MAX1232
Detailed Description
Power Monitor
A voltage detector monitors VCC and holds the reset
outputs (RST and RST) in their active states whenever
VCC is below the selected 5% or 10% tolerance (4.62V
or 4.37V, typically). To select the 5% level, connect
TOL to ground. To select the 10% level, connect TOL to
VCC. The reset outputs will remain in their active states
until VCC has been continuously in-tolerance for a mini-
mum of 250ms (the reset active time) to allow the
power supply and µP to stabilize.
The RST output both sinks and sources current, while
the RST output, an open-drain MOSFET, sinks current
only and must be pulled high.
Pushbutton Reset Input
The MAX1232’s debounced manual reset input
(PBRST) manually forces the reset outputs into their
active states. The reset outputs go active after PBRST
has been held low for a time tPBD, the pushbutton reset
delay time. The reset outputs remain in their active
states for a minimum of 250ms after PBRST rises above
VIH (Figure 3).
A mechanical pushbutton or an active logic signal can
drive the PBRST input. The debounced input ignores
input pulses less than 1ms and is guaranteed to recog-
nize pulses of 20ms or greater. The PBRST input has
an internal pullup to VCC of about 100µA; therefore, an
external pullup resistor is not necessary.
Watchdog Timer
The microprocessor drives the ST input with an
input/output (I/O) line. The microprocessor must toggle
the ST input within a set period (as determined by TD)
to verify proper software execution. If a hardware or
software failure keeps ST from toggling within the mini-
mum timeout period—ST is activated only by falling
edges (a high-to-low transition)—the MAX1232 reset
outputs are forced to their active states for 250ms
(Figure 2). This typically initiates the microprocessor’s
power-up routine. If the interruption continues, new
reset pulses are generated each timeout period until ST
is strobed. The timeout period is determined by the TD
input connection. This timeout period is typically 150ms
with TD connected to GND, 600ms with TD floating, or
1200ms with TD connected to VCC.
The software routine that strobes ST is critical. The
code must be in a section of software that executes fre-
quently enough so the time between toggles is less
than the watchdog timeout period. One common tech-
nique controls the microprocessor I/O line from two
sections of the program. The software might set the I/O
line high while operating in the foreground mode, and
set it low while in the background or interrupt mode. If
both modes do not execute correctly, the watchdog
timer issues reset pulses.
Microprocessor Monitor
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