> I'm looking for recommendations for a single-package solution to
> interface a PIC to an outside-world serial port.  I have +/-18V
> supplies available, so I don't need a charge pump device like the
> MAX232 (and it's extra caps).  The TI SN75155 would do the job,
> but it costs more than the MAX232 does, and this is a
> cost-sensitive project.  Any ideas?

You can use the MAX232 & other family parts directly from external
supplies (i.e. ignore the charge pump features).  However, the data
sheet says absolute maximum value for V+ and V- are +14V and -14V.

Note that +/-18V exceeds the maximum of +/-15V at a transmit pin
for an RS-232 [EIA-232 for a couple decades now] interface.  The
voltage at a transmit pin is spec'ed at +5 to +15V or -5 to -15V;
voltage at a receive pin is spec'ed at +3 to +25V or -3 to -25V.

						Lee Jones

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