MAX232ECPE RS232 Transceiver Interface IC - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX232ECPE is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver interface IC manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated, configured as a 2/2 transceiver in a 16-DIP package. This component is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing design support and production requirements. The part operates within the 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage range and supports RS232 protocol communication at 120 Kbps data rate with 500 mV receiver hysteresis. Equivalent alternatives are available in active product status with identical or compatible electrical and mechanical specifications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Specification
Manufacturer	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
Part Number	MAX232ECPE
Product Status	Obsolete
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	2/2
Duplex	Full
Data Rate	120 Kbps
Voltage - Supply	4.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Package / Case	16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX232ECPE is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters: RS232 protocol compliance, 2/2 driver/receiver configuration, full-duplex operation, 16-DIP package format, through-hole mounting, 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage range, and 0°C to 70°C operating temperature. Parts are grouped into three categories based on substitution relationship type:

Parametric Equivalents (Active Status): MAX202CPE+, MAX202ECPE+, MAX220CPE+, MAX232CPE+, and MAX232ECPE+ maintain identical electrical specifications and package configuration. These parts are manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated and carry active product status with ROHS3 compliance.

Direct Equivalent (Alternate Manufacturer): MAX232ECN, manufactured by Texas Instruments, provides functional equivalence with identical package and pin configuration. This part is classified as obsolete but maintains the same electrical interface specifications.

Manufacturer Recommended Alternatives: ADM202JNZ, ADM232AANZ, ADM232LANZ, and ADM232LJNZ are Analog Devices Inc. alternatives that maintain core RS232 transceiver functionality with 2/2 configuration and 16-DIP packaging. These parts feature variations in receiver hysteresis (400 mV or 650 mV), operating temperature range, and data rate specifications.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Data Rate	Supply Voltage	Operating Temp	Receiver Hysteresis	Package	RoHS Status
MAX232ECPE	Analog Devices/Maxim	Obsolete	RS232	2/2	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	16-DIP	Non-compliant
MAX202CPE+	Analog Devices/Maxim	Active	RS232	2/2	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX202ECPE+	Analog Devices/Maxim	Active	RS232	2/2	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX220CPE+	Analog Devices/Maxim	Active	RS232	2/2	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX232CPE+	Analog Devices/Maxim	Active	RS232	2/2	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX232ECPE+	Analog Devices/Maxim	Active	RS232	2/2	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX232ECN	Texas Instruments	Obsolete	RS232	2/2	250 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM202JNZ	Analog Devices	Active	RS232	2/2	Not specified	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	400 mV	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM232AANZ	Analog Devices	Active	RS232	2/2	200 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	400 mV	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM232LANZ	Analog Devices	Active	RS232	2/2	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	650 mV	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM232LJNZ	Analog Devices	Active	RS232	2/2	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	650 mV	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For direct replacement of the MAX232ECPE in active production environments, MAX232ECPE+, MAX232CPE+, MAX202ECPE+, MAX202CPE+, or MAX220CPE+ are the preferred selections. All five parts maintain identical electrical specifications and package configuration while offering ROHS3 compliance and active product status. These parts are manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated with confirmed inventory availability.

When RoHS compliance is a design requirement, all parametric equivalents listed above satisfy ROHS3 certification. The original MAX232ECPE carries RoHS non-compliant status and should be replaced with any of the active-status alternatives to meet current regulatory standards.

For applications requiring extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C), ADM232AANZ and ADM232LANZ provide this capability while maintaining RS232 protocol compliance and 2/2 transceiver configuration. ADM232AANZ supports 200 Kbps data rate, while ADM232LANZ maintains the 120 Kbps specification of the original part.

The MAX232ECN (Texas Instruments) provides functional equivalence with identical package and pin configuration but carries obsolete product status. This part supports 250 Kbps data rate, exceeding the original 120 Kbps specification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX232ECPE+ be used as a direct replacement for MAX232ECPE?

A: Yes. MAX232ECPE+ maintains identical electrical specifications including 120 Kbps data rate, 500 mV receiver hysteresis, 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage, 0°C to 70°C operating temperature, and 16-DIP package configuration. The primary difference is active product status and ROHS3 compliance.

Q: What is the difference between MAX202ECPE+ and MAX232ECPE+?

A: Both parts are parametric equivalents with identical electrical and mechanical specifications. The difference lies in the base product number designation (MAX202 versus MAX232). Both are manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated and carry active product status with ROHS3 compliance.

Q: Are ADM232 series parts compatible with MAX232ECPE applications?

A: ADM232 series parts maintain RS232 protocol compliance, 2/2 transceiver configuration, 16-DIP packaging, and 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage. However, receiver hysteresis differs (400 mV or 650 mV versus 500 mV), and operating temperature ranges vary. ADM232LJNZ matches the 0°C to 70°C temperature range and 120 Kbps data rate of the original part.

Q: What is the significance of receiver hysteresis variation in substitute parts?

A: Receiver hysteresis determines the voltage differential required for input signal transitions. The original MAX232ECPE specifies 500 mV hysteresis. ADM202JNZ and ADM232AANZ feature 400 mV hysteresis, while ADM232LANZ and ADM232LJNZ feature 650 mV hysteresis. Selection depends on application noise immunity requirements.

Q: Can MAX232ECN (Texas Instruments) replace MAX232ECPE in new designs?

A: MAX232ECN provides functional equivalence with identical package and pin configuration. However, this part carries obsolete product status. For new designs, active-status alternatives such as MAX232ECPE+, MAX232CPE+, or MAX202ECPE+ are recommended.

Q: What packaging format is required for through-hole mounting applications?

A: All listed substitute parts are supplied in 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) package format with through-hole mounting capability. This maintains mechanical compatibility with existing PCB designs.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: All substitute parts listed carry ROHS3 compliance status. The original MAX232ECPE is RoHS non-compliant. Replacement with any active-status alternative satisfies current RoHS regulatory requirements.

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