MAX208EAG+ Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX208EAG+ 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, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement continuity. The MAX208EAG+ operates across a supply voltage range of 4.5V to 5.5V with a data rate of 120 kbps and is suitable for legacy RS232 communication applications requiring full-duplex operation.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	MAX208EAG+
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	-40°C ~ 85°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package / Case	24-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX208EAG+ 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
Operating Temperature: -40°C ~ 85°C
Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

Receiver Hysteresis: 500 mV (primary specification); 650 mV acceptable for most applications
Data Rate: 120 kbps minimum; higher rates (230 kbps) are backward compatible
Product Status: Active parts preferred over obsolete for new procurement

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories:

Parametric Equivalents (Same Configuration): MAX208ECAG+, MAX208EEAG+ — identical electrical specifications and package, differing only in product status and packaging format (Tube).

Direct Manufacturer Alternatives (Same Base Series): ADM208ARSZ, ADM208ARSZ-REEL, ADM208EARSZ, ADM208EARSZ-REEL — Analog Devices ADM208 series with identical driver/receiver count and package, featuring enhanced receiver hysteresis (650 mV) and higher data rates (230 kbps for E-grade variants).

Package Variant (Different Form Factor): ADM208EARUZ, ADM208EARUZ-REEL — 24-TSSOP package (0.173", 4.40mm Width) instead of 24-SSOP, maintaining all electrical specifications.

Cross-Manufacturer Alternative: HIN208EIAZ — Renesas Electronics equivalent with identical electrical specifications and 24-SSOP package, though classified as obsolete.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Drivers/Receivers	Receiver Hysteresis	Data Rate	Package	Product Status	Packaging Format
MAX208EAG+	Analog Devices/Maxim	4/4	500 mV	120 kbps	24-SSOP	Obsolete	Tube
MAX206EEAG+	Analog Devices/Maxim	4/3	500 mV	120 kbps	24-SSOP	Active	Tube
MAX208ECAG+	Analog Devices/Maxim	4/4	500 mV	120 kbps	24-SSOP	Active	Tube
MAX208EEAG+	Analog Devices/Maxim	4/4	500 mV	120 kbps	24-SSOP	Active	Tube
ADM208ARSZ	Analog Devices	4/4	650 mV	120 kbps	24-SSOP	Active	Tube
ADM208ARSZ-REEL	Analog Devices	4/4	650 mV	120 kbps	24-SSOP	Active	Tape & Reel
ADM208EARSZ	Analog Devices	4/4	650 mV	230 kbps	24-SSOP	Active	Tube
ADM208EARSZ-REEL	Analog Devices	4/4	650 mV	230 kbps	24-SSOP	Active	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel
ADM208EARUZ	Analog Devices	4/4	650 mV	230 kbps	24-TSSOP	Active	Tube
ADM208EARUZ-REEL	Analog Devices	4/4	650 mV	230 kbps	24-TSSOP	Active	Tape & Reel
HIN208EIAZ	Renesas Electronics	4/4	500 mV	230 kbps	24-SSOP	Obsolete	Tube

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Same Electrical Performance): MAX208ECAG+ and MAX208EEAG+ are the primary substitutes, offering identical electrical specifications to the MAX208EAG+ with active product status. Both are available in 24-SSOP packaging and maintain ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating. These parts require no circuit redesign and are suitable for immediate procurement.

For Enhanced Performance with Active Status: ADM208EARSZ and ADM208EARSZ-REEL provide higher data rate capability (230 kbps versus 120 kbps) and enhanced receiver hysteresis (650 mV versus 500 mV) while maintaining the same 24-SSOP package footprint and supply voltage range. These parts are backward compatible with MAX208EAG+ designs and offer improved noise immunity. Both are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 rating.

For High-Volume Production: ADM208EARSZ-REEL and ADM208EARUZ-REEL are supplied in tape and reel format, suitable for automated assembly processes. ADM208EARSZ-REEL maintains the 24-SSOP package, while ADM208EARUZ-REEL uses the more compact 24-TSSOP package (0.173" width).

For Compact PCB Layouts: ADM208EARUZ and ADM208EARUZ-REEL offer the narrower 24-TSSOP package (4.40mm width versus 5.30mm), reducing board space while maintaining all electrical specifications and active product status.

Cross-Manufacturer Alternative: HIN208EIAZ from Renesas Electronics provides equivalent functionality with 24-SSOP packaging and 230 kbps data rate. However, this part is classified as obsolete and carries MSL 3 (168 Hours) moisture sensitivity, making it less suitable for new designs compared to active Analog Devices alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX206EEAG+ replace MAX208EAG+? A: No. MAX206EEAG+ has a 4/3 driver/receiver configuration (4 drivers, 3 receivers) compared to MAX208EAG+ with 4/4 configuration. This difference in receiver count makes it unsuitable as a direct substitute for applications requiring four independent receivers.

Q: What is the difference between MAX208ECAG+ and MAX208EEAG+? A: Both parts are parametric equivalents with identical electrical specifications (4/4 configuration, 500 mV hysteresis, 120 kbps data rate, 24-SSOP package). The difference lies in internal temperature grade classification, but both operate across -40°C to 85°C. Selection between them depends on packaging availability and supplier inventory.

Q: Can ADM208EARSZ be used instead of MAX208EAG+ without circuit modification? A: Yes. ADM208EARSZ maintains the same 4/4 driver/receiver configuration, supply voltage range (4.5V ~ 5.5V), operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C), and 24-SSOP package footprint. The enhanced receiver hysteresis (650 mV versus 500 mV) and higher data rate (230 kbps versus 120 kbps) are backward compatible improvements requiring no design changes.

Q: What is the advantage of ADM208EARUZ over ADM208EARSZ? A: ADM208EARUZ uses a 24-TSSOP package (0.173" width, 4.40mm) instead of 24-SSOP (0.209" width, 5.30mm), providing a more compact footprint for space-constrained PCB layouts. All electrical specifications remain identical, including the 4/4 configuration, 650 mV hysteresis, and 230 kbps data rate.

Q: Are tape and reel versions (REEL suffix) electrically identical to tube versions? A: Yes. Tape and reel packaging (ADM208ARSZ-REEL, ADM208EARSZ-REEL, ADM208EARUZ-REEL) contains the same die and electrical specifications as their tube-packaged counterparts. The packaging format difference is for automated assembly convenience only and does not affect electrical performance or compatibility.

Q: Why is HIN208EIAZ not recommended as a primary substitute? A: HIN208EIAZ is classified as obsolete with MSL 3 (168 Hours) moisture sensitivity, compared to MAX208EAG+ with MSL 1 (Unlimited). The higher moisture sensitivity level increases handling and storage requirements. Active alternatives from Analog Devices (MAX208ECAG+, MAX208EEAG+, ADM208 series) are preferred for new procurement and long-term supply assurance.

Q: Can I use ADM208ARSZ for applications requiring 230 kbps data rate? A: ADM208ARSZ is rated for 120 kbps data rate, the same as MAX208EAG+. For applications requiring 230 kbps operation, use ADM208EARSZ or ADM208EARSZ-REEL, which are the E-grade variants with enhanced data rate capability.

Q: What is the moisture sensitivity level (MSL) impact on component handling? A: MAX208EAG+ and all recommended Analog Devices substitutes carry MSL 1 (Unlimited), meaning they can be stored and handled without time-based moisture absorption restrictions. HIN208EIAZ carries MSL 3 (168 Hours), requiring controlled storage conditions and limiting shelf life after package opening.

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