how to check max232 IC ok or damaged

If there is any way to check max232 is ok or not.Suggestion needed.

Troubleshooting this IC is not difficult.
Power up the MAX232 and check voltage across supply pins to insure correct voltage input.
The following two tests check each "TTL in - RS232 out" converter.
Put 0 volts into pins 10 and 11, then check pins 7 and 14. Should have about 10 volts output on each.
Put 5 volts into pins 10 and 11, then check pins 7 and 14 again. Should have about -10 volts output on each.
If that succeeded, then check each "RS232 in - TTL out" converter. Connect pin 7 to pin8. Connect pin 13 to pin 14. This will be a "loopback test".

Put 0 volts into pins 10 and 11, then check pins 9 and 12. Should have about .6 volts output.
Put 5 volts into pins 10 and 11, then check pins 9 and 12 again. Should have about 4.5 volts output.

Thanks to your message:-D

i tried to check the max 232 using the method dat u have explained..after giving 5V to pin 16 nd 0V to pin 15, once i connected pin 10 nd 11 to ground, supply at pin 16 is only 1.2V (its getting shorted).so is my max 232 faulty?

meerama said:

i tried to check the max 232 using the method dat u have explained..after giving 5V to pin 16 nd 0V to pin 15, once i connected pin 10 nd 11 to ground, supply at pin 16 is only 1.2V (its getting shorted).so is my max 232 faulty?

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Just to make sure if the problem is with IC or the PCB, remove the IC from the socket if it is mounted on the socket and measure the voltage on the same pins. if the voltage is 0 or in the normal range of acceptance, then insert IC again, if you get the short or drop in voltage, then replace the IC and try again.. Hope i answer your question.

Loops help a lot. With a looped max232, try to send data if you receive nothing or that the received data is different from what you sent this means that your circuit is damaged.

Loop back is not a soulution when the IC is getting shorted and the voltage is getting dropped.