We are seeing a rash of MAX3221C failures and trying to determine possible causes. In all cases, the receiver section of the device is fully functional, the transmitter section is the failure point. There is no evidence of discoloration on the body of the device.
We are thinking either an ESD event, or possibly the output is being shorted for an extended duration.
The MAX3221C datasheet does not specify a maximum short circuit duration time for the DOUT pin as other manufacturers of these devices specify in their datasheets. Instead, there is a note in the driver section of the datasheet which states, in part, that output short circuits should be controlled to prevent exceeding the device absolute power-dissipation ratings. How can the maximum short circuit time be calculated based on this information?
Thanks,
Jim
