MAX3233E/MAX3235E
±15kV ESD-Protected, 1µA, 250kbps, 3.3V/5V, Dual
RS-232 Transceivers with Internal Capacitors
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event, Maxim’s E versions keep working without
latchup, whereas competing RS-232 products can
latch and must be powered down to remove latchup.
ESD protection can be tested in various ways; the
transmitter outputs and receiver inputs of this product
family are characterized for protection to the following
limits:
1) ±15kV using the Human Body Model
2) ±8kV using the Contact Discharge method specified
in IEC 1000-4-2
3) ±15kV using IEC 1000-4-2’s Air-Gap Discharge
method
ESD Test Conditions
ESD performance depends on a variety of conditions.
Contact Maxim for a reliability report that documents
test setup, test methodology, and test results.
Human Body Model
Figure 5a shows the Human Body Model and Figure 5b
shows the current waveform it generates when dis-
charged into a low impedance. This model consists of
a 100pF capacitor charged to the ESD voltage of inter-
est, which is then discharged into the test device
through a 1.5kΩ resistor.
IEC 1000-4-2
The IEC 1000-4-2 standard covers ESD testing and per-
formance of finished equipment; it does not specifically
refer to integrated circuits. The MAX3233E/MAX3235E
help you design equipment that meets Level 4 (the high-
est level) of IEC 1000-4-2, without the need for additional
ESD-protection components.
The major difference between tests done using the
Human Body Model and IEC 1000-4-2 is higher peak cur-
rent in IEC 1000-4-2, because series resistance is lower
in the IEC 1000-4-2 model. Hence, the ESD withstand
voltage measured to IEC 1000-4-2 is generally lower than