What Is the RS-232 Transceiver?
The RS-232 transceiver is a digital interface, using the RS-232 standard, allowing the transfer of data to and from a computer via an RS-232 port. RS, or Recommended Standard, 232, uses 25-pin connectors to link peripheral devices, such as printers, with computers.
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Early Transceivers
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Early RS-232 transceivers suffered from signal loss through poorly insulated connection cables. The RS-232 standard allows a signal level that can range from +5 volts to -5 volts, as a minimum. Making the signal "swing" from positive to negative voltage during transmission helps reduce the loss, and computer circuit boards provide negative voltage supply to allow this.
Single Supply Transceivers
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The first single-supply RS-232 transceiver appeared in 1987. The single supply transceiver does not need a negative power supply, because it contains two charge pumps, with the first one doubling an incoming +5 volt charge to +10 volts, and the second pump inverting the +10 volt charge to -10 volt, for signal output.
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Low-Voltage RS 232 Transceivers
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Modern computers use reduced voltage power so that more components can be powered by the power supply unit. Typically, voltages that used to be supplied at +5 volts, are now supplied at +3.3 volts. RS-232 transceivers use built-in charge pumps to ensure that voltage meets the RS-232 5-volt minimum standard, and transceivers save power by turning off the charge pumps while not in use.
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