New RS-232 ICs Feature 1µA Supply Current, ±15kV ESD Protection, and 3V Operation

APPLICATION note briefly describing important features of Maxims RS-232 transceivers with special characteristics. Several families are described with separate and/or overlapping features: 5V only operation through use of internal charge pumps, 3V only operation using high-efficiency internal charge pumps, automatic shutdown to 1µA supply current when not in use and automatic wakeup when signals are received, ±15kV ESD protection, high-efficiency driver for 50% power savings, and/or controllable DTE or DCE function without special null-modem cable. IEC 801-2 test methods are treated, and a list of ESD-testing DOs and DONTs is provided.