Datasheet
5 V-Powered
CMOS RS-232 Drivers/Receivers
ADM231L–ADM234L/ADM236L–ADM241L
Rev. C   
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However, no responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its use, nor for any 
infringements of patents or other rights of third parties that may result from its use. 
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Tel: 781.329.4700  www.analog.com 
Fax: 781.461.3113 © 2005 Analog Devices, Inc. All rights reserved. 
FEATURES 
Single 5 V power supply 
Meets all EIA-232-E and V.28 specifications 
120 kbps data rate 
On-board dc-to-dc converters 
±9 V output swing with 5 V supply 
Small 1 µF capacitors 
Low power shutdown ≤1 µA 
±30 V receiver input levels 
Latch-up free 
APPLICATIONS 
Computers 
Peripherals 
Modems 
Printers 
Instruments 
GENERAL DESCRIPTION 
The ADM2xx family of line drivers/receivers is intended for all 
EIA-232-E and V.28 communications interfaces, especially in 
applications in which 12 V is not available. The ADM236L and 
ADM241L feature a low power shutdown mode that reduces 
power dissipation to less than 5 µW, making them ideally suited 
for battery-powered equipment. The ADM233L does not 
require any external components and is particularly useful in 
applications where printed circuit board space is critical. 
All members of the ADM2xxL family, except the ADM231L and 
ADM239L, include two internal charge pump voltage converters 
that allow operation from a single 5 V supply. These parts convert 
the 5 V input power to the ±10 V required for RS-232 output 
ADM236L TYPICAL OPERATING CIRCUIT 
T1
IN
T1
OUT
T2
IN
T2
OUT
RS-232
OUTPUTS
T3
IN
T4
IN
R1
OUT
R1
IN
R2
OUT
R2
IN
TTL/CMOS
OUTPUTS
R3
IN
R3
OUT
T3
OUT
T4
OUT
1µF
+6.3V
1µF
+16V
C1+
C1–
C2–
C2+
V–
1µF
+16V
+10V TO –10V
VOLTAGE
INVERTER
1µF
+6.3V
1µF
+6.3V
+5V INPUT
V
CC
+5V TO +10V
VOLTAGE
DOUBLER
T1
T2
T3
T4
R1
R2
R3
V+
SD
ADM236L
GND
00070-0-015
T
TL/CMOS
INPUTS
1
RS-232
INPUTS
2
1
INTERNAL 400kΩ PULL-UP RESISTOR ON EACH TTL/CMOS INPUT.
2
INTERNAL 5kΩ PULL-DOWN RESISTOR ON EACH RS-232 INPUT.
EN
Figure 1. 
levels. The ADM231L and ADM239L are designed to operate 
from 5 V and 12 V supplies. An internal +12 V to −12 V charge 
pump voltage converter generates the −12 V supply. 
The ADM2xxL is an enhanced upgrade to the AD2xx family. It 
features lower power consumption, faster slew rate, and the 
ability to operate with smaller (1 µF) capacitors. 
Table 1. Selection Table 
Part 
Number 
Power Supply Voltage 
No. of RS-232 
Drivers 
No. of RS-232 
Receivers 
External 
Capacitors 
Low Power 
Shutdown (SD)  
TTL 
Three-State 
EN
No. of 
Pins 
ADM231L  5 V and 7.5 V to 13.2 V  2  2  2  No  No  14 
ADM232L  5 V  2  2  4  No  No  16 
ADM233L  5 V  2  2  None  No  No  20 
ADM234L  5 V  4  0  4  No  No  16 
ADM236L  5 V  4  3  4  Yes  Yes  24 
ADM237L  5 V  5  3  4  No  No  24 
ADM238L  5 V  4  4  4  No  No  24 
ADM239L  5 V and 7.5 V to 13.2 V  3  5  2  No  Yes  24 
ADM241L  5 V  4  5  4  Yes  Yes  28 










