MAX232DW RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX232DW is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver in 16-SOIC surface mount packaging, manufactured by Texas Instruments. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. The MAX232DW operates within a 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage range with a 120 kbps data rate and 500 mV receiver hysteresis, serving as a standard interface IC for RS232 serial communication applications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	MAX232DW Specification
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
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package / Case	16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX232DW 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
Voltage - Supply: 4.5V ~ 5.5V
Mounting Type: Surface Mount
Package / Case: 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)

Allowable Variation Parameters:

Receiver Hysteresis: 400 mV to 650 mV (within functional tolerance)
Data Rate: 120 Kbps minimum (higher rates acceptable)
Operating Temperature: Extended ranges acceptable for industrial applications
Product Status: Active preferred over obsolete
Packaging Format: Tube, Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®, or Tape & Reel (TR) all acceptable

Substitute parts are grouped by manufacturer and product line while maintaining full electrical and mechanical compatibility with the original MAX232DW specification.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Duplex	Receiver Hysteresis	Data Rate	Supply Voltage	Operating Temp	Package	Product Status	Packaging Format
MAX232DW	Texas Instruments	RS232	2/2	Full	500 mV	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SOIC	Obsolete	Tube
MAX232IDWR	Texas Instruments	RS232	2/2	Full	500 mV	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SOIC	Active	Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®
MAX232CWE+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	2/2	Full	500 mV	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SOIC	Active	Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®
MAX232EEWE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	2/2	Full	500 mV	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SOIC	Active	Tube
MAX232EWE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	2/2	Full	500 mV	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SOIC	Active	Tube
HIN232CBZ-T	Renesas Electronics Corporation	RS232	2/2	Full	500 mV	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SOIC	Active	Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®
ADM202EARWZ	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	2/2	Full	650 mV	230 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SOIC	Active	Tube
ADM202EARWZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	2/2	Full	650 mV	230 kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SOIC	Active	Tape & Reel (TR)
ADM202JRWZ	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	2/2	Full	400 mV	—	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SOIC	Active	Tube
ADM202JRWZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	2/2	Full	400 mV	—	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-SOIC	Active	Tape & Reel (TR)
ADM232AARNZ	UMW	RS232	2/2	Full	—	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-SOP	Active	Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Substitutes (Identical Operating Temperature Range):

MAX232CWE+T and HIN232CBZ-T are direct functional equivalents to the MAX232DW, maintaining the 0°C to 70°C operating temperature range with identical electrical specifications. Both are active products with ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status. MAX232CWE+T is available in Cut Tape format with 5,893 units in stock, while HIN232CBZ-T offers the highest inventory availability at 10,400 units.

Extended Temperature Range Substitutes:

MAX232IDWR, MAX232EEWE+, and MAX232EWE+ extend the operating temperature range to -40°C to 85°C while maintaining all other electrical parameters. These are suitable for applications requiring industrial temperature specifications. MAX232IDWR is the manufacturer-recommended substitute from Texas Instruments in Cut Tape format. MAX232EEWE+ and MAX232EWE+ are available in Tube packaging from Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated.

Enhanced Performance Substitutes:

ADM202EARWZ and ADM202EARWZ-REEL provide increased data rate capability (230 kbps versus 120 kbps) and extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C). Receiver hysteresis is specified at 650 mV, within acceptable tolerance. These are manufacturer-recommended alternatives with 1,600 and 2,021 units in stock respectively.

Temperature-Matched Alternative:

ADM202JRWZ and ADM202JRWZ-REEL maintain the 0°C to 70°C operating temperature range with 400 mV receiver hysteresis. These are active products suitable for applications matching the original thermal specification.

Package Variant:

ADM232AARNZ from UMW is available in 16-SOP (0.154", 3.90mm Width) packaging, differing from the standard 16-SOIC footprint. This variant is suitable only for designs with compatible PCB layouts and is not recommended as a direct drop-in replacement without board redesign.

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and EAR99 export classification consistent with the original MAX232DW.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX232IDWR be used as a direct replacement for MAX232DW?

A: Yes. MAX232IDWR is the manufacturer-recommended substitute from Texas Instruments. It maintains identical electrical specifications (2/2 RS232 transceiver, 500 mV hysteresis, 120 kbps data rate, 4.5V to 5.5V supply) and 16-SOIC packaging. The extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C versus 0°C to 70°C) provides additional capability without compromising compatibility.

Q: What is the difference between MAX232CWE+T and MAX232EEWE+?

A: Both are Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX232 variants with identical electrical specifications. MAX232CWE+T is supplied in Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® format with 0°C to 70°C operating range, while MAX232EEWE+ is supplied in Tube format with extended -40°C to 85°C operating range. Selection depends on packaging requirements and thermal specifications of the application.

Q: Is HIN232CBZ-T from Renesas a suitable substitute?

A: Yes. HIN232CBZ-T is a direct functional equivalent with identical electrical specifications to MAX232DW (2/2 RS232, 500 mV hysteresis, 120 kbps, 0°C to 70°C). It is an active product with the highest inventory availability (10,400 units) and maintains ROHS3 compliance. Packaging is Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® format.

Q: Can ADM202EARWZ replace MAX232DW in all applications?

A: ADM202EARWZ is electrically compatible with enhanced specifications: 230 kbps data rate (versus 120 kbps) and extended temperature range (-40°C to 85°C). The 650 mV receiver hysteresis is within acceptable tolerance. It is suitable for applications where higher data rates or industrial temperature ranges are beneficial or required. Verify application requirements before substitution.

Q: Why is ADM232AARNZ listed as a substitute if the package differs?

A: ADM232AARNZ is included for reference as an active alternative from UMW with compatible electrical specifications. However, the 16-SOP package (0.154", 3.90mm Width) differs from the standard 16-SOIC footprint (0.295", 7.50mm Width). This part is not suitable as a direct drop-in replacement and requires PCB redesign. It is listed only for applications where package redesign is feasible.

Q: What does "Product Status: Active" mean for substitute parts?

A: Active status indicates the part is currently manufactured and available for purchase. This contrasts with the MAX232DW, which is obsolete and no longer manufactured. Active substitutes ensure long-term supply chain continuity and support for new designs and production runs.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, consistent with the original MAX232DW. This ensures regulatory compliance for applications subject to environmental and hazardous substance restrictions.

Q: What is the significance of Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)?

A: MSL 1 (Unlimited) indicates the component has no moisture sensitivity restrictions and does not require special handling or storage conditions. Most substitutes carry MSL 1 rating. ADM232AARNZ from UMW does not specify MSL in the provided data. Verify moisture handling requirements with the manufacturer if MSL specification is critical for your application.

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