MAX232NG4 RS232 Transceiver: Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX232NG4 is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Texas Instruments, housed in a 16-pin DIP package. This interface IC converts between RS232 signal levels and TTL/CMOS logic levels, operating across the 4.5V to 5.5V supply range with a data rate of 120 Kbps. The part is currently discontinued at DiGi Electronics, necessitating identification of functionally equivalent alternatives that maintain compatibility with existing designs while meeting the same electrical and mechanical specifications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	MAX232NG4 Specification
Manufacturer	Texas Instruments
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Drivers/Receivers	2/2
Duplex Mode	Full
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Data Rate	120 Kbps
Supply Voltage	4.5V – 5.5V
Operating Temperature	0°C – 70°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package	16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity	MSL 1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX232NG4 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Protocol & Channel Configuration: All substitutes must support RS232 protocol with 2 drivers and 2 receivers in full-duplex mode
Electrical Compatibility: Supply voltage range (4.5V – 5.5V), receiver hysteresis, and data rate capability must meet or exceed the original specification
Package & Mounting: 16-DIP through-hole package with identical pin spacing (0.300", 7.62mm)
Environmental & Compliance: Operating temperature range, RoHS3 compliance, and MSL rating must be compatible with the application
Product Status: Active parts are prioritized to ensure long-term availability

Substitute parts are grouped by manufacturer and performance tier based on these parameters. Parts with extended temperature ranges (-40°C to 85°C) or higher data rates (200 Kbps, 230 Kbps, 250 KBd) remain functionally compatible with applications designed for the MAX232NG4, as they represent equal or superior capability within the same package footprint.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Drivers/Receivers	Data Rate	Receiver Hysteresis	Supply Voltage	Operating Temperature	Package	Product Status
MAX232NG4	Texas Instruments	2/2	120 Kbps	500 mV	4.5V – 5.5V	0°C – 70°C	16-DIP	Discontinued
ADM202JNZ	Analog Devices Inc.	2/2	—	400 mV	4.5V – 5.5V	0°C – 70°C	16-DIP	Active
ADM232AANZ	Analog Devices Inc.	2/2	200 Kbps	400 mV	4.5V – 5.5V	-40°C – 85°C	16-DIP	Active
ADM232LANZ	Analog Devices Inc.	2/2	120 Kbps	650 mV	4.5V – 5.5V	-40°C – 85°C	16-DIP	Active
ADM232LJNZ	Analog Devices Inc.	2/2	120 Kbps	650 mV	4.5V – 5.5V	0°C – 70°C	16-DIP	Active
HIN232ACPZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	2/2	230 Kbps	500 mV	4.5V – 5.5V	0°C – 70°C	16-DIP	Active
HIN232ECPZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	2/2	230 Kbps	500 mV	4.5V – 5.5V	0°C – 70°C	16-DIP	Active
HIN232IPZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	2/2	120 Kbps	500 mV	4.5V – 5.5V	-40°C – 85°C	16-DIP	Active
LT1081CN#PBF	Analog Devices Inc.	2/2	250 KBd	400 mV	4.5V – 5.5V	0°C – 70°C	16-DIP	Active
LT1081IN#PBF	Analog Devices Inc.	2/2	250 KBd	400 mV	4.5V – 5.5V	-40°C – 85°C	16-DIP	Active
LT1781CN#PBF	Analog Devices Inc.	2/2	250 KBd	400 mV	4.5V – 5.5V	0°C – 70°C	16-DIP	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalents (Identical Operating Temperature Range)

For applications requiring exact thermal matching to the MAX232NG4 (0°C – 70°C), the following parts provide direct substitution:

HIN232ACPZ and HIN232ECPZ (Renesas): Maintain 500 mV receiver hysteresis and 0°C – 70°C operating range. Both support 230 Kbps data rate, exceeding the original 120 Kbps specification. Inventory availability is high (3,300 and 10,100 units respectively).
ADM232LJNZ (Analog Devices): Matches the 0°C – 70°C temperature range with 120 Kbps data rate. Receiver hysteresis is 650 mV, which is compatible with RS232 signal detection. Inventory: 5,140 units.
LT1081CN#PBF and LT1781CN#PBF (Analog Devices): Support 250 KBd data rate within the 0°C – 70°C range. Both are active products with strong inventory levels (2,148 and 2,680 units).

Extended Temperature Range Alternatives

For applications requiring operation across -40°C – 85°C:

ADM232AANZ (Analog Devices): 200 Kbps data rate, 400 mV hysteresis. Inventory: 2,432 units.
ADM232LANZ (Analog Devices): 120 Kbps data rate, 650 mV hysteresis. Inventory: 2,200 units.
HIN232IPZ (Renesas): 120 Kbps data rate, 500 mV hysteresis. Inventory: 10,200 units.
LT1081IN#PBF (Analog Devices): 250 KBd data rate, 400 mV hysteresis. Inventory: 948 units.

All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant, MSL 1 rated, and maintain the 16-DIP package footprint. Product status is active for all listed alternatives, ensuring long-term supply chain stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a substitute part with a higher data rate than the MAX232NG4?

A: Yes. The MAX232NG4 operates at 120 Kbps. Substitute parts with higher data rates (200 Kbps, 230 Kbps, 250 KBd) are backward compatible and will function correctly in applications designed for the original part. Higher data rate capability does not affect operation at lower speeds.

Q: What is the significance of receiver hysteresis in RS232 transceiver selection?

A: Receiver hysteresis determines the voltage threshold differential for signal detection. The MAX232NG4 specifies 500 mV. Substitute parts with 400 mV or 650 mV hysteresis remain compatible with standard RS232 signal levels and will not cause functional issues in typical applications. Hysteresis differences do not affect pin-to-pin compatibility.

Q: Are all substitute parts pin-compatible with the MAX232NG4?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts use the 16-DIP package with identical pin spacing (0.300", 7.62mm) and maintain the same 2/2 driver/receiver configuration. Direct socket replacement is possible without PCB modification.

Q: Why do some substitutes have extended temperature ranges?

A: Extended temperature range variants (-40°C – 85°C) are designed for industrial and automotive applications. If your design operates only within 0°C – 70°C, standard temperature range parts are appropriate. Extended range parts are fully compatible with standard temperature applications.

Q: What is the difference between ADM202JNZ and other ADM232 variants?

A: The ADM202JNZ is a lower-cost variant with unspecified data rate. The ADM232 series offers defined data rates (120 Kbps, 200 Kbps) and extended temperature options. All maintain 2/2 transceiver configuration and 16-DIP packaging. Selection depends on application data rate requirements and thermal environment.

Q: Are LT1081 and LT1781 parts suitable for MAX232NG4 replacement?

A: Yes. Both LT1081 and LT1781 series support 250 KBd data rate, exceeding the MAX232NG4 specification. They maintain identical supply voltage (4.5V – 5.5V), 16-DIP package, and 2/2 transceiver configuration. These parts are suitable for direct substitution in all MAX232NG4 applications.

Q: Do all substitutes meet RoHS3 compliance?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating, matching the environmental and regulatory status of the MAX232NG4.

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