MAX231CWE RS232 Transceiver - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX231CWE 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 is designed for serial communication applications requiring dual drivers and dual receivers with RS232 protocol compliance. The MAX231CWE is currently classified as obsolete, making identification of active equivalent parts essential for ongoing production and maintenance applications.

Substiute Parts

MAX231CWE

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 3882MAX231CWE Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

MAX231CWE+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 902MAX231CWE+ Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX231CWE is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

• Protocol: RS232
• Number of Drivers/Receivers: 2/2 configuration
• Duplex Mode: Full-duplex operation
• Receiver Hysteresis: 500 mV
• Data Rate: 120 Kbps minimum
• Supply Voltage Range: 5V, 7.5V ~ 13.2V
• Operating Temperature Range: 0°C ~ 70°C
• Package Type: 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount

The MAX231CWE+ meets all these parameters and is classified as an active product, making it a direct parametric equivalent suitable for replacement in applications currently using the obsolete MAX231CWE.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The MAX231CWE+ is the direct active equivalent for the obsolete MAX231CWE. Both parts maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications across all critical parameters including protocol, driver/receiver configuration, data rate, supply voltage range, operating temperature, and package geometry.

The primary distinction between the two parts is product status and regulatory compliance. The MAX231CWE+ carries ROHS3 compliance, whereas the original MAX231CWE is RoHS non-compliant. For new designs or production requiring regulatory compliance with current environmental standards, the MAX231CWE+ is the appropriate selection. Both parts share REACH Unaffected status and identical ECCN and HTSUS classifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the MAX231CWE+ directly replace the MAX231CWE in existing designs?

A: Yes. The MAX231CWE+ is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications, pin configuration, and 16-SOIC package dimensions. No circuit modifications are required for substitution.

Q: What is the primary reason to transition from MAX231CWE to MAX231CWE+?

A: The MAX231CWE is obsolete. The MAX231CWE+ is an active product from the same manufacturer with identical functional specifications, ensuring continued availability and supply chain reliability.

Q: Are there differences in RoHS compliance between these parts?

A: Yes. The MAX231CWE is RoHS non-compliant, while the MAX231CWE+ is ROHS3 compliant. For applications subject to environmental regulations or customer requirements mandating RoHS compliance, the MAX231CWE+ is required.

Q: Do both parts support the same supply voltage range?

A: Yes. Both the MAX231CWE and MAX231CWE+ operate across 5V and 7.5V ~ 13.2V supply ranges with identical electrical performance.

Q: Is the 16-SOIC package identical between both parts?

A: Yes. Both parts use the same 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width) surface mount package with identical pin assignments and mechanical dimensions.

Q: What is the data rate specification for these transceivers?

A: Both parts support a data rate of 120 Kbps for RS232 serial communication applications.