ICL3238EIVZ RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ICL3238EIVZ is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Renesas Electronics Corporation, featuring 5 drivers and 3 receivers in a 28-TSSOP surface mount package. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support, production continuity, and system maintenance. The part operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range with a 250kbps data rate and -40°C to 85°C temperature range, suitable for industrial and extended-temperature applications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	ICL3238EIVZ
Manufacturer	Renesas Electronics Corporation
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	5/3
Duplex	Full
Data Rate	250kbps
Voltage - Supply	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package / Case	28-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
Receiver Hysteresis	600 mV
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the ICL3238EIVZ is determined by strict alignment of the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Protocol: RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 5/3
Duplex: Full
Mounting Type: Surface Mount
Voltage - Supply: 3V ~ 5.5V
Data Rate: Equal to or greater than 250kbps
Operating Temperature: Must support -40°C ~ 85°C range
Package Type: 28-TSSOP (identical footprint and pin count)

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

RoHS3 Compliance
Receiver Hysteresis: 300 mV or 600 mV acceptable
Moisture Sensitivity Level: 1 or 3

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: direct pin-compatible replacements in 28-TSSOP packaging with matching temperature range, and functionally equivalent alternatives that maintain electrical performance within the specified operating envelope.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Package	Data Rate	Operating Temp	Receiver Hysteresis	Product Status	Drivers/Receivers
ICL3238EIVZ	Renesas	28-TSSOP	250kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	600 mV	Obsolete	5/3
MAX3238CPW	Texas Instruments	28-TSSOP	250kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	300 mV	Obsolete	5/3
MAX3238CPWR	Texas Instruments	28-TSSOP	250kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	300 mV	Active	5/3
MAX3238EIPW	Texas Instruments	28-TSSOP	400kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	300 mV	Obsolete	5/3
MAX3238EIPWR	Texas Instruments	28-TSSOP	400kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	300 mV	Obsolete	5/3
MAX3238ECPW	Texas Instruments	28-TSSOP	400kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	300 mV	Obsolete	5/3
MAX3238ECPWR	Texas Instruments	28-TSSOP	400kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	300 mV	Active	5/3
MAX3238CDB	Texas Instruments	28-SSOP	250kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	300 mV	Obsolete	5/3
MAX3238CDBR	Texas Instruments	28-SSOP	250kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	300 mV	Active	5/3
MAX3238ECDBR	Texas Instruments	28-SSOP	400kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	300 mV	Active	5/3
MAX3238EIDBR	Texas Instruments	28-SSOP	400kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	300 mV	Active	5/3

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Extended Temperature Range Applications (-40°C ~ 85°C):

Direct substitutes maintaining the full temperature range are MAX3238EIPWR and MAX3238EIDBR. MAX3238EIPWR is available in 28-TSSOP packaging with identical footprint compatibility and supports 400kbps data rate. MAX3238EIDBR provides the same temperature range in 28-SSOP packaging. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry active product status from Texas Instruments, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain stability.

For Standard Temperature Range Applications (0°C ~ 70°C):

MAX3238CPWR and MAX3238CDBR are recommended as primary selections. MAX3238CPWR maintains 28-TSSOP packaging with 250kbps data rate and active product status. MAX3238CDBR offers the same electrical performance in 28-SSOP packaging. Both are ROHS3 compliant with unlimited moisture sensitivity rating.

For Higher Data Rate Requirements (400kbps):

MAX3238ECPWR (28-TSSOP, 0°C ~ 70°C, active status) and MAX3238ECDBR (28-SSOP, 0°C ~ 70°C, active status) support doubled data rate while maintaining full RS232 5/3 transceiver functionality. For extended temperature with 400kbps capability, MAX3238EIDBR is the optimal choice.

Packaging Consideration:

The ICL3238EIVZ uses 28-TSSOP packaging (0.173" width). Direct footprint-compatible substitutes are MAX3238CPW, MAX3238CPWR, MAX3238EIPW, MAX3238EIPWR, MAX3238ECPW, and MAX3238ECPWR. Parts designated with "DB" or "CDBR" use 28-SSOP packaging (0.209" width) and require PCB layout modification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX3238CPWR replace ICL3238EIVZ in all applications?

A: MAX3238CPWR is pin-compatible in 28-TSSOP packaging and maintains RS232 5/3 transceiver functionality. However, it operates only to 0°C ~ 70°C, whereas ICL3238EIVZ supports -40°C ~ 85°C. Use MAX3238CPWR only if your application does not require extended temperature operation below 0°C or above 70°C.

Q: What is the difference between 28-TSSOP and 28-SSOP packages?

A: Both are 28-pin surface mount packages with identical pin counts and electrical compatibility. The primary difference is physical width: 28-TSSOP measures 0.173" (4.40mm) while 28-SSOP measures 0.209" (5.30mm). PCB footprints are not interchangeable without layout modification.

Q: Why do some substitutes have 400kbps data rate instead of 250kbps?

A: The ICL3238EIVZ specifies 250kbps minimum data rate. Substitutes with 400kbps capability exceed this requirement and are fully compatible. Higher data rate capability does not affect operation at lower speeds and provides design margin for future applications.

Q: Is receiver hysteresis difference (600 mV vs 300 mV) significant?

A: Both values are within RS232 specification tolerances. The 600 mV hysteresis of ICL3238EIVZ provides slightly greater noise immunity in noisy environments. The 300 mV hysteresis of MAX3238 variants is standard and acceptable for most industrial applications. Selection depends on specific noise environment requirements.

Q: Which substitute offers the best long-term availability?

A: MAX3238CPWR, MAX3238ECPWR, MAX3238CDBR, MAX3238ECDBR, and MAX3238EIDBR all carry active product status from Texas Instruments, indicating current production and long-term support. Obsolete-status parts should be avoided for new designs requiring extended production runs.

Q: Can I use MAX3238EIDBR as a direct replacement?

A: MAX3238EIDBR matches the -40°C ~ 85°C temperature range and supports 400kbps data rate. However, it uses 28-SSOP packaging instead of 28-TSSOP, requiring PCB footprint modification. Electrical functionality is fully compatible.

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