.com I thank you
in advance!
good
7 of 13 3/30/2011 9:48 PM
» MAX232 Serial level converter : SoDoItYourself.com http://sodoityourself.com/max232-serial-level-converter/
pls i would lke to make a comment about my max232 i was working on a project recently and i decided to connect a
dual power supply to the max232 i.e pin 2 and 6 as required in the data sheet but the chip got fried don’t know? can
any one help? the voltage on pin 6 was -9v and on Pin 2 was +9 volt
That was what I was looking for. But for my aplication I need 3V, so I guess I have to use MAX3232 . Hope it will be
on stock in my electronic shop.
Thanks again
HIIIIIIIIII,
Can we use max 232 as a power supply for Opam.
HIIIIIIIIII,
Can we use max 232 as a power supply for Opam . if yes . HOw ?
good
hi,
I am usessing (max 232 to usb convertor) hardware.but i needed of driver of this hardware. can you helpo me.
thanks.
hi,
I am usessing (max 232 to usb convertor) hardware.but i needed of driver of this hardware. can you help me.
thanks.
hi,
8 of 13 3/30/2011 9:48 PM
» MAX232 Serial level converter : SoDoItYourself.com http://sodoityourself.com/max232-serial-level-converter/
I am usessing (max 232 to usb convertor) hardware.but i needed of driver for this hardware. can you help me.
thanks.
i am confused regarding the values of capacitor values ..all the five are 1 micro farad in the datasheet.HEre four are 1
micro farad..I have seen soem websites where all the five are 10 micro farad..
Willchanging this afftec the prerformance?
Hi,
Can i interface this adoptor with 8051 uC or the AVR is compulsion………
I just built this circuit as shown above and am having some problems. The TTL -> 232 conversion is working perfectly
but the 232 -> TTL is not working. Does anyone have any thoughts on what could be wrong or where to look. I’ve
done the obvious double checking of solder joints and double checked my wiring. Thanks in advance.
Ignore the above post; was able to isolate it to a bad chip. Replaced and it works great.
i need to convert microcontroller o/p to gsm modem via serial cabel rs232
Hi ,
9 of 13 3/30/2011 9:48 PM
» MAX232 Serial level converter : SoDoItYourself.com http://sodoityourself.com/max232-serial-level-converter/
I have MAX232N ,Can i use this Schematic for built RS-233 to TTL ? is different between MAX232 and MAX232N
for built this circuit ?
Thanks
63. Comment by Wuerzelchens blog » Blog Archive » Asus WL 500 gP debricking mit serieller Schnittstelle -:
Sunday, January 24th 2010 at 11:22 am
[...] der ASUS WL 500g Premium hat 3.3V. Das ist auch eines meiner Probleme gewesen. Ich habe mir nach dieser
Anleitung einen TTL converter gebastelt aber nicht wirklich eine Anständige ausgabe auf meiner Konsole [...]
Got all the parts to build one, then discovered the MAX233 - all caps built in!
A word of warning. The picture of the capacitors is misleading. The circuit diagram defines electrolytic capacitors - not
ceramic capacitors as pictured.
Hi,
I want to know voltages of MAX232 when it properly works
I’ve done exactly the schematic in the picture with electrolytic capacitors( with 1u instead of the 10u one), and pins 11
and 12( TX,RX) connected for loopback. The problem is that i don’t get anything in hyperterminal (COM1, 9600 baud,
8N1, flow none) or tera term. Any ideas to what the problem might be? Thanks.
I’ve discovered my mistake. The pinout of a female null modem connector is different. 13-2 and 14-3 are the correct
matches. Live and learn.
Max232 can works with 2.7 to 5.5 voltage supply. I have an experiment!
10 of 13 3/30/2011 9:48 PM
» MAX232 Serial level converter : SoDoItYourself.com http://sodoityourself.com/max232-serial-level-converter/
Does anyone know of a max232 pre-assembled kit that uses SMT 232s and available in US? I only need two and don’t
want to bother with the PCB/component ordering/packaging issues, but I want it to fit in a D-sub shell.
Thanks
[...] Here is a good tutorial on creating your own RS232 converter. [...]
i want to use the MAX232 to convert signals at rs232 level to TTL level. but th signal is coming from a single line(Tx
of a gps). please how can i edit this schematic to suit that.Thanks
hai can any body send the rating of capacitors in max 232.
for gopinadh -the capacitors is not very importants.can use from 1uF to 10uF/6.3v-16v.
Can somebody help me out on this issue!!! i am working on MAX 232 board. i have connected that board to PC using
RS 232 connector. i need to write code to write and read from that board in C# .Net. I wrote the code but i am not able
to receive any response from the board. settings are COM1,8,none,1. My doubt is does the connectors on the MAX
11 of 13 3/30/2011 9:48 PM
» MAX232 Serial level converter : SoDoItYourself.com http://sodoityourself.com/max232-serial-level-converter/
232 board work in the same way as RS 232 or different manner.. somebody kindly help me.
Project on PIC16F877A..using same above burner ckt, no pic detection only messages such as PIC sending unknown
data K”Oh…or handle invalid…what does it mean? Please help me
hi,
i have rigged the circuit on a general purpose pcb but the result is little wierd
1.sometimes,the circuit works
2.sometimes it doesnot work
3.when the rx and tx are shorted,i sometimes get echo even when they are not connected
help
@priyanka: here capacitors as dc level shifters,they clamp the voltage level. This is much required,bcoz the dc level
must be clamped in order to send back the rs232 level back to serial port.
@loffe:
here the 10uf capacitor is used to remove unwanted ripple
its absolutely not needed!!!!!!!!!
-regards
VENKATESH
@Ozymandias:
if u cant see any thing in hyperterminal window
then the mistake can be 1) you might have the max232 pins 2,3 to max232 inputs in the opposite manner
2)check the supply,whether it is +5v to the ic
not many special reasons for it not to work
-regards
VENKATESH
Special thanks
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