MAX236ERG RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX236ERG is a 4/3 RS232 transceiver with full-duplex capability, housed in a 24-pin CDIP package. This component is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of active equivalent parts for ongoing design support and procurement. The MAX236ERG operates within the 4.5V to 5.5V supply range and supports data rates up to 120Kbps, making it suitable for legacy RS232 communication applications requiring through-hole mounting.

Substiute Parts

MAX236ERG

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 883MAX236ERG Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

MAX236ENG+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 2196MAX236ENG+ Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX236ERG is determined by strict equivalence across the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

• Protocol: RS232
• Driver/Receiver Configuration: 4/3
• Duplex Mode: Full
• Receiver Hysteresis: 500 mV
• Data Rate: 120Kbps
• Supply Voltage Range: 4.5V ~ 5.5V
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C ~ 85°C
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Base Product Number: MAX236

The MAX236ENG+ meets all substitution criteria. The primary difference is packaging format (24-DIP versus 24-CDIP) and product status (Active versus Obsolete), with no impact on electrical performance or functional compatibility.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The MAX236ENG+ is the manufacturer-recommended substitute for the MAX236ERG. Both parts share identical electrical specifications and functional characteristics. The MAX236ENG+ offers the advantage of active product status, ensuring continued availability and manufacturing support. Additionally, the MAX236ENG+ achieves ROHS3 compliance, whereas the MAX236ERG is non-compliant, making the substitute preferable for applications subject to RoHS regulations.

The package format difference (24-CDIP versus 24-DIP) does not affect electrical performance or pin compatibility. Both packages maintain the same 0.300" (7.62mm) pitch and through-hole mounting configuration, allowing direct substitution on existing printed circuit boards without design modification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the MAX236ENG+ directly replace the MAX236ERG on existing circuit boards?

A: Yes. Both parts are pin-compatible with identical electrical specifications. The package format difference (CDIP versus DIP) does not affect PCB compatibility, as both maintain the same pitch and through-hole mounting footprint.

Q: What is the significance of the product status change from Obsolete to Active?

A: Active product status indicates ongoing manufacturing and supply availability. The MAX236ENG+ will continue to be produced and supported by the manufacturer, whereas the MAX236ERG is no longer manufactured.

Q: Does the RoHS3 compliance of the MAX236ENG+ affect compatibility?

A: No. RoHS3 compliance is a manufacturing and environmental standard that does not alter electrical performance or functional compatibility. The MAX236ENG+ is fully compatible with designs originally specified for the MAX236ERG.

Q: Are there any electrical performance differences between these parts?

A: No. Both parts are specified identically across all electrical parameters: supply voltage, data rate, receiver hysteresis, operating temperature range, and driver/receiver configuration.

Q: What packaging options are available for the MAX236 base product?

A: The MAX236 base product is available in both 24-CDIP and 24-DIP package formats. The MAX236ENG+ uses the 24-DIP format and is the active, manufacturer-recommended substitute for the obsolete MAX236ERG (24-CDIP format).