MAX208CAG Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX208CAG is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver with 4 drivers and 4 receivers, manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated in a 24-SSOP surface mount package. This part is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of active equivalent and substitute components for new designs or ongoing production requirements. The MAX208CAG operates within a 4.5V to 5.5V supply range with a 120 kbps data rate and 500 mV receiver hysteresis, making it suitable for legacy RS232 communication applications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	MAX208CAG
Manufacturer	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	4/4
Duplex	Full
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Data Rate	120 kbps
Voltage - Supply	4.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package / Case	24-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX208CAG is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Protocol: RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 4/4 (full configuration)
Duplex: Full
Package / Case: 24-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Voltage - Supply: 4.5V ~ 5.5V
Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

Data Rate: Minimum 120 kbps
Receiver Hysteresis: 500 mV or higher
Operating Temperature Range: Must encompass or exceed 0°C ~ 70°C

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories:

Category 1: Parametric Equivalents (Active Status) Parts with identical 4/4 driver/receiver configuration, matching package, and active product status. MAX208CAG+ and MAX208IDBR variants fall into this category.

Category 2: Direct Substitutes (Enhanced Specifications) ADM208 series parts offer extended operating temperature (-40°C ~ 85°C), higher receiver hysteresis (650 mV), and higher data rates (230 kbps), providing superior performance while maintaining 4/4 configuration and 24-SSOP packaging.

Category 3: Functional Alternatives (Reduced Configuration) MAX206 series parts provide 4/3 driver/receiver configuration in identical packaging. These are suitable only when application requirements permit reduced driver count.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Drivers/Receivers	Data Rate	Receiver Hysteresis	Operating Temperature	Package	Product Status	RoHS Status
MAX208CAG	Analog Devices/Maxim	4/4	120 kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	24-SSOP	Obsolete	Non-compliant
MAX208CAG+	Analog Devices/Maxim	4/4	120 kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	24-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX206CAG+	Analog Devices/Maxim	4/3	120 kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	24-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX206ECAG+	Analog Devices/Maxim	4/3	120 kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	24-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM208ARSZ	Analog Devices	4/4	120 kbps	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	24-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM208ARSZ-REEL	Analog Devices	4/4	120 kbps	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	24-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM208EARSZ	Analog Devices	4/4	230 kbps	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	24-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM208EARSZ-REEL	Analog Devices	4/4	230 kbps	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	24-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM208EARUZ	Analog Devices	4/4	230 kbps	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	24-TSSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM208EARUZ-REEL	Analog Devices	4/4	230 kbps	650 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	24-TSSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
HIN208EIAZ	Renesas Electronics	4/4	230 kbps	500 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	24-SSOP	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Identical Specifications): MAX208CAG+ is the primary active equivalent. It maintains identical electrical specifications (4/4 configuration, 120 kbps data rate, 500 mV hysteresis, 0°C ~ 70°C operating range) while offering ROHS3 compliance and active product status. Packaging is identical 24-SSOP.

For Enhanced Performance with Extended Temperature Range: ADM208ARSZ and ADM208ARSZ-REEL provide 4/4 configuration in 24-SSOP packaging with extended operating temperature (-40°C ~ 85°C) and higher receiver hysteresis (650 mV). These are suitable for applications requiring wider temperature operation while maintaining the same data rate (120 kbps). Both variants are ROHS3 compliant and active.

For Higher Data Rate Applications: ADM208EARSZ, ADM208EARSZ-REEL, ADM208EARUZ, and ADM208EARUZ-REEL support 230 kbps data rate with extended temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C) and 650 mV receiver hysteresis. The EARUZ variants use 24-TSSOP packaging (0.173", 4.40mm width) instead of standard SSOP. All are ROHS3 compliant and active.

For Reduced Driver Configuration: MAX206CAG+ and MAX206ECAG+ provide 4/3 driver/receiver configuration in identical 24-SSOP packaging. These are suitable only when application design permits reduced driver count. Both are ROHS3 compliant and active.

Avoid: HIN208EIAZ (Renesas) is classified as obsolete despite ROHS3 compliance and should not be selected for new designs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX208CAG+ directly replace MAX208CAG? A: Yes. MAX208CAG+ is a direct parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications (4/4 drivers/receivers, 120 kbps, 500 mV hysteresis, 0°C ~ 70°C operating range) and identical 24-SSOP packaging. The primary difference is active product status and ROHS3 compliance.

Q: What is the difference between ADM208ARSZ and ADM208EARSZ? A: Both are 4/4 transceivers in 24-SSOP packaging with -40°C ~ 85°C operating range and 650 mV receiver hysteresis. ADM208EARSZ supports 230 kbps data rate compared to 120 kbps for ADM208ARSZ. Selection depends on application bandwidth requirements.

Q: Can I use ADM208EARUZ instead of ADM208EARSZ? A: Both support identical electrical specifications (4/4, 230 kbps, 650 mV hysteresis, -40°C ~ 85°C). The difference is packaging: ADM208EARUZ uses 24-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm width) while ADM208EARSZ uses 24-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm width). PCB layout compatibility must be verified before substitution.

Q: Are MAX206 series parts suitable replacements? A: MAX206CAG+ and MAX206ECAG+ provide 4/3 driver/receiver configuration instead of 4/4. These are suitable only if application requirements permit reduced driver count. All other electrical parameters (120 kbps, 500 mV hysteresis, 0°C ~ 70°C, 24-SSOP) remain compatible.

Q: What is the difference between tube and tape & reel packaging? A: Tube packaging (standard) and Tape & Reel (TR) packaging contain identical components. Selection depends on assembly process requirements. Tape & Reel variants (ARSZ-REEL, EARSZ-REEL, EARUZ-REEL) are suitable for automated pick-and-place assembly.

Q: Why is HIN208EIAZ listed if it is obsolete? A: HIN208EIAZ is included for reference in legacy system documentation. It should not be selected for new designs. Active alternatives (ADM208 or MAX208 series) are recommended.

Q: What operating temperature range should I select? A: If application operates within 0°C ~ 70°C, MAX208CAG+ is sufficient. If extended temperature operation (-40°C ~ 85°C) is required, ADM208 series parts are necessary. Verify actual application temperature requirements before selection.

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