MAX232ECPWR Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX232ECPWR is a 2/2 transceiver full RS232 interface IC in 16-TSSOP 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 MAX232ECPWR operates within a 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage range with a 250kbps data rate and 500mV receiver hysteresis, supporting full-duplex RS232 communication in applications requiring legacy serial interface functionality.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	MAX232ECPWR
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
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX232ECPWR 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
Package / Case: 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount
Voltage - Supply: 4.5V ~ 5.5V (minimum requirement)
Data Rate: 250kbps or higher
Receiver Hysteresis: 500mV or lower (lower values are acceptable)

Acceptable Variations:

Operating Temperature range may be extended (wider range acceptable)
Receiver Hysteresis may be lower than 500mV
Data Rate may exceed 250kbps
Supply voltage range may be wider (e.g., 3V ~ 5.5V)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: MFR Recommended substitutes (active product status preferred) and Parametric Equivalents (matching all critical electrical parameters).

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Data Rate	Voltage Supply	Receiver Hysteresis	Operating Temp	Package	Product Status
MAX232ECPWR	Texas Instruments	RS232	2/2	250kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	Obsolete
MAX232EIPWR	Texas Instruments	RS232	2/2	250kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	500 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	Active
TRS232ECPWR	Texas Instruments	RS232	2/2	250kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	Obsolete
MAX232ACUE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	2/2	200kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	Active
MAX232ACUE+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	2/2	200kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	500 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	Active
MAX232AEUE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	2/2	200kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	500 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	Active
MAX3232CUE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	2/2	235Kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	300 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	Active
MAX3232CUE+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	2/2	235Kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	300 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	Active
MAX3232EUE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	2/2	235Kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	300 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	Active
MAX3232EUE+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	2/2	235Kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	300 mV	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	Active
SP3232EBCY-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	RS232	2/2	250kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	300 mV	0°C ~ 70°C	16-TSSOP	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation - MFR Recommended Active Substitute:

MAX232EIPWR is the direct active substitute from Texas Instruments. This part maintains identical electrical specifications to the MAX232ECPWR (250kbps data rate, 500mV receiver hysteresis, 4.5V ~ 5.5V supply) while offering an extended operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C. Product status is active with ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity level. This part is suitable for direct replacement in applications where the original operating temperature range (0°C ~ 70°C) is acceptable or where extended temperature performance is beneficial.

Secondary Recommendation - Extended Temperature Range:

MAX232AEUE+ or MAX232AEUE+T provide active product status with extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C) from Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated. These parts maintain the 500mV receiver hysteresis and 4.5V ~ 5.5V supply voltage specifications. Data rate is specified at 200kbps, which is lower than the original 250kbps but remains within acceptable RS232 transceiver performance. Both ROHS3 compliant with unlimited MSL.

Alternative with Enhanced Supply Voltage Range:

MAX3232CUE+T or MAX3232EUE+T offer wider supply voltage range (3V ~ 5.5V) enabling operation in lower voltage applications. These parts feature 235Kbps data rate and 300mV receiver hysteresis (improved noise margin). MAX3232EUE+T provides extended temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C). Both are active products with ROHS3 compliance and unlimited MSL.

Cross-Manufacturer Alternative:

SP3232EBCY-L/TR from MaxLinear, Inc. provides parametric equivalence with 250kbps data rate matching the original part, 300mV receiver hysteresis, and 3V ~ 5.5V supply voltage range. Active product status with ROHS3 compliance and unlimited MSL.

All recommended substitutes maintain the 16-TSSOP surface mount package and 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX232ACUE+ be used as a direct replacement for MAX232ECPWR?

A: MAX232ACUE+ is functionally compatible with identical electrical specifications except for data rate (200kbps vs. 250kbps original). The lower data rate remains within RS232 standard performance. This part is suitable for applications where 200kbps throughput is acceptable. Packaging is identical (16-TSSOP surface mount).

Q: What is the difference between MAX3232 and MAX232 series substitutes?

A: MAX3232 series parts support wider supply voltage range (3V ~ 5.5V) compared to MAX232 series (4.5V ~ 5.5V), enabling operation in lower voltage systems. MAX3232 parts feature 235Kbps data rate and 300mV receiver hysteresis versus 250kbps and 500mV in MAX232 series. Both maintain 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver functionality in identical 16-TSSOP packaging.

Q: Is SP3232EBCY-L/TR from MaxLinear compatible with MAX232ECPWR?

A: SP3232EBCY-L/TR is parametrically compatible. It maintains 250kbps data rate and 2/2 full-duplex RS232 configuration in 16-TSSOP packaging. Supply voltage range is 3V ~ 5.5V (wider than original 4.5V ~ 5.5V), and receiver hysteresis is 300mV (lower than original 500mV). This part is an active product from an alternative manufacturer.

Q: What packaging options are available for substitute parts?

A: All substitute parts listed maintain the 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) surface mount package. Packaging format variations include Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® and Tape & Reel (TR) options. Tube packaging is available for certain variants. Verify specific packaging format requirements for your procurement process.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: All substitute parts listed in this reference are ROHS3 compliant with moisture sensitivity level 1 (unlimited). All parts carry REACH Unaffected status and EAR99 ECCN classification where specified.

Q: Which substitute offers the best temperature performance?

A: MAX232EIPWR, MAX232AEUE+, MAX232AEUE+T, MAX3232EUE+, and MAX3232EUE+T all provide extended operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C compared to the original 0°C to 70°C. Selection depends on supply voltage requirements and data rate specifications for your application.

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