MAX232 problems


Closed Thread
Results 1 to 10 of 10

Thread: MAX232 problems

Hybrid View

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Posts
    7

    Default MAX232 problems

    Occasionally I will search the forum for serial routine ideas. These searches always bring up old posts from people who have overheating issues with their RS232 interface IC’s. In every post I have seen here, that included a schematic, the schematic is wired incorrectly. Instead of posting how to correctly wire an interface chip, the threads sometime gravitate to discussions on fake chips from China. Though fake chips are a problem, the fix is to observe proper wiring of TTL devices.

    TTL wiring rule number one;

    All inputs MUST go somewhere.

    Leaving an input floating can cause wild oscillations, overheating issues and massive current draw issues. The MAX232 is a two channel device with two TTL inputs. Every schematic posted in this forum shows only one input tied to something. The other is left floating. This is wrong. Tie that other, unused, input to either ground or 5 volts.

    Another point of confusion I see is that “MAX232” is taken as literally, when it is really being used generically . When shopping for a new IC, it is better to search for a “RS232 interface IC”. A Maxim Integrated MAX232CPE from Mouser.com cost $3.20. I prefer to use a Texas Instruments TRS202ECN from Mouser.com which costs $1.53. I get the same performance at half the price. There’s no need to turn to China for affordable interface ICs.

    So if you happen across a post that includes a schematic that shows an RS232 interface chip that is wired incorrectly, an input left floating, reply to that post to do something with that unused input. Doing that will save someone hours of trouble-shooting time.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Istanbul
    Posts
    1,185


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: MAX232 problems

    What is it that you did not understand on this circuit?



    Name:  max232.png
Views: 3316
Size:  22.1 KB
    "If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital." Napoleon Bonaparte

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Posts
    2,585


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: MAX232 problems

    I always check the datasheet and check at a sample circuit there. Mainly to make sure what to use as pull-down/up resistor values (some people approximate in their circuits).

    I know you can get away with approximations in resistors and capacitors in a LOT of cases. I just prefer to err on the side of caution, usually cause I end up on the side of user-error in many cases regardless.

    Robert


    EDIT: Take the MAX232, I'll even try to find the datasheet for that given manufacturer, just in case.

    I know many chips "might" follow industry standards for a given chip, like a MAX232 (just an example), but again, I wouldn't trust a circuit I invested a gazillion hours putting together, only to have it "oscillate wildly" cause one manufacturer decided to be the lone ranger.

    I'm not going to put anything in production, sadly, but I still want to be able to trust my crap when I do get it working, one day, eventually...
    Last edited by Demon; - 10th November 2017 at 20:18.
    My Creality Ender 3 S1 Plus is a giant paperweight that can't even be used as a boat anchor, cause I'd be fined for polluting our waterways with electronic devices.

    Not as dumb as yesterday, but stupider than tomorrow!

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    australia
    Posts
    2,379


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: MAX232 problems

    TTL wiring rule number one;

    All inputs should go somewhere.




    CMOS wiring rule number one;

    All inputs must go somewhere.


    The problem with sayzer's circuit is that it will not work for max232epe chips , they will get hot real hot

    the switching caps need to be ten times smaller 0.1uF

    http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=19548
    Warning I'm not a teacher

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Istanbul
    Posts
    1,185


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: MAX232 problems

    Quote Originally Posted by richard View Post
    TTL wiring rule number one;
    ....

    The problem with sayzer's circuit is that it will not work for max232epe chips , they will get hot real hot

    the switching caps need to be ten times smaller 0.1uF

    http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=19548

    Using ST232 and MAX232, I use 1uf elect type for many years now. Never had a heat problem.
    For 232epe, some additional care may be required as Richard mentioned.
    Last edited by sayzer; - 11th November 2017 at 05:41.
    "If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital." Napoleon Bonaparte

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Posts
    985


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: MAX232 problems

    Did you actually bother to look at a data sheet for any of the devices you are talking about?

    The inputs of all MAX232 devices (at least authentic ones), are internally pulled low,
    so that when left floating, their respective output is high, which is the serial idle state.
    The RS232 inputs can also be left disconnected, and live inputs can be plugged in before the chip is powered.

    Not bad what two minutes of research can uncover.

    Similarly with Pics, you can turn on weak internal pull-ups and leave their inputs floating as well.

Similar Threads

  1. PIC and MAX232 in/out
    By The Master in forum Serial
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: - 29th March 2008, 21:41
  2. 16f688 <-> Max232
    By PlantBob in forum Serial
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: - 25th March 2008, 15:57
  3. RS232, max232
    By kutsi in forum General
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: - 30th May 2007, 07:39
  4. Do i have to use max232??
    By SuB-ZeRo in forum mel PIC BASIC Pro
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: - 26th July 2005, 16:07
  5. PIC16F877 to PC via max232 HELP!!
    By loredana in forum mel PIC BASIC Pro
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: - 11th May 2005, 18:42

Members who have read this thread : 1

You do not have permission to view the list of names.

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts