Q: For parts in the MAX232 family, the datasheet lists a maximum data rate smaller than the typical data rate. Why is this?
A: The value in the "max" column represents the highest datarate that is guaranteed across all operating conditions for all devices of that type, while the value in the "typ" column provides the typical data rate that is expected. The smaller value is in the "max" column rather than the "min" column in order to avoid confusion, where someone might incorrectly assume that the device cannot use a data rate smaller than the value in the "min" column. Therefore, this parameter was moved to the "max" column as the largest guaranteed datarate, although the typical value is much higher.