I would like to use the SN65C3232EDR RS232 interface IC in a product however I would like some clarity on what external capacitors are to be used. The datasheet for this device does not specify whether or not polarized capacitors are required. The Maxim equivalent, part number MAX3232CSE+, has a good description of what capacitors are required (on page 8 of the datasheet found here http://datasheets.maxim-ic.com/en/ds/MAX3222-MAX3241.pdf). I need the high speed of 1-Mbit but I'd like to stay with a TI product. Can you please advise on the external capacitor choice for the SN65C3232EDR? Are polarized capacitors necessary? Also, can larger value capacitors be used? If not, what are the effects of using higher value capacitors?
Thank you.
Hello Mathew,
you do not need to use polarized capacitors. The capacitor polarities in Figure 4 on page 8 of the data sheet are only given to show you the right polarities only if you were intending to use polarized capacitors. In this case you want to make sure that the correct capacitor terminal connect to the right device terminal to avoid damage to the capacitors.
With regards to the table below Figure 4, it only give the MINIMUM required capacitor value. You can of course use higher values. If you increase the values for C2, C3, and C4 you do not need to increase the value of C1. However, if you increase C1, make sure you increase the other capacitors too to maintain the minimum ratio between C1 and the other capacitors.
Hope that helps.
Best regards, Thomas