MAX232ECPW RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX232ECPW is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver IC with 2 drivers and 2 receivers in a 16-TSSOP surface mount package. This device is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing design support and procurement. The MAX232ECPW operates within a 4.5V to 5.5V supply range with a 250kbps data rate and 500mV receiver hysteresis, making it suitable for legacy RS232 communication applications requiring standard industrial temperature operation (0°C to 70°C).

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	MAX232ECPW
Manufacturer	Texas Instruments
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	2/2
Duplex	Full
Package / Case	16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Voltage - Supply	4.5V ~ 5.5V
Data Rate	250kbps
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX232ECPW is determined by the following critical parameters: RS232 protocol compliance, 2/2 driver/receiver configuration, full-duplex operation, 16-TSSOP package compatibility, and surface mount mounting type. All substitute parts must maintain these core functional and physical characteristics.

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Direct Functional Equivalents (Same Supply Voltage Range): Parts maintaining the 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage specification, including MAX232EIPWR (active status, extended temperature), TRS232ECPW (parametric equivalent, obsolete status), and MAX232ACUE+ variants (active status, reduced data rate of 200kbps).

Extended Voltage Range Substitutes (3V to 5.5V Supply): Parts with broader supply voltage compatibility, including MAX3232 series (MAX3232CUE+, MAX3232CUE+T, MAX3232EUE+, MAX3232EUE+T) and SP3232EBCY-L/TR, which support lower voltage operation while maintaining RS232 protocol, 2/2 configuration, and 16-TSSOP packaging.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Package	Supply Voltage	Data Rate	Receiver Hysteresis	Operating Temperature	Packaging Type
MAX232ECPW	Texas Instruments	Obsolete	RS232	2/2	16-TSSOP	4.5V ~ 5.5V	250kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Tube
MAX232EIPWR	Texas Instruments	Active	RS232	2/2	16-TSSOP	4.5V ~ 5.5V	250kbps	500 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel
TRS232ECPW	Texas Instruments	Obsolete	RS232	2/2	16-TSSOP	4.5V ~ 5.5V	250kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Tube
MAX232ACUE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	16-TSSOP	4.5V ~ 5.5V	200kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Tube
MAX232ACUE+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	16-TSSOP	4.5V ~ 5.5V	200kbps	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Tape & Reel
MAX232AEUE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	16-TSSOP	4.5V ~ 5.5V	200kbps	500 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Tube
MAX3232CUE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	16-TSSOP	3V ~ 5.5V	235Kbps	300 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Tube
MAX3232CUE+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	16-TSSOP	3V ~ 5.5V	235Kbps	300 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel
MAX3232EUE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	16-TSSOP	3V ~ 5.5V	235Kbps	300 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Tube
MAX3232EUE+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	16-TSSOP	3V ~ 5.5V	235Kbps	300 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel
SP3232EBCY-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	Active	RS232	2/2	16-TSSOP	3V ~ 5.5V	250kbps	300 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	Cut Tape & Digi-Reel

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation - MAX232EIPWR: This Texas Instruments part maintains identical electrical specifications to the MAX232ECPW (4.5V to 5.5V supply, 250kbps data rate, 500mV receiver hysteresis) while offering active product status and extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C). The part is available in Cut Tape and Digi-Reel packaging, ensuring procurement continuity.

Secondary Recommendation - MAX232AEUE+: An Analog Devices/Maxim Integrated alternative with active status and extended temperature operation (-40°C to 85°C). This part operates within the same 4.5V to 5.5V supply range with identical receiver hysteresis (500mV). The reduced data rate specification (200kbps versus 250kbps) is acceptable for applications not requiring maximum throughput.

Extended Voltage Range Option - MAX3232EUE+T: For designs requiring lower voltage operation capability (3V to 5.5V), this Analog Devices/Maxim Integrated part provides active status with extended temperature range (-40°C to 85°C). The 235Kbps data rate and 300mV receiver hysteresis remain within acceptable RS232 transceiver specifications. This option is suitable for mixed-voltage system designs.

High-Availability Alternative - MAX3232CUE+T: With 25,400 units in stock, this part offers maximum procurement availability. It maintains the 3V to 5.5V supply range and 235Kbps data rate with active product status and standard temperature operation (0°C to 70°C).

All recommended substitutes maintain ROHS3 compliance, MSL Level 1 (unlimited moisture sensitivity), and identical 16-TSSOP packaging, ensuring direct PCB compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX232ECPW be directly replaced with MAX232EIPWR? A: Yes. Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications: 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage, 250kbps data rate, 500mV receiver hysteresis, 2/2 driver/receiver configuration, and 16-TSSOP packaging. MAX232EIPWR offers extended temperature operation and active product status.

Q: What is the difference between MAX232 and MAX3232 series substitutes? A: The MAX3232 series supports extended supply voltage operation (3V to 5.5V) compared to MAX232 variants (4.5V to 5.5V). MAX3232 parts specify 235Kbps data rate and 300mV receiver hysteresis versus 250kbps and 500mV for MAX232 variants. Both maintain identical 16-TSSOP packaging and 2/2 driver/receiver configuration.

Q: Are packaging variants (Tube, Cut Tape, Tape & Reel) electrically equivalent? A: Yes. Packaging variants contain identical die and electrical specifications. Selection depends on procurement and assembly requirements. Cut Tape and Digi-Reel packaging typically offer better availability and automated assembly compatibility.

Q: Can I use SP3232EBCY-L/TR as a substitute? A: Yes, with design verification. The SP3232EBCY-L/TR (MaxLinear) maintains RS232 protocol, 2/2 configuration, 16-TSSOP packaging, and 250kbps data rate. It operates across 3V to 5.5V supply range with 300mV receiver hysteresis. The extended voltage range and different hysteresis specification require confirmation that the application tolerates these parameter variations.

Q: What is the impact of reduced data rate in MAX232ACUE+ variants? A: MAX232ACUE+ and MAX232ACUE+T specify 200kbps data rate versus 250kbps in MAX232ECPW. This reduction is acceptable for applications operating below 200kbps. Verify application data rate requirements before selection.

Q: Are all substitutes ROHS3 compliant? A: Yes. All listed substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and MSL Level 1 (unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating, matching the original MAX232ECPW specifications.

Q: Which substitute offers the best temperature range coverage? A: MAX232EIPWR, MAX232AEUE+, MAX3232EUE+, and MAX3232EUE+T all operate across -40°C to 85°C, providing extended temperature coverage beyond the original MAX232ECPW specification (0°C to 70°C).

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message