Max3232 got hot during testing

[robertlandrum]

Just getting around to assembling a kit I got last year. I got everything installed, and all LEDs tested and ICs put in. Hooked it up to USB power and went to plug in the On/Off Rocker when I smelled the hot electronics smell, and pulled the plug. I don't think it let any magic smoke out, but it was too hot to touch for a few seconds. I reflowed all the joins on the IC and caps around it thinking I must've had a bridge but didn't see anything. I reconnected USB, but disconnected as soon as I sensed it getting even a little warm.

I'm pretty sure I've got it in the right way around (it matches the silkscreen, anyway), so I'm not sure if I goofed, and ruined it, or if it normally gets pretty warm. Figured I'd ask Dave or the forum before I went and ruined anything permanently.

[robertlandrum]

I got up the nerve to power it back on. Everything seems to work. I was able to halt and run and do a few other things. I measured the Max3232 at 142 degrees F, after I removed power. My father built one, and suggested that one of the caps surrounding the Max3232 could be bad, and that might cause high current through the chip.