MAX232DG4 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX232DG4 is a 2/2 transceiver full RS232 interface IC in 16-SOIC surface mount packaging manufactured by Texas Instruments. This part is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of equivalent and substitute components for new designs or ongoing production requirements. The MAX232DG4 operates within a 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage range with a 120 Kbps data rate and 500 mV receiver hysteresis, making it suitable for legacy RS232 communication applications requiring full-duplex operation.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	MAX232DG4
Manufacturer	Texas Instruments
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
Package / Case	16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX232DG4 is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical 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
Package / Case: 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount

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

MFR Recommended (Active Status): MAX232DR, MAX232CSE+T, ADM202JRNZ, ADM202JRNZ-REEL, ADM202JRNZ-REEL7

Upgrade Options (Extended Temperature Range): MAX232ESE+, MAX232ESE+T

Parametric Equivalents (Obsolete Status): MAX202CD, TRS202ECD, MAX232D

All substitute parts maintain identical electrical specifications for protocol, driver/receiver configuration, duplex mode, and package footprint. Operating temperature ranges and product status vary as indicated in the parameter comparison table.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Duplex	Receiver Hysteresis	Data Rate	Supply Voltage	Operating Temperature	Package	Packaging Type
MAX232DG4	Texas Instruments	Obsolete	RS232	2/2	Full	500 mV	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SOIC	Tube
MAX232DR	Texas Instruments	Active	RS232	2/2	Full	500 mV	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SOIC	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel
MAX202CD	Texas Instruments	Obsolete	RS232	2/2	Full	500 mV	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SOIC	Tube
TRS202ECD	Texas Instruments	Obsolete	RS232	2/2	Full	500 mV	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SOIC	Tube
MAX232CSE+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	Full	500 mV	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SOIC	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel
MAX232D	Texas Instruments	Obsolete	RS232	2/2	Full	500 mV	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SOIC	Tube
MAX232ESE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	Full	500 mV	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SOIC	Tube
MAX232ESE+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	Full	500 mV	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SOIC	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel
ADM202JRNZ	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	RS232	2/2	Full	400 mV	—	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SOIC	Tube
ADM202JRNZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	RS232	2/2	Full	400 mV	—	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SOIC	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel
ADM202JRNZ-REEL7	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	RS232	2/2	Full	400 mV	—	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SOIC	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Identical Specifications): Select MAX232DR when active product status and standard temperature range (0°C ~ 70°C) are acceptable. This part maintains all electrical and mechanical parameters of the MAX232DG4 while offering improved availability through Cut Tape and Digi-Reel packaging options.

For Extended Temperature Applications: MAX232ESE+ and MAX232ESE+T provide extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C) while maintaining all other electrical specifications. These parts are suitable for applications requiring wider temperature performance margins. MAX232ESE+T offers Cut Tape and Digi-Reel packaging for production environments.

For Parametric Equivalence with Obsolete Status: MAX202CD and TRS202ECD are parametric equivalents maintaining identical electrical specifications. These parts carry obsolete product status and should be considered only when active alternatives are unavailable or when legacy inventory management is required.

For Alternative Manufacturer Supply: ADM202JRNZ, ADM202JRNZ-REEL, and ADM202JRNZ-REEL7 from Analog Devices Inc. provide active product status with 400 mV receiver hysteresis (compared to 500 mV specification). These parts are suitable when receiver hysteresis tolerance permits the lower specification and when diversified supplier sourcing is required.

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance, MSL 1 (Unlimited) rating, and identical 16-SOIC surface mount package footprint, ensuring direct PCB compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX232DR be used as a direct replacement for MAX232DG4? A: Yes. MAX232DR maintains identical electrical specifications including 2/2 driver/receiver configuration, full-duplex RS232 protocol, 500 mV receiver hysteresis, 120 Kbps data rate, 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage, and 0°C to 70°C operating temperature range. The primary difference is product status (active vs. obsolete) and packaging format (Cut Tape & Digi-Reel vs. Tube).

Q: What is the difference between MAX232ESE+ and MAX232ESE+T? A: Both parts are identical in electrical specifications and product status (active). The difference is packaging format: MAX232ESE+ is supplied in Tube packaging, while MAX232ESE+T is supplied in Cut Tape and Digi-Reel format. Both provide extended operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C.

Q: Why do ADM202JRNZ parts show 400 mV receiver hysteresis instead of 500 mV? A: The ADM202JRNZ series from Analog Devices Inc. has a specified receiver hysteresis of 400 mV, which differs from the MAX232DG4 specification of 500 mV. This lower hysteresis value may affect noise immunity in certain applications. Verify application requirements before substitution.

Q: Are all substitute parts in the same 16-SOIC package? A: Yes. All substitute parts listed use the 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width) surface mount package, ensuring identical PCB footprint and pin compatibility with the MAX232DG4.

Q: Which substitute part offers the best availability? A: MAX232DR and MAX232ESE+T both carry active product status with high inventory levels (305,300 and 57,900 units respectively) and are available in Cut Tape and Digi-Reel packaging formats suitable for production environments.

Q: Can I use an obsolete substitute part like MAX202CD? A: MAX202CD is parametrically equivalent but carries obsolete product status. Use only when active alternatives are unavailable or when managing legacy inventory. Verify long-term supply chain viability before committing to obsolete parts in new designs.

Q: What is the difference between Tube and Cut Tape & Digi-Reel packaging? A: Tube packaging is used for lower-volume applications and manual assembly. Cut Tape and Digi-Reel packaging is designed for automated pick-and-place assembly in production environments. Both formats contain identical components; the difference is handling and dispensing method.

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