MAX250 Datasheet – Isolated RS-232 Driver/Receiver

An RS-232 driver/receiver, often referred to as an RS-232 transceiver, is a device used to convert and interface between serial data signals conforming to the RS-232 standard and the logic level signals used by digital electronic devices. RS-232 is a widely used serial communication standard that defines the electrical and functional characteristics of serial communication between devices.

The RS-232 driver/receiver performs two primary functions:

Driver Function: The driver component of the transceiver generates the electrical voltage levels required for transmitting RS-232 signals. It converts the logic level signals from the transmitting device into the corresponding RS-232 voltage levels (+12V to -12V) suitable for long-range serial communication.

Receiver Function: The receiver component of the transceiver detects and interprets the RS-232 voltage levels received from the communication line. It converts the RS-232 signals back into logic level signals for the receiving device to process.