MAX232ACSE RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX232ACSE 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 operates at 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage with a 200 kbps data rate and 500 mV receiver hysteresis. The part is currently classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing system support, redesigns, and production continuity. Substitute parts must maintain electrical compatibility across protocol, duplex configuration, driver/receiver count, and package specifications while meeting modern compliance standards.

Key Parameters

Parameter	MAX232ACSE
Manufacturer	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
Protocol	RS232
Type	Transceiver
Number of Drivers/Receivers	2/2
Duplex	Full
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Data Rate	200 kbps
Voltage - Supply	4.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package / Case	16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX232ACSE is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

Protocol: RS232
Type: Transceiver
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 2/2
Duplex: Full
Voltage Supply Range: 4.5V ~ 5.5V
Mounting Type: Surface Mount
Package / Case: 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)

Allowable Variation Parameters:

Data Rate: Substitute parts may exceed the 200 kbps specification
Receiver Hysteresis: Substitute parts may differ (400 mV or 500 mV acceptable)
Operating Temperature: Substitute parts may have extended ranges
Product Status: Active parts preferred over obsolete
RoHS Compliance: Modern substitutes should meet ROHS3 compliance
Moisture Sensitivity Level: MSL 1 or MSL 3 acceptable

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories: parametric equivalents (identical electrical specifications with improved compliance), direct substitutes (compatible electrical performance with enhanced data rates), and manufacturer-recommended alternatives (functionally equivalent with extended operating ranges).

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Duplex	Data Rate	Supply Voltage	Operating Temp	Package	Product Status	RoHS Status
MAX232ACSE	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	2/2	Full	200 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SOIC	Obsolete	RoHS non-compliant
MAX232ACSE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	2/2	Full	200 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX243CSE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	2/2	Full	200 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ST232ACDR	STMicroelectronics	RS232	2/2	Full	400 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
TRS202ECD	Texas Instruments	RS232	2/2	Full	120 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SOIC	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM202JRNZ	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	2/2	Full	—	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM202JRNZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	2/2	Full	—	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM202JRNZ-REEL7	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	2/2	Full	—	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM232AARNZ	UMW	RS232	2/2	Full	120 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM232AARNZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	2/2	Full	200 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM232AARNZ-REEL7	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	2/2	Full	200 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Parametric Equivalents (Preferred for Direct Replacement): MAX232ACSE+ and MAX243CSE+ maintain identical electrical specifications to the original MAX232ACSE while achieving ROHS3 compliance and active product status. These parts are suitable for direct substitution in existing designs without circuit modification. MAX232ACSE+ is the closest match, differing only in packaging format (Tube vs. unspecified original packaging) and compliance certification.

Direct Substitutes (Enhanced Performance): ST232ACDR from STMicroelectronics provides a 400 kbps data rate capability, doubling the original specification while maintaining all other electrical parameters. This part is ROHS3 compliant and actively manufactured. Selection of ST232ACDR is appropriate when higher data rate margin is desired or when STMicroelectronics supply chain is preferred.

Manufacturer-Recommended Alternatives (Extended Operating Range): ADM202JRNZ series and ADM232AARNZ series represent Analog Devices manufacturer-recommended alternatives. ADM202JRNZ variants maintain the original 0°C to 70°C operating range with active status and ROHS3 compliance. ADM232AARNZ and ADM232AARNZ-REEL variants extend the operating temperature range to -40°C to 85°C, supporting industrial and automotive applications. ADM232AARNZ-REEL and ADM232AARNZ-REEL7 restore the 200 kbps data rate specification.

Obsolete Parts (Not Recommended): TRS202ECD from Texas Instruments, while ROHS3 compliant, retains obsolete product status and operates at reduced 120 kbps data rate. This part should not be selected for new designs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX232ACSE+ be used as a direct drop-in replacement for MAX232ACSE? A: Yes. MAX232ACSE+ is electrically and mechanically identical to MAX232ACSE, differing only in packaging format (Tube) and RoHS compliance status (ROHS3 Compliant vs. non-compliant). No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the difference between MAX232ACSE+ and MAX243CSE+? A: Both parts are parametric equivalents with identical electrical specifications: 2/2 RS232 transceiver, 200 kbps data rate, 4.5V to 5.5V supply, 16-SOIC package, and ROHS3 compliance. The difference lies in the base product number (MAX232 vs. MAX243 series). Both are suitable substitutes.

Q: Why does ST232ACDR have a 400 kbps data rate instead of 200 kbps? A: ST232ACDR is a direct substitute manufactured by STMicroelectronics with enhanced data rate capability. The higher 400 kbps specification exceeds the original 200 kbps requirement, providing additional performance margin. All other electrical parameters remain compatible.

Q: What is the advantage of ADM232AARNZ-REEL over ADM202JRNZ? A: ADM232AARNZ-REEL extends the operating temperature range from 0°C to 70°C to -40°C to 85°C and specifies a 200 kbps data rate matching the original MAX232ACSE. Selection depends on application temperature requirements and data rate specifications.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant? A: All substitute parts listed are ROHS3 compliant except the original MAX232ACSE, which is RoHS non-compliant. Modern production designs should specify ROHS3-compliant alternatives.

Q: Can I use TRS202ECD as a substitute? A: TRS202ECD is electrically compatible but operates at 120 kbps, below the original 200 kbps specification, and retains obsolete product status. It is not recommended for new designs or ongoing production.

Q: What packaging options are available for ADM202 and ADM232 series? A: ADM202JRNZ is supplied in Tube packaging. ADM202JRNZ-REEL, ADM202JRNZ-REEL7, ADM232AARNZ-REEL, and ADM232AARNZ-REEL7 are supplied in Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® format for automated assembly. Select based on production volume and assembly equipment compatibility.

Q: Is receiver hysteresis a critical parameter for substitution? A: Receiver hysteresis variation between 400 mV and 500 mV is acceptable for RS232 transceiver substitution. ADM202 series specifies 400 mV hysteresis while MAX232ACSE specifies 500 mV. Both values meet RS232 interface requirements.

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