MAX232AESE RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX232AESE is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated, housed in a 16-SOIC package. This interface IC operates at 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage with a data rate of 200kbps and receiver hysteresis of 500mV, supporting operating temperatures from -40°C to 85°C. The part is currently listed as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing system support and new designs requiring RS232 communication interfaces.

Key Parameters

Parameter	MAX232AESE
Manufacturer	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	2/2
Duplex	Full
Receiver Hysteresis	500mV
Data Rate	200kbps
Voltage - Supply	4.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package / Case	16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant
MSL Rating	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the MAX232AESE is determined by the following critical parameters:

Protocol: RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 2/2
Duplex: Full
Voltage Supply Range: 4.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature Range: -40°C ~ 85°C
Mounting Type: Surface Mount
Package / Case: 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories based on their relationship to the main part:

Parametric Equivalents maintain identical electrical specifications and package dimensions, differing only in product status (active vs. obsolete) and RoHS compliance.

Direct Manufacturer Substitutes are from alternative manufacturers with compatible pinouts and electrical performance, though data rate or receiver hysteresis may vary within acceptable ranges.

Manufacturer Recommended Alternatives are designated by the original manufacturer as suitable replacements, offering enhanced specifications or improved availability while maintaining core RS232 2/2 transceiver functionality.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Data Rate	Receiver Hysteresis	Supply Voltage	Operating Temp	Package	Product Status	RoHS Status
MAX232AESE	Analog Devices/Maxim	RS232	2/2	200kbps	500mV	4.5V~5.5V	-40°C~85°C	16-SOIC	Obsolete	Non-compliant
MAX232AESE+	Analog Devices/Maxim	RS232	2/2	200kbps	500mV	4.5V~5.5V	-40°C~85°C	16-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX243ESE+	Analog Devices/Maxim	RS232	2/2	200kbps	500mV	4.5V~5.5V	-40°C~85°C	16-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ST232ABDR	STMicroelectronics	RS232	2/2	400kbps	500mV	4.5V~5.5V	-40°C~85°C	16-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM202EARNZ	Analog Devices	RS232	2/2	230kbps	650mV	4.5V~5.5V	-40°C~85°C	16-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM202EARNZ-REEL	Analog Devices	RS232	2/2	230kbps	650mV	4.5V~5.5V	-40°C~85°C	16-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM202EARNZ-REEL7	Analog Devices	RS232	2/2	230kbps	650mV	4.5V~5.5V	-40°C~85°C	16-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM232AARNZ	UMW	RS232	2/2	120kbps	Not specified	4.5V~5.5V	-40°C~85°C	16-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM232AARNZ-REEL	Analog Devices	RS232	2/2	200kbps	400mV	4.5V~5.5V	-40°C~85°C	16-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM232AARNZ-REEL7	Analog Devices	RS232	2/2	200kbps	400mV	4.5V~5.5V	-40°C~85°C	16-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM232LARZ	Analog Devices	RS232	2/2	120kbps	650mV	4.5V~5.5V	-40°C~85°C	16-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For new designs and systems requiring RS232 2/2 transceiver functionality, the MAX232AESE+ or MAX243ESE+ are the primary choices. Both are parametric equivalents with identical electrical specifications to the obsolete MAX232AESE, offering ROHS3 compliance and active product status with established supply chains.

The ST232ABDR from STMicroelectronics provides an alternative from a different manufacturer with higher data rate capability (400kbps vs. 200kbps) while maintaining all core electrical parameters and ROHS3 compliance. This option is suitable when higher bandwidth is beneficial or when supply diversification is required.

The ADM202EARNZ series (including REEL and REEL7 variants) represents manufacturer-recommended alternatives with slightly enhanced data rate (230kbps) and higher receiver hysteresis (650mV). These parts offer superior noise immunity and are available in high-volume packaging configurations. All variants maintain ROHS3 compliance and active product status.

The ADM232AARNZ-REEL and ADM232AARNZ-REEL7 variants match the original 200kbps data rate with modified receiver hysteresis (400mV), providing tighter input threshold specifications. These are suitable for applications requiring precise input switching characteristics.

All substitute parts maintain the critical 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage range, -40°C to 85°C operating temperature, and 16-SOIC surface mount package compatibility with the original MAX232AESE.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX232AESE+ be used as a direct replacement for MAX232AESE?

A: Yes. MAX232AESE+ is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications (200kbps data rate, 500mV receiver hysteresis, 2/2 drivers/receivers, full-duplex RS232). The primary differences are product status (active vs. obsolete) and RoHS compliance (ROHS3 vs. non-compliant). Pin configuration and package dimensions are identical.

Q: What is the difference between ADM202EARNZ, ADM202EARNZ-REEL, and ADM202EARNZ-REEL7?

A: These three parts are electrically identical with 230kbps data rate and 650mV receiver hysteresis. The differences are in packaging and supply format: ADM202EARNZ is supplied in tubes, while ADM202EARNZ-REEL and ADM202EARNZ-REEL7 are supplied on cut tape with Digi-Reel. The REEL7 variant indicates a different reel configuration. All maintain 16-SOIC package compatibility.

Q: Is ST232ABDR compatible with MAX232AESE applications?

A: ST232ABDR is compatible for RS232 2/2 transceiver applications. It maintains the same supply voltage (4.5V~5.5V), operating temperature range (-40°C~85°C), and 16-SOIC package. The data rate is higher (400kbps vs. 200kbps), which does not create compatibility issues. Receiver hysteresis is identical at 500mV.

Q: Why do some substitute parts have different receiver hysteresis values?

A: Receiver hysteresis determines the input threshold switching characteristics. The original MAX232AESE specifies 500mV. Alternatives like ADM202EARNZ (650mV) and ADM232AARNZ-REEL (400mV) offer different noise immunity profiles. Higher hysteresis provides better noise rejection; lower hysteresis provides faster switching. Selection depends on application requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: All listed substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant. The original MAX232AESE is RoHS non-compliant. For applications requiring RoHS compliance, any of the substitute parts are suitable.

Q: What is the significance of the 16-SOIC package width specification?

A: The MAX232AESE uses 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width). Most substitutes maintain this specification. ADM232LARZ uses 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width), which is a wider variant. This difference affects PCB layout and may require design modifications if space is constrained.

Q: Can ADM232AARNZ (UMW manufacturer) be used instead of Analog Devices parts?

A: ADM232AARNZ from UMW is electrically compatible for RS232 2/2 transceiver applications with 4.5V~5.5V supply and -40°C~85°C operating range. However, it specifies 120kbps data rate (lower than MAX232AESE's 200kbps) and does not specify receiver hysteresis. Compatibility depends on whether the application can operate at reduced data rates.

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