MAX208ENG Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX208ENG is a 4/4 RS232 transceiver with full-duplex capability, manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated. This interface IC operates across the 4.5V to 5.5V supply range and supports data rates up to 120 Kbps with a 500 mV receiver hysteresis specification. The device is packaged in a 24-pin DIP form factor suitable for through-hole mounting applications.

The MAX208ENG has reached obsolete product status. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production requirements for legacy systems utilizing this transceiver architecture.

Substiute Parts

MAX208ENG

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 1366MAX208ENG Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

MAX236ENG+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 2196MAX236ENG+ Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

MAX238ENG+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 2482MAX238ENG+ Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the MAX208ENG is determined by strict alignment across the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• RS232 protocol compliance
• Full-duplex transceiver architecture
• 24-pin DIP package form factor (0.300", 7.62mm)
• Through-hole mounting compatibility
• Supply voltage range: 4.5V ~ 5.5V
• Operating temperature range: -40°C ~ 85°C
• Receiver hysteresis: 500 mV
• Data rate capability: 120 Kbps minimum

Secondary Consideration:

• Driver/receiver channel configuration (4/4 preferred; 4/3 acceptable with functional assessment)

The substitute parts identified below meet all primary criteria and maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility with the original MAX208ENG specification.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

MAX238ENG+ (Primary Substitute)

The MAX238ENG+ is the direct functional equivalent to the MAX208ENG. It maintains identical driver/receiver configuration (4/4), electrical specifications, and package geometry. The MAX238ENG+ holds active product status with ROHS3 compliance certification, providing superior supply chain availability and regulatory alignment for new production builds or system updates. This part is the preferred substitution path when design flexibility permits component replacement.

MAX236ENG+ (Secondary Substitute)

The MAX236ENG+ provides an alternative substitution option with a reduced receiver channel count (4/3 configuration versus 4/4). All other electrical parameters, package specifications, and operating characteristics remain aligned with the MAX208ENG. This part is suitable for applications where the fourth receiver channel is not utilized in the circuit design. The MAX236ENG+ also carries active product status and ROHS3 compliance certification.

Both substitute parts eliminate the supply constraints associated with the obsolete MAX208ENG while maintaining electrical and mechanical compatibility within the specified parameter envelope.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX238ENG+ and MAX236ENG+ be used interchangeably with MAX208ENG?

A: Both parts are pin-compatible and electrically compatible within the specified parameter range. MAX238ENG+ is a direct replacement with identical channel configuration. MAX236ENG+ differs only in receiver channel count (3 versus 4 receivers). Substitution suitability depends on whether all four receiver channels are active in the circuit design.

Q: What is the significance of the 4/4 versus 4/3 driver/receiver configuration?

A: The first number indicates driver channels; the second indicates receiver channels. MAX208ENG and MAX238ENG+ both provide 4 drivers and 4 receivers. MAX236ENG+ provides 4 drivers and 3 receivers. If the circuit design utilizes all four receiver channels, MAX238ENG+ is the appropriate substitute. If only three receiver channels are required, MAX236ENG+ is acceptable.

Q: Are the substitute parts available in the same packaging?

A: Yes. All three parts use identical 24-pin DIP packaging (0.300", 7.62mm) with 24-PDIP supplier device package designation. Through-hole mounting compatibility is maintained across all parts.

Q: What is the difference in RoHS compliance between the original and substitute parts?

A: The MAX208ENG is RoHS non-compliant. Both MAX238ENG+ and MAX236ENG+ are ROHS3 compliant. For applications subject to RoHS regulatory requirements, the substitute parts provide compliance certification. For legacy systems without RoHS mandates, this difference does not affect functional compatibility.

Q: Do the substitute parts support the same data rate and operating temperature range?

A: Yes. All three parts support 120 Kbps data rate, -40°C to 85°C operating temperature range, 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage, and 500 mV receiver hysteresis specification.

Q: What inventory status should be considered when selecting a substitute?

A: MAX238ENG+ and MAX236ENG+ both carry active product status with current inventory availability. The MAX208ENG is obsolete with limited remaining stock. For ongoing production requirements, substitution to an active part ensures long-term supply chain continuity.