The capacitor type used for C1−C4 is not critical for proper operation. The MAX211 requires 0.1µF capacitors, although capacitors up to 10µF can be used without harm. Ceramic dielectrics are suggested for the 0.1µF capacitors. When using the minimum recommended capacitor values, make sure the capacitance value does not degrade excessively as the operating temperature varies. If in doubt, use capacitors with a larger (2×) nominal value. The capacitors’ effective series resistance (ESR), which usually rises at low temperatures, influences the amount of ripple on V+ and V−.

Use larger capacitors (up to 10µF) to reduce the output impedance at V+ and V−.

Bypass V_CC to ground with at least 0.1µF. In applications sensitive to power-supply noise generated by the charge pumps, decouple V_CC to ground with a capacitor the same size as (or larger than) the charge-pump capacitors (C1−C4).