If you look at the TI datasheet (http://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/max232.pdf, page 7) it says in a flagged note that "C2 can be connected to VCC or GND". They show it connected to GND in this PDF. The Maxim datasheet (http://datasheets.maximintegrated.com/en/ds/MAX220-MAX249.pdf, page 17) shows it connected back to VCC which the TI PDF says is okay as well.. So I think either one should work. Once the capacitor is charged it's effectively an open circuit.....
On Tuesday, July 1, 2014 7:42:43 PM UTC-7, norw...@aol.com wrote:
I just learned that apparently (I have not looked at the data sheet myself) MAXIM has changed the function of pin 2 on their serial line driver chip. The old configuration was a polarized cap. tied to gnd. (that's the way I always wired them), and their data sheet now shows the cap. tied to vcc (I'm told). Could account for the heat, and short service life!!! *grin* Bottom line is check the data sheets, or stick with T.I. 232 chips (they still work the same old way). Wonder why they did this????
Roger