ICL3238IA RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ICL3238IA is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Renesas Electronics Corporation, featuring 5 drivers and 3 receivers in a 28-SSOP package. This component operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range with a 250 kbps data rate and 500 mV receiver hysteresis. The ICL3238IA is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support, production continuity, and system maintenance.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	ICL3238IA
Manufacturer	Renesas Electronics Corporation
Category	Interface
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	5/3
Duplex	Full
Data Rate	250 kbps
Voltage - Supply	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Package / Case	28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the ICL3238IA is determined by the following critical parameters:

Protocol: RS232 full-duplex transceiver
Driver/Receiver Configuration: 5/3 (5 drivers, 3 receivers)
Package Type: 28-SSOP or 28-TSSOP surface mount
Supply Voltage Range: 3V ~ 5.5V
Data Rate: 250 kbps minimum
Receiver Hysteresis: 300 mV to 600 mV acceptable range
Operating Temperature: Extended range (-40°C ~ 85°C) or commercial range (0°C ~ 70°C)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on package type: 28-SSOP (standard small outline) and 28-TSSOP (thin small outline). Parts within each package category are functionally interchangeable when electrical parameters align within specified tolerances.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Package	Drivers/Receivers	Receiver Hysteresis (mV)	Operating Temp (°C)	Product Status	RoHS Status
ICL3238IA	Renesas Electronics	28-SSOP	5/3	500	-40 ~ 85	Obsolete	Non-compliant
MAX3238CAI+	Analog Devices/Maxim	28-SSOP	5/3	500	0 ~ 70	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238CAI+T	Analog Devices/Maxim	28-SSOP	5/3	500	0 ~ 70	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238CDB	Texas Instruments	28-SSOP	5/3	300	0 ~ 70	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238CDBR	Texas Instruments	28-SSOP	5/3	300	0 ~ 70	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238CPW	Texas Instruments	28-TSSOP	5/3	300	0 ~ 70	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238CPWR	Texas Instruments	28-TSSOP	5/3	300	0 ~ 70	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238EAI+	Analog Devices/Maxim	28-SSOP	5/3	300	-40 ~ 85	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238EAI+T	Analog Devices/Maxim	28-SSOP	5/3	300	-40 ~ 85	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238ECAI+	Analog Devices/Maxim	28-SSOP	5/3	600	0 ~ 70	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX3238ECAI+T	Analog Devices/Maxim	28-SSOP	5/3	600	0 ~ 70	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For applications requiring the ICL3238IA, the following selection criteria apply:

Extended Temperature Range (-40°C ~ 85°C): MAX3238EAI+ and MAX3238EAI+T are the only active substitutes that maintain the extended operating temperature specification of the original part. Both are ROHS3 compliant and available in 28-SSOP packaging.

Commercial Temperature Range (0°C ~ 70°C): Multiple active alternatives are available. MAX3238CAI+ and MAX3238CAI+T (Analog Devices/Maxim) provide direct electrical equivalence with 500 mV receiver hysteresis matching the ICL3238IA. MAX3238CDBR and MAX3238CPWR (Texas Instruments) offer active product status with 300 mV receiver hysteresis and are available in both 28-SSOP and 28-TSSOP packages.

RoHS Compliance: All substitute parts listed are ROHS3 compliant, addressing regulatory requirements that the original ICL3238IA does not meet.

Package Considerations: 28-SSOP and 28-TSSOP packages are not mechanically interchangeable. PCB layout and footprint design must match the selected package type. The 28-TSSOP variant (MAX3238CPW, MAX3238CPWR) features a narrower 4.40mm width compared to the 28-SSOP standard 5.30mm width.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use MAX3238CDBR as a direct replacement for ICL3238IA?

A: MAX3238CDBR is functionally compatible for applications operating within 0°C to 70°C. Both parts feature 5/3 driver/receiver configuration, 250 kbps data rate, 3V to 5.5V supply voltage, and 28-SSOP packaging. The receiver hysteresis differs (300 mV vs. 500 mV), which is acceptable for standard RS232 applications. However, if your design requires extended temperature operation (-40°C ~ 85°C), MAX3238EAI+ or MAX3238EAI+T are required.

Q: What is the difference between MAX3238CAI+ and MAX3238EAI+?

A: Both are Analog Devices/Maxim parts with identical electrical specifications except for operating temperature range. MAX3238CAI+ operates 0°C to 70°C (commercial), while MAX3238EAI+ operates -40°C to 85°C (extended). Both feature 500 mV receiver hysteresis and 28-SSOP packaging. Select based on your application's temperature requirements.

Q: Are 28-SSOP and 28-TSSOP packages interchangeable?

A: No. These are distinct package types with different physical dimensions and PCB footprints. 28-SSOP has a 5.30mm width, while 28-TSSOP has a 4.40mm width. Your PCB design must accommodate the specific package type selected. Verify footprint compatibility before component selection.

Q: Why do some substitutes have different receiver hysteresis values?

A: Receiver hysteresis (300 mV, 500 mV, or 600 mV) affects input threshold sensitivity. All values within this range meet RS232 specification requirements. Lower hysteresis (300 mV) provides tighter input thresholds, while higher hysteresis (600 mV) provides greater noise immunity. Select based on your signal integrity requirements.

Q: Which substitute offers the best availability?

A: MAX3238CDBR (Texas Instruments) shows the highest inventory at 75,940 pieces. MAX3238ECAI+ (Analog Devices/Maxim) has 25,300 pieces available. Both are active products with ROHS3 compliance and immediate availability for production applications.

Q: Is the ICL3238IA still available for new designs?

A: The ICL3238IA is classified as obsolete. For new designs, select from active substitute parts such as MAX3238EAI+, MAX3238EAI+T, MAX3238CAI+, MAX3238CAI+T, MAX3238CDBR, or MAX3238CPWR based on your temperature and packaging requirements.

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