MAX202EWE RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX202EWE is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated, housed in a 16-SOIC surface mount package. This interface IC operates across a 4.5V to 5.5V supply range with a 120 kbps data rate and 500 mV receiver hysteresis. The part is currently classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing system support, redesigns, and production continuity.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	MAX202EWE
Manufacturer	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
Category	Interface
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	2/2
Duplex	Full
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Data Rate	120 kbps
Voltage - Supply	4.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package / Case	16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the MAX202EWE is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

Protocol: RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 2/2
Duplex: Full
Voltage Supply Range: 4.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature Range: -40°C ~ 85°C
Package / Case: 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount
Data Rate: 120 kbps minimum

Allowable Variation Parameters:

Receiver Hysteresis: 500 mV (baseline) to 650 mV (acceptable variance for RS232 operation)
Data Rate: 120 kbps to 230 kbps (higher rates maintain backward compatibility)
Product Status: Active substitutes preferred over obsolete
RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 Compliant substitutes are preferred for new designs

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories: Parametric Equivalents (identical electrical specifications with active status), Direct Manufacturers (minor parameter variations within acceptable tolerances), and MFR Recommended (enhanced specifications with improved performance characteristics).

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Data Rate	Receiver Hysteresis	Supply Voltage	Operating Temp	Package	RoHS Status
MAX202EWE	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Obsolete	RS232	2/2	120 kbps	500 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SOIC	RoHS non-compliant
MAX201EWE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	120 kbps	500 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SOIC	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX202EEWE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	120 kbps	500 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SOIC	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX202EWE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	120 kbps	500 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SOIC	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX220EWE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	120 kbps	500 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SOIC	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX232EEWE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	120 kbps	500 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SOIC	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX232EWE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	120 kbps	500 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SOIC	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM232LARZ	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	RS232	2/2	120 kbps	650 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SOIC	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM1181AARWZ	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	RS232	2/2	230 kbps	650 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SOIC	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM1181AARWZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	RS232	2/2	230 kbps	650 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SOIC	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM202EARWZ	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	RS232	2/2	230 kbps	650 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SOIC	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Maintenance & Legacy Support): MAX202EWE+, MAX202EEWE+, or MAX201EWE+ are the primary choices. These parts maintain identical electrical specifications to the original MAX202EWE while offering active product status and ROHS3 compliance. The "+Tube" packaging variant ensures compatibility with existing procurement workflows.

For New Designs & Production Continuity: MAX220EWE+, MAX232EWE+, or MAX232EEWE+ provide equivalent performance with enhanced availability and full RoHS3 compliance. These parts are actively manufactured and stocked, reducing supply chain risk.

For Enhanced Performance Applications: ADM1181AARWZ or ADM202EARWZ offer increased data rate capability (230 kbps versus 120 kbps) while maintaining full backward compatibility with 120 kbps legacy systems. The ADM1181AARWZ-REEL variant is available in Tape & Reel packaging for high-volume production. These parts feature 650 mV receiver hysteresis, which remains within acceptable RS232 operating margins.

For Tape & Reel Packaging: ADM1181AARWZ-REEL is the only substitute available in Tape & Reel format, suitable for automated assembly lines requiring continuous reel supply.

All recommended substitutes maintain the 16-SOIC package footprint, surface mount compatibility, and -40°C to 85°C operating temperature range of the original MAX202EWE.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX202EWE+ be used as a direct replacement for MAX202EWE? A: Yes. MAX202EWE+ is electrically and mechanically identical to MAX202EWE, with the primary difference being active product status and ROHS3 compliance. The "+" suffix indicates Tube packaging. Pin configuration, electrical performance, and package dimensions are unchanged.

Q: What is the difference between MAX202EWE and MAX220EWE? A: Both are 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceivers in 16-SOIC packages with identical electrical specifications (120 kbps data rate, 500 mV hysteresis, 4.5V-5.5V supply). The primary difference is the base product number designation. MAX220EWE is actively manufactured and ROHS3 compliant, making it suitable for new designs.

Q: Can ADM1181AARWZ replace MAX202EWE in legacy systems? A: Yes, with qualification. ADM1181AARWZ maintains full backward compatibility at 120 kbps operation while offering enhanced 230 kbps capability. The 650 mV receiver hysteresis (versus 500 mV) remains within RS232 specification tolerances. No circuit modifications are required for drop-in replacement.

Q: What is the difference between ADM1181AARWZ and ADM1181AARWZ-REEL? A: Both parts are electrically identical. The difference is packaging format: ADM1181AARWZ is supplied in Tube packaging, while ADM1181AARWZ-REEL is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) format for automated assembly processes.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant? A: All substitute parts listed are ROHS3 compliant. The original MAX202EWE is RoHS non-compliant. For applications requiring RoHS compliance, any of the listed substitutes are acceptable.

Q: Can I use MAX232EWE+ instead of MAX202EWE? A: Yes. MAX232EWE+ is a direct functional equivalent with identical electrical specifications and 16-SOIC package. It is actively manufactured and ROHS3 compliant, making it a preferred choice for new production.

Q: What is the maximum data rate supported by these transceivers? A: The original MAX202EWE and most parametric equivalents support 120 kbps. ADM1181AARWZ and ADM202EARWZ support 230 kbps. All parts maintain full backward compatibility at lower data rates.

Q: Are there any pin configuration differences between substitute parts? A: No. All substitute parts maintain the 16-SOIC package with identical pinout. Direct PCB substitution is possible without layout modifications.

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