MAX232EPE RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX232EPE is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated, housed in a 16-DIP package. This interface IC operates at 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage with a data rate of 120 Kbps and supports operating temperatures from -40°C to 85°C. The MAX232EPE is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for new designs, production continuity, and system upgrades. Active alternatives with identical or enhanced electrical and mechanical specifications are available from Analog Devices to ensure design flexibility and long-term component availability.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
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	-40°C ~ 85°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
Supplier Device Package	16-PDIP
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX232EPE is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters: RS232 protocol compliance, 2/2 driver/receiver configuration, full-duplex operation, 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage range, -40°C to 85°C operating temperature range, 16-DIP through-hole package, and 16-PDIP supplier device package. Parts are grouped into two categories:

Parametric Equivalents: MAX202EEPE+, MAX202EPE+, MAX220EPE+, MAX232EEPE+, and MAX232EPE+ match all critical electrical and mechanical parameters of the MAX232EPE. These parts are direct substitutes with identical functional performance and package specifications. All parametric equivalents are RoHS3 compliant and carry active product status.

Manufacturer Recommended Alternatives: ADM1181AANZ, ADM202EANZ, ADM232AANZ, ADM232LANZ, and ADM232LJNZ are Analog Devices alternatives that maintain core RS232 transceiver functionality, 2/2 configuration, full-duplex operation, 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage, and 16-DIP package. These parts feature enhanced or modified receiver hysteresis (400 mV to 650 mV) and data rates (120 Kbps to 230 Kbps). ADM232LJNZ operates at a reduced temperature range of 0°C to 70°C.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Data Rate	Receiver Hysteresis	Supply Voltage	Operating Temp	Package	RoHS Status
MAX232EPE	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Obsolete	RS232	2/2	120 Kbps	500 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-DIP	RoHS non-compliant
MAX202EEPE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	120 Kbps	500 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX202EPE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	120 Kbps	500 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX220EPE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	120 Kbps	500 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX232EEPE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	120 Kbps	500 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX232EPE+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Active	RS232	2/2	120 Kbps	500 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM1181AANZ	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	RS232	2/2	230 Kbps	650 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM202EANZ	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	RS232	2/2	230 Kbps	650 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM232AANZ	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	RS232	2/2	200 Kbps	400 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM232LANZ	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	RS232	2/2	120 Kbps	650 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM232LJNZ	Analog Devices Inc.	Active	RS232	2/2	120 Kbps	650 mV	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	16-DIP	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For applications requiring direct functional replacement with identical electrical performance and compliance status, select from the parametric equivalents: MAX202EEPE+, MAX202EPE+, MAX220EPE+, MAX232EEPE+, or MAX232EPE+. All parametric equivalents are RoHS3 compliant and carry active product status, eliminating obsolescence risk and supporting modern regulatory requirements.

For applications where enhanced data rate capability is acceptable, ADM1181AANZ and ADM202EANZ support 230 Kbps operation with 650 mV receiver hysteresis, providing performance headroom beyond the MAX232EPE specification.

For applications requiring lower receiver hysteresis threshold, ADM232AANZ operates at 400 mV with 200 Kbps data rate capability.

For applications with reduced operating temperature requirements (0°C to 70°C), ADM232LJNZ is suitable as a cost-optimized alternative.

All substitute parts maintain the 16-DIP through-hole package, 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage range, and 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver configuration of the MAX232EPE. All recommended alternatives are RoHS3 compliant and carry active product status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX232EPE+ be used as a direct replacement for MAX232EPE? A: Yes. MAX232EPE+ is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications, operating temperature range, data rate, receiver hysteresis, and 16-DIP package. The primary difference is active product status and RoHS3 compliance.

Q: What is the difference between parametric equivalents and manufacturer recommended alternatives? A: Parametric equivalents (MAX202EEPE+, MAX202EPE+, MAX220EPE+, MAX232EEPE+, MAX232EPE+) match all electrical and mechanical specifications of the MAX232EPE. Manufacturer recommended alternatives (ADM series) maintain core RS232 transceiver functionality and package but feature different receiver hysteresis values and data rates.

Q: Are all substitute parts pin-compatible with MAX232EPE? A: All substitute parts use the 16-DIP through-hole package with 16-PDIP supplier device package specification. Pin compatibility is determined by the specific base product number and internal circuit design. Consult device datasheets for detailed pinout verification.

Q: Which substitute part should I select for new designs? A: For new designs, select from active, RoHS3-compliant parametric equivalents: MAX202EEPE+, MAX202EPE+, MAX220EPE+, MAX232EEPE+, or MAX232EPE+. These parts eliminate obsolescence risk and meet modern regulatory requirements while maintaining identical functional performance.

Q: Can ADM232LJNZ be used in applications requiring -40°C to 85°C operation? A: No. ADM232LJNZ operates at 0°C to 70°C. This part is suitable only for applications with reduced temperature range requirements. For full -40°C to 85°C operation, select from parametric equivalents or other ADM alternatives with extended temperature range.

Q: What inventory levels are available for substitute parts? A: Inventory levels are provided in the component database. MAX202EPE+ has 8500 pcs, MAX232EPE+ has 9463 pcs, ADM202EANZ has 10930 pcs, and ADM232LJNZ has 5140 pcs in stock. Verify current availability with your supplier.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message