1 #define _PAGE_ RS232 converter
6 This is an RS232 converter for interfacing a PC with an Archos Jukebox (or any other device with a 3.3V serial port). It converts the PC serial port signals to 3.3V levels. The design is very straightforward, using a standard MAX3232 transceiver.
8 <h2>How to power it the easy way</h2>
10 It takes its power from the DTR signal in the serial port, so the communication software in the PC must set the DTR signal ACTIVE for this to work. It might still not work on some laptops, that may have a weak driver for the DTR signal.
13 <h2>How to power it the safe way</h2>
15 If your PC is a laptop or otherwise might risk having too little power in the serial port, it is also possible to take power from the USB port or another 5-10V source. Just remove the D1 diode and connect the power to the +5V and GND pads.
17 <h2>How to make one</h2>
19 <p><img src="rs232_board_bottom.png">
20 <br>Circuit board bottom layout
21 (<a href="rs232_board_bottom.pdf">PDF</a>)
23 <p><img src="rs232_board_top.png">
24 <br>Circuit board top layout
25 (<a href="rs232_board_top.pdf">PDF</a>)
27 <p><img src="rs232_board_place.png">
28 <br>Circuit board component placement
29 (<a href="rs232_board_place.pdf">PDF</a>)
31 <p><a href="rs232_schematic_big.png"><img src="rs232_schematic.png"></a>
33 (<a href="rs232_schematic_big.png">big PNG</a> 33kb)
34 (<a href="rs232_schematic.pdf">PDF</a>)
36 <h2>Bill of materials</h2>
38 Part Value Device Package Description
39 C1 0.1uF C-EUC0805 C0805 Capacitor
40 C2 0.1uF C-EUC0805 C0805 Capacitor
41 C3 0.1uF C-EUC0805 C0805 Capacitor
42 C4 0.1uF C-EUC0805 C0805 Capacitor
43 C5 1uF CPOL-EUCT3216 CT3216 Polarized Capacitor
44 D1 BAS32 DIODE-SOD80C SOD80C Diode
45 IC1 LP2980IM5 LP2980IM5 SOT23-5 3.3V Voltage regulator
46 IC2 MAX3232CWE MAX3232CWE SO16 RS232 Transceiver
47 P1 DSUB9 DSUB9 DSUB9 9-pin board mounted D-SUB, 90 deg. angle
50 <p>To make your life complete, here is Linus'
51 <a href="rs232_eagle.zip">complete schematics</a> made in Eagle 4.08r2.
57 -------- ---- ---- ----
58 14175 03-26-02 11:13 eagle.epf
59 7588 03-06-02 16:28 gerber.cam
60 10271 03-06-02 15:32 linus.lbr
61 848 03-26-02 13:50 README
62 570 03-26-02 13:18 RS232 Converter.bom
63 13443 03-26-02 10:57 RS232 Converter.brd
64 187210 03-06-02 16:18 RS232 Converter.sch