MAX232D RS232 Transceiver Interface IC - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX232D is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver interface IC manufactured by Texas Instruments, housed in a 16-SOIC surface mount package. This component is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of equivalent and substitute parts for new designs or production continuity. The MAX232D operates within a 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage range and supports data rates up to 120 Kbps with a receiver hysteresis of 500 mV. Finding suitable alternatives ensures design flexibility and supply chain resilience.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Specification
Manufacturer Part Number	MAX232D
Manufacturer	Texas Instruments
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	Surface Mount
Package / Case	16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX232D is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Parameters for Substitution:

Protocol: RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 2/2
Duplex: Full
Voltage Supply Range: 4.5V ~ 5.5V
Package Type: 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount
Receiver Hysteresis: 500 mV
Data Rate: 120 Kbps minimum

Substitute parts are grouped into the following categories based on product status and availability:

MFR Recommended: Active production parts directly recommended by the manufacturer as replacements.

Parametric Equivalent: Parts with identical electrical specifications and package dimensions but potentially different product status or base model numbers.

Direct Equivalent: Parts with matching specifications available in alternative packaging formats.

Upgrade: Parts with enhanced specifications (extended temperature range or improved performance) while maintaining backward compatibility.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Data Rate (Kbps)	Receiver Hysteresis (mV)	Operating Temp (°C)	Package	Packaging Type
MAX232D	Texas Instruments	Obsolete	RS232	2/2	120	500	0 ~ 70	16-SOIC	Tube
MAX232DR	Texas Instruments	Active	RS232	2/2	120	500	0 ~ 70	16-SOIC	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel
MAX202CD	Texas Instruments	Obsolete	RS232	2/2	120	500	0 ~ 70	16-SOIC	Tube
MAX232DG4	Texas Instruments	Obsolete	RS232	2/2	120	500	0 ~ 70	16-SOIC	Tube
TRS202ECD	Texas Instruments	Obsolete	RS232	2/2	120	500	0 ~ 70	16-SOIC	Tube
MAX232CSE+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	120	500	0 ~ 70	16-SOIC	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel
ST232CDR	STMicroelectronics	Active	RS232	2/2	220	500	0 ~ 70	16-SOIC	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel
MAX232ESE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	120	500	-40 ~ 85	16-SOIC	Tube
MAX232ESE+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	120	500	-40 ~ 85	16-SOIC	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel
ADM202JRNZ	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	RS232	2/2	—	400	0 ~ 70	16-SOIC	Tube
ADM202JRNZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	RS232	2/2	—	400	0 ~ 70	16-SOIC	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Active Production): MAX232DR is the primary recommended substitute. It maintains identical electrical specifications and package dimensions as the MAX232D while offering active product status and superior availability (305,300 units in stock). Both parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry identical compliance certifications.

For Extended Temperature Range Applications: MAX232ESE+ and MAX232ESE+T provide an upgrade path with operating temperature range extended to -40°C ~ 85°C, suitable for industrial or automotive environments. These parts maintain all other electrical parameters and are actively produced by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated.

For Alternative Manufacturer Supply: ST232CDR (STMicroelectronics) offers an active alternative with identical core specifications. This part supports a higher data rate of 220 Kbps, providing additional performance margin. MSL rating differs at 3 (168 Hours) versus the original 1 (Unlimited).

For Parametric Equivalence: MAX202CD and TRS202ECD are parametric equivalents with identical electrical specifications but different base model designations. Both are obsolete, limiting their suitability for new designs.

For Analog Devices Supply Chain: ADM202JRNZ and ADM202JRNZ-REEL are manufacturer-recommended alternatives from Analog Devices Inc. These parts feature a receiver hysteresis of 400 mV (versus 500 mV) and do not specify data rate. Compatibility assessment requires verification of application-specific hysteresis requirements.

All substitute parts listed maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, ensuring regulatory alignment with the original MAX232D.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX232DR be used as a direct replacement for MAX232D? A: Yes. MAX232DR is the manufacturer-recommended substitute with identical electrical specifications (2/2 RS232 transceiver, 120 Kbps data rate, 500 mV receiver hysteresis, 4.5V ~ 5.5V supply), identical package (16-SOIC), and active production status. The only difference is packaging format (Cut Tape & Digi-Reel versus Tube).

Q: What is the difference between MAX232ESE+ and MAX232ESE+T? A: Both parts are identical in electrical specifications and performance. The difference is packaging format: MAX232ESE+ is supplied in Tube packaging, while MAX232ESE+T is supplied in Cut Tape & Digi-Reel format. Both offer extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C) compared to the original MAX232D (0°C ~ 70°C).

Q: Is ST232CDR compatible with MAX232D? A: ST232CDR is electrically compatible for RS232 2/2 transceiver applications. It maintains the same supply voltage range, package type, and receiver hysteresis. However, ST232CDR supports a higher data rate (220 Kbps versus 120 Kbps) and has a different MSL rating (3 versus 1). Verify application requirements before substitution.

Q: Why do ADM202JRNZ parts show different receiver hysteresis (400 mV)? A: ADM202JRNZ is a parametric alternative from Analog Devices Inc. with a lower receiver hysteresis specification (400 mV versus 500 mV). This affects noise immunity characteristics. Substitution requires confirmation that the application tolerates reduced hysteresis margins.

Q: What packaging options are available for active substitutes? A: Active substitutes are available in two packaging formats: Tube (MAX232DR, MAX232ESE+, ADM202JRNZ) and Cut Tape & Digi-Reel (MAX232DR, MAX232CSE+T, ST232CDR, MAX232ESE+T, ADM202JRNZ-REEL). Select based on production volume and handling requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant? A: Yes. All substitute parts listed maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, matching the regulatory profile of the original MAX232D.

Q: Which substitute offers the best supply availability? A: MAX232DR offers the highest inventory level at 305,300 units in stock, followed by MAX232ESE+T at 57,900 units. Both are actively produced and recommended for new designs.

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