MAX221CUE RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX221CUE is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated, housed in a 16-TSSOP surface mount package. This interface IC operates as a 1/1 transceiver with a 250 kbps data rate and is designed for serial communication applications requiring RS232 protocol compliance.

The MAX221CUE is classified as obsolete. Locating equivalent or substitute parts is necessary for ongoing production, maintenance, and new design implementations where this component is specified or required as a direct replacement.

Substiute Parts

MAX221CUE

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 2030MAX221CUE Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

MAX221CUE+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 2415MAX221CUE+ Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

MAX3221CDB

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 3088MAX3221CDB Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX3221CDBR

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 35259MAX3221CDBR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX3221CDBRG4

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 2206MAX3221CDBRG4 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX3221CPW

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 115770MAX3221CPW Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX3221CPWR

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 65212MAX3221CPWR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX3221CPWRE4

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1906MAX3221CPWRE4 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX3221IDBE4

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 16514MAX3221IDBE4 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX3221IDBR

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 27332MAX3221IDBR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX3221IPWG4

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 802MAX3221IPWG4 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX3221IPWR

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 65396MAX3221IPWR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX221CUE is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Protocol Compliance: RS232 full-duplex transceiver functionality
• Driver/Receiver Configuration: 1/1 transceiver architecture
• Data Rate: 250 kbps minimum capability
• Receiver Hysteresis: 500 mV specification
• Package Type: 16-TSSOP or 16-SSOP surface mount packages
• Supply Voltage Range: Compatibility with 4.5V ~ 5.5V or broader ranges (3V ~ 5.5V acceptable)
• Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ 70°C or extended ranges (-40°C ~ 85°C acceptable)
• RoHS Compliance: Modern substitutes are ROHS3 compliant

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Category 1 - Parametric Equivalent (Same Package): MAX221CUE+ maintains identical electrical specifications and 16-TSSOP packaging with improved RoHS compliance and active product status.

Category 2 - Manufacturer Recommended Alternatives (MAX3221 Series): These parts share core RS232 transceiver functionality with compatible electrical parameters but may differ in package type (16-SSOP vs. 16-TSSOP), supply voltage range, or operating temperature. All maintain 1/1 transceiver configuration, 250 kbps data rate, and 500 mV receiver hysteresis.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: MAX221CUE+ is the direct parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications, matching 16-TSSOP package, and active product status. This part is ROHS3 compliant and maintains full compatibility with MAX221CUE designs.

Secondary Recommendations for 16-TSSOP Package:

• MAX3221CPWR (Active, ROHS3 compliant, highest inventory at 65200 Pcs) - Accepts lower supply voltage floor (3V vs. 4.5V), suitable for designs with flexible power requirements
• MAX3221CPWRE4 (Discontinued at DiGi Electronics, ROHS3 compliant) - Available inventory but limited future availability

Alternative for 16-SSOP Package:

• MAX3221CDBR (Active, ROHS3 compliant, 35200 Pcs inventory) - Requires PCB layout modification due to different package footprint (0.209" vs. 0.173" width)
• MAX3221IDBR (Active, ROHS3 compliant, 27300 Pcs inventory) - Extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C), 16-SSOP package

Extended Temperature Option:

• MAX3221IDBR or MAX3221IPWG4 - For applications requiring -40°C ~ 85°C operating range

All recommended substitutes maintain RS232 protocol compliance, 1/1 transceiver configuration, 250 kbps data rate, and 500 mV receiver hysteresis. All are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX221CUE+ be used as a direct drop-in replacement for MAX221CUE?

A: Yes. MAX221CUE+ is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications and 16-TSSOP packaging. No design modifications are required.

Q: What is the primary difference between MAX221CUE and MAX3221 series parts?

A: The MAX3221 series accepts a lower supply voltage floor (3V minimum vs. 4.5V minimum). Both maintain identical RS232 transceiver functionality, 1/1 configuration, 250 kbps data rate, and 500 mV receiver hysteresis. The MAX3221 series offers broader supply voltage compatibility.

Q: Can I use a 16-SSOP package part (MAX3221CDBR or MAX3221IDBR) instead of 16-TSSOP?

A: Electrically, yes. However, 16-SSOP and 16-TSSOP packages have different footprints (0.209" vs. 0.173" width). PCB layout modification is required. Verify pin compatibility and spacing before implementation.

Q: Which substitute offers the best availability and active product status?

A: MAX3221CPWR (16-TSSOP package, 65200 Pcs inventory, Active status) provides the highest availability with active manufacturer support and ROHS3 compliance.

Q: Are all substitutes ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant. The original MAX221CUE is RoHS non-compliant. Modern designs should prioritize ROHS3 compliant alternatives.

Q: What operating temperature range should I select?

A: The MAX221CUE operates 0°C ~ 70°C. Most MAX3221 variants maintain this range. For extended temperature applications (-40°C ~ 85°C), select MAX3221IDBR or MAX3221IPWG4.

Q: Is supply voltage compatibility critical for substitution?

A: Yes. The MAX221CUE requires 4.5V ~ 5.5V. MAX3221 series parts accept 3V ~ 5.5V. If your design operates at 3V, MAX3221 parts are required. If your design operates at 4.5V ~ 5.5V, both are compatible.