MAX232CPE RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX232CPE is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated, housed in a 16-pin DIP package. This interface IC operates at 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage with a 120 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, maintenance, and new design implementations where RS232 communication is required.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	MAX232CPE
Manufacturer	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
Category	Interface
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	2/2
Duplex	Full
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Data Rate	120 kbps
Voltage - Supply	4.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
Supplier Device Package	16-PDIP
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the MAX232CPE is determined by strict adherence to the following core parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

Protocol: RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 2/2
Duplex: Full
Receiver Hysteresis: 500 mV
Data Rate: 120 kbps
Voltage - Supply: 4.5V ~ 5.5V
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Package / Case: 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
Supplier Device Package: 16-PDIP

Substitution Categories:

Parametric Equivalents match all critical electrical and mechanical parameters. These parts are direct functional replacements with identical pin configurations and electrical characteristics. Included parts: MAX202CPE+, MAX202ECPE+, MAX220CPE+, MAX232CPE+, MAX232ECPE+.

Direct Equivalent maintains all critical parameters but may have different operating temperature ranges or product status. Included part: TRS232IN (Texas Instruments).

Upgrade Option provides enhanced specifications while maintaining core compatibility. Included part: HIN232IPZ (Renesas Electronics Corporation) with extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C).

Manufacturer Recommended Alternatives are approved substitutes with minor parameter variations. Included parts: ADM202JNZ, ADM232AANZ, ADM232LANZ (Analog Devices Inc.). These parts maintain 2/2 transceiver configuration and RS232 protocol but may have different receiver hysteresis values or data rates.

Parameter Comparison

Manufacturer Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Receiver Hysteresis	Data Rate	Supply Voltage	Operating Temperature	Package	RoHS Status
MAX232CPE	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Obsolete	RS232	2/2	500 mV	120 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-DIP	RoHS non-compliant
MAX202CPE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	500 mV	120 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX202ECPE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	500 mV	120 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX220CPE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	500 mV	120 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX232CPE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	500 mV	120 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX232ECPE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	500 mV	120 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
TRS232IN	Texas Instruments	Obsolete	RS232	2/2	500 mV	120 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
HIN232IPZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	Active	RS232	2/2	500 mV	120 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM202JNZ	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	RS232	2/2	400 mV	Not specified	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM232AANZ	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	RS232	2/2	400 mV	200 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM232LANZ	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	RS232	2/2	650 mV	120 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Identical Specifications): Select MAX232CPE+, MAX202CPE+, MAX202ECPE+, MAX220CPE+, or MAX232ECPE+ when exact parameter matching is required. All are active products with ROHS3 compliance, providing modern alternatives to the obsolete MAX232CPE. These parts are manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated and maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications.

For Extended Temperature Range Applications: HIN232IPZ (Renesas Electronics Corporation) provides the same core functionality with an extended operating temperature range of -40°C ~ 85°C, suitable for industrial and automotive environments. This part is currently active and ROHS3 compliant.

For Alternative Manufacturer Solutions: TRS232IN (Texas Instruments) is a direct equivalent with extended temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C) but is currently obsolete. Use only if existing inventory is available and long-term supply is not a concern.

For Manufacturer-Recommended Alternatives: ADM202JNZ, ADM232AANZ, and ADM232LANZ (Analog Devices Inc.) are approved substitutes with minor parameter variations. ADM232AANZ offers enhanced data rate capability (200 kbps) and extended temperature range. ADM232LANZ provides higher receiver hysteresis (650 mV) with extended temperature range. ADM202JNZ maintains the original operating temperature range (0°C ~ 70°C). All are ROHS3 compliant and currently active.

Compliance Consideration: The original MAX232CPE is RoHS non-compliant. All recommended substitutes are ROHS3 compliant, meeting modern regulatory requirements for new designs and system updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX232CPE+ be used as a direct replacement for MAX232CPE? A: Yes. MAX232CPE+ is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications (2/2 transceiver, RS232 protocol, 500 mV hysteresis, 120 kbps data rate, 4.5V ~ 5.5V supply, 16-DIP package). The primary difference is product status (active vs. obsolete) and RoHS compliance (ROHS3 vs. non-compliant).

Q: What is the difference between MAX202CPE+ and MAX232CPE+? A: Both are parametric equivalents with identical electrical and mechanical specifications. The difference lies in the base product series designation (MAX202 vs. MAX232). Both are manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated and are suitable for direct substitution.

Q: Can HIN232IPZ replace MAX232CPE in all applications? A: HIN232IPZ is functionally equivalent with identical core parameters (2/2 transceiver, RS232, 500 mV hysteresis, 120 kbps, 4.5V ~ 5.5V, 16-DIP package). The key difference is the extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C vs. 0°C ~ 70°C). Use HIN232IPZ when applications require operation outside the 0°C ~ 70°C range.

Q: Are ADM202JNZ and ADM232AANZ compatible with MAX232CPE? A: These are manufacturer-recommended alternatives with minor parameter variations. ADM202JNZ has 400 mV receiver hysteresis (vs. 500 mV). ADM232AANZ has 400 mV hysteresis and 200 kbps data rate (vs. 120 kbps). Both maintain 2/2 transceiver configuration, RS232 protocol, and 16-DIP package. Verify application tolerance for hysteresis and data rate differences before substitution.

Q: What does ROHS3 compliance mean for substitution? A: ROHS3 compliance indicates the part meets Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive requirements. The original MAX232CPE is RoHS non-compliant. All recommended substitutes are ROHS3 compliant, making them suitable for new designs and systems requiring regulatory compliance.

Q: Is the 16-DIP package identical across all substitute parts? A: Yes. All substitute parts use the 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) package with 16-PDIP supplier device package designation. Pin configuration and physical dimensions are identical, enabling direct socket replacement.

Q: Can TRS232IN be used as a substitute? A: TRS232IN is a direct equivalent from Texas Instruments with identical electrical specifications and extended temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C). However, it is currently obsolete. Use only if existing inventory is available and supply continuity is not a concern.

Q: What is receiver hysteresis and why does it matter for substitution? A: Receiver hysteresis is the voltage difference between rising and falling threshold levels, specified in millivolts. The original MAX232CPE has 500 mV hysteresis. Most parametric equivalents maintain this value. ADM202JNZ and ADM232AANZ have 400 mV hysteresis, while ADM232LANZ has 650 mV. Verify application tolerance for threshold switching behavior before substituting parts with different hysteresis values.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message