Maxim Integrated Products developed the Max_232 as a Voltage Logic Converter that transforms TTL logic level to RS232 signal level for use with microcontroller projects that need to communicate with PCs or other hardwares. It is widely utilized by microcontroller developers for interfacing their projects to PCs & other hardwares.

The IC is made up of three main blocks. The first block is the voltage doubler that utilizes switched capacitor technology to double up incoming signals; two transmitters/receivers convert levels of voltage; while finally there’s a voltage supply pin providing 5V to this IC and external support capacitors may be needed to function correctly; there are various versions with various requirements for external support capacitors.

MAX232 replaced two older chips MC1488 & MC1489 that performed similar RS-232 translation, but required +12V and -12V supplies for their drivers/receivers, while MAX232 requires just one +5 V power source for its two drivers/receivers.

Nowadays, no-name data cables come equipped with their own voltage converter in their RS232 plugs for convenient and cost-cutting MAX232 circuitry solutions. Furthermore, these no-brand cables save both time and effort when designing circuit boards while being more cost effective than their branded equivalents.