MAX 232 SERIAL DETAILS

Data terminal equipment:
Data terminal equipment (DTE) is an end instrument that converts user information into signals for transmission or reconverts received signals into user information. A DTE device communicates with the data circuit-terminating equipment (DCE).
A DTE is the functional unit of a data station that serves as a data source or a data sink and provides for the data communication control function to be performed in accordance with link protocol.
DTE is usually a male connector and DCE is a female connector.
A general rule is that DCE devices provide the clock signal (internal clocking) and the DTE device synchronizes on the provided clock (external clocking).
DTE devices usually transmit on pin connector number 2 and receive on pin connector number 3. DCE devices are just the opposite: pin connector number 2 receives and pin connector number 3 transmits the signals.

DTE devices usually transmit on pin connector number 2 and receive on pin connector number 3. DCE devices are just the opposite: pin connector number 2 receives and pin connector number 3 transmits the signals.

Data Communication Equipment:

A Data circuit-terminating equipment (DCE) is a device that sits between the data terminal equipment (DTE) and a transmission circuit. It is also called data communications equipment and data carrier equipment.
In a data station, the DCE performs functions such as signal conversion, coding, and line clocking and may be a part of the DTE or intermediate equipment. Interfacing equipment may be required to couple the data terminal equipment (DTE) into a transmission circuit or channel and from a transmission circuit or channel into the DTE.