MAX236EWG RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX236EWG is a 4/3 RS232 transceiver interface IC in 24-SOIC surface mount packaging manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated. This component is classified as obsolete, with 3150 units currently in stock. RS232 transceivers serve as essential interface components for serial communication in industrial, telecommunications, and legacy computing applications. Due to the obsolete status of the MAX236EWG, equivalent substitute parts with active product status are available to ensure design continuity and long-term supply chain reliability.

Key Parameters

Parameter	MAX236EWG
Manufacturer	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	4/3
Duplex	Full
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Data Rate	120 Kbps
Voltage - Supply	4.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package / Case	24-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the MAX236EWG is determined by strict adherence to the following critical parameters:

Core Substitution Criteria:

Protocol: RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 4/3
Duplex: Full
Voltage - Supply: 4.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature: -40°C ~ 85°C
Mounting Type: Surface Mount
Package / Case: 24-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)

Acceptable Parameter Variations:

Receiver Hysteresis: 500 mV (MAX236EWG) to 650 mV (ADM206 series) — both values support RS232 threshold requirements
Data Rate: 120 Kbps (MAX236EWG) to 230 Kbps (ADM206EARZ/ADM206EARZ-REEL) — higher data rates are backward compatible
Product Status: Obsolete (MAX236EWG) to Active (substitute parts) — active status ensures ongoing availability
RoHS Status: RoHS non-compliant (MAX236EWG) to ROHS3 Compliant (substitute parts) — compliance improvement is acceptable
Packaging Format: Tube or Tape & Reel (TR) — both are standard distribution methods for surface mount components

Substitutes are grouped into two categories: Parametric Equivalents (MAX206 series with identical electrical specifications) and Manufacturer Recommended alternatives (ADM206 series with minor parameter variations within acceptable tolerances).

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Receiver Hysteresis	Data Rate	Supply Voltage	Operating Temp	Package	Product Status	RoHS Status	Packaging
MAX236EWG	Analog Devices/Maxim	RS232	4/3	500 mV	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	24-SOIC	Obsolete	Non-compliant	Tube
MAX206EEWG+	Analog Devices/Maxim	RS232	4/3	500 mV	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	24-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	Tube
MAX206EWG+	Analog Devices/Maxim	RS232	4/3	500 mV	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	24-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	Tube
MAX236EWG+	Analog Devices/Maxim	RS232	4/3	500 mV	120 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	24-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	Tube
ADM206ARZ	Analog Devices	RS232	4/3	650 mV	Not specified	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	24-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	Tube
ADM206ARZ-REEL	Analog Devices	RS232	4/3	650 mV	Not specified	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	24-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	Tape & Reel
ADM206EARZ	Analog Devices	RS232	4/3	650 mV	230 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	24-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	Tube
ADM206EARZ-REEL	Analog Devices	RS232	4/3	650 mV	230 Kbps	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	24-SOIC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	Tape & Reel

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Parametric Equivalents (Direct Substitutes): MAX206EEWG+, MAX206EWG+, and MAX236EWG+ are direct parametric equivalents to the MAX236EWG. These parts maintain identical electrical specifications including receiver hysteresis (500 mV) and data rate (120 Kbps). All three are in active product status with ROHS3 compliance, providing superior supply chain continuity compared to the obsolete MAX236EWG. These are the preferred substitutes for new designs and legacy system upgrades.

Manufacturer Recommended Alternatives: The ADM206 series (ADM206ARZ, ADM206ARZ-REEL, ADM206EARZ, ADM206EARZ-REEL) are manufacturer-recommended alternatives from Analog Devices. These parts maintain full RS232 protocol compatibility, identical driver/receiver configuration (4/3), and matching supply voltage and operating temperature ranges. The ADM206 series exhibits higher receiver hysteresis (650 mV) and, in the case of ADM206EARZ variants, higher data rate capability (230 Kbps). These variations remain within acceptable tolerances for RS232 interface applications. All ADM206 variants are in active product status with ROHS3 compliance.

Packaging Considerations: Tube packaging (standard for MAX206 and ADM206 variants) is suitable for lower-volume applications and manual assembly. Tape & Reel (TR) packaging (ADM206ARZ-REEL, ADM206EARZ-REEL) is optimized for high-volume automated assembly processes. Selection between packaging formats depends on production volume and assembly methodology rather than electrical compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX206EEWG+, MAX206EWG+, or MAX236EWG+ be used as direct replacements for MAX236EWG?

A: Yes. These three parts are parametric equivalents with identical electrical specifications. They maintain the same receiver hysteresis (500 mV), data rate (120 Kbps), supply voltage range (4.5V ~ 5.5V), and operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C). All are packaged in 24-SOIC surface mount format. The primary advantage is active product status and ROHS3 compliance, ensuring long-term availability and regulatory compliance.

Q: What is the difference between ADM206ARZ and ADM206EARZ?

A: Both are 4/3 RS232 transceivers in 24-SOIC packaging with identical supply voltage and operating temperature specifications. ADM206EARZ specifies a data rate of 230 Kbps, while ADM206ARZ does not specify a data rate. Both exhibit 650 mV receiver hysteresis. For applications requiring documented higher data rate capability, ADM206EARZ is the appropriate selection.

Q: What is the difference between Tube and Tape & Reel packaging?

A: Tube packaging (MAX206EEWG+, MAX206EWG+, MAX236EWG+, ADM206ARZ, ADM206EARZ) is standard distribution for component quantities typically used in lower-volume or manual assembly environments. Tape & Reel packaging (ADM206ARZ-REEL, ADM206EARZ-REEL) is optimized for automated pick-and-place assembly in high-volume manufacturing. Electrical specifications and component functionality are identical between packaging formats.

Q: Is the higher receiver hysteresis (650 mV) of ADM206 series compatible with MAX236EWG applications?

A: Yes. Both 500 mV and 650 mV receiver hysteresis values are within RS232 specification tolerances. The hysteresis parameter defines the voltage differential between logic high and low thresholds. Higher hysteresis (650 mV) provides improved noise immunity in electrically noisy environments while maintaining full RS232 protocol compliance. This variation is acceptable for all applications designed for the MAX236EWG.

Q: Why is the MAX236EWG marked as obsolete?

A: The MAX236EWG has reached end-of-life status in the manufacturer's product portfolio. Active equivalent parts (MAX206 and ADM206 series) provide identical or superior functionality with ongoing manufacturing support. Designs utilizing the MAX236EWG should transition to active alternatives to ensure supply chain continuity beyond current inventory depletion.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed (MAX206EEWG+, MAX206EWG+, MAX236EWG+, ADM206ARZ, ADM206ARZ-REEL, ADM206EARZ, ADM206EARZ-REEL) are ROHS3 compliant. The original MAX236EWG is RoHS non-compliant. Substitution provides regulatory compliance improvement for new designs and system upgrades.

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