Maxim > Design Support > Technical Documents > Application Notes > General Engineering Topics > APP 4223
Maxim > Design Support > Technical Documents > Application Notes > Interface Circuits > APP 4223
Keywords: RS232, RS-232, 232, Transceiver
APPLICATION NOTE 4223
The evolution of the RS-232 transceiver
Jun 18, 2010
Abstract:
RS-
232 transceivers have been integral to RS-232 designs for more than two decades. This
application note reviews the history of the RS-232 transceiver. It traces technical advances and explains the
practical benefits for diverse applications. Various Maxim devices are cited as industry-leading examples of
the RS-232 transceiver evolution.
Introduction
Over the last 25 years, RS-232 transceivers have been modified to address the changing trends in RS-232
designs. Innovations have included integrated charge pumps, high-ESD protection, AutoShutdown™, a 3.3V
single supply, higher bandwidth, a level translator, and shrinking packages. These many improvements have
enhanced functionality, simplified the RS-232 interface, reduced component count, and saved space. One of
the leaders in RS-232 transceiver innovations, Maxim Integrated Products, offers over 158 RS-232 devices
with value-added features that address a wide range of applications.
This application note reviews key RS-232 transceiver features. Viewed in chronological order, the evolution
of the RS-232 transceiver also reflects changing demands for serial communications.
Background
The EIA/TIA-232-E standard was introduced in 1962, and has since been updated four times to meet the
evolving needs of serial communication applications. The official name of the EIA/TIA-232-E standard is
"Interface Between Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) and Data Circuit-Termination Equipment (CTE)
Employing Serial Binary Data Interchange." There is a more simple definition: serial data communication
between a host system (DTE) and a peripheral system (CTE) (Figure 1).
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