MAX232ECNG4 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX232ECNG4 is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver in 16-DIP packaging manufactured by Texas Instruments. This part is discontinued at DiGi Electronics, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production requirements. The MAX232ECNG4 operates within a 4.5V to 5.5V supply range with a 250kbps data rate and 500mV receiver hysteresis, designed for through-hole mounting applications requiring RS232 serial communication.

Key Parameters

Parameter	MAX232ECNG4 Specification
Manufacturer	Texas Instruments
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	2/2
Duplex	Full
Data Rate	250kbps
Voltage - Supply	4.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the MAX232ECNG4 is determined by the following critical parameters: RS232 protocol compliance, 2/2 driver/receiver configuration, full-duplex operation, 16-DIP package format, through-hole mounting, and 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage compatibility. The data rate, receiver hysteresis, and operating temperature range are secondary considerations that may vary between substitutes while maintaining functional equivalence.

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories:

Category 1: Direct Texas Instruments MAX232 Series – Parts maintaining identical electrical specifications and manufacturer lineage, including MAX232EIN (active status, extended temperature range), MAX232ECPE+ (active status, 120kbps data rate), and MAX232ECN (obsolete status).

Category 2: Analog Devices ADM232 Series – Parts from Analog Devices Inc. with compatible 2/2 transceiver architecture, including ADM232AANZ, ADM232LANZ, and ADM232LJNZ, offering extended temperature ranges and varying receiver hysteresis specifications.

Category 3: Renesas HIN232 Series and Analog Devices LT1081 Series – Alternative manufacturers providing RS232 transceiver solutions with compatible pinouts and electrical characteristics, including HIN232CPZ, HIN232IPZ, LT1081CN#PBF, and LT1081IN#PBF.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Data Rate	Operating Temperature	Receiver Hysteresis	Inventory (Pcs)
MAX232ECNG4	Texas Instruments	Discontinued	250kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	882
MAX232EIN	Texas Instruments	Active	250kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	500 mV	1962
MAX232ECPE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	120Kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	1633
MAX232ECN	Texas Instruments	Obsolete	250kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	1115
ADM232AANZ	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	200kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	400 mV	2432
ADM232LANZ	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	120Kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	650 mV	2200
ADM232LJNZ	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	120Kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	650 mV	5140
HIN232CPZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	Active	120Kbps	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	9431
HIN232IPZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	Active	120Kbps	-40°C ~ 85°C	500 mV	10200
LT1081CN#PBF	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	250KBd	0°C ~ 70°C	400 mV	2148
LT1081IN#PBF	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	250KBd	-40°C ~ 85°C	400 mV	948

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For applications requiring the closest electrical match to the MAX232ECNG4, the MAX232EIN is the primary recommendation. It maintains identical 250kbps data rate and 500mV receiver hysteresis specifications while offering extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) and active product status from Texas Instruments.

For applications with relaxed data rate requirements (120kbps or lower), the HIN232CPZ and HIN232IPZ from Renesas Electronics provide high inventory availability (9431 and 10200 units respectively) with maintained 500mV receiver hysteresis and compatible 16-DIP packaging. The HIN232IPZ extends temperature range to -40°C to 85°C.

For extended temperature operation with alternative manufacturer support, the ADM232AANZ and ADM232LANZ from Analog Devices Inc. provide -40°C to 85°C operating ranges with active product status. The ADM232AANZ maintains 200kbps data rate with 400mV receiver hysteresis.

The LT1081CN#PBF and LT1081IN#PBF from Analog Devices Inc. support the full 250KBd data rate requirement with 400mV receiver hysteresis. The LT1081IN#PBF provides extended temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) for demanding applications.

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance, REACH unaffected status, and 16-DIP through-hole packaging compatibility with the original MAX232ECNG4.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX232ECPE+ replace MAX232ECNG4 directly? A: MAX232ECPE+ is functionally compatible as a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver in 16-DIP packaging with identical supply voltage range. However, it operates at 120Kbps data rate compared to the original 250kbps specification. Use this substitute only if your application data rate requirement is 120kbps or lower.

Q: What is the difference between HIN232CPZ and HIN232IPZ? A: Both are Renesas HIN232 series transceivers with identical electrical specifications (120Kbps data rate, 500mV receiver hysteresis, 16-DIP package). The primary difference is operating temperature range: HIN232CPZ operates 0°C to 70°C, while HIN232IPZ extends to -40°C to 85°C. Select HIN232IPZ for applications requiring extended temperature operation.

Q: Are ADM232 parts suitable for high-speed applications? A: ADM232AANZ supports 200kbps data rate, which is lower than the original MAX232ECNG4 specification of 250kbps. ADM232LANZ and ADM232LJNZ operate at 120Kbps. These parts are suitable for applications with data rate requirements at or below their rated specifications.

Q: What is the advantage of LT1081 series over MAX232 alternatives? A: The LT1081CN#PBF and LT1081IN#PBF maintain the full 250KBd data rate specification matching the original MAX232ECNG4. The LT1081IN#PBF additionally provides extended temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) for demanding industrial applications.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant? A: Yes, all listed substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, matching the environmental compliance profile of the original MAX232ECNG4.

Q: Can I use a substitute with different receiver hysteresis? A: Receiver hysteresis variations (400mV, 500mV, or 650mV) affect input threshold characteristics. Substitutes with different hysteresis values are functionally compatible for RS232 communication but may exhibit different noise immunity characteristics. Select based on your specific application requirements.

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