MAX237ENG RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX237ENG is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver with 5 drivers and 3 receivers, manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated. This component is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of active equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing design support and procurement. The MAX237ENG operates across the industrial temperature range of -40°C to 85°C and is packaged in a 24-pin DIP configuration suitable for through-hole mounting applications.

Substiute Parts

MAX237ENG

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 1954MAX237ENG Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

MAX236ENG+

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

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

MAX237ENG+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 1119MAX237ENG+ Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

ADM207ANZ

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 1032ADM207ANZ Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

ADM207EANZ

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 2141ADM207EANZ Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

ADM237LANZ

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 907ADM237LANZ Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

ADM237LJNZ

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 1020ADM237LJNZ Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX237ENG is determined by the following critical parameters: RS232 protocol compliance, driver/receiver configuration (5/3), full-duplex operation, package type (24-DIP), through-hole mounting, and electrical operating ranges. Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on functional equivalence:

Category 1: Direct Parametric Equivalents Parts that maintain identical driver/receiver configuration (5/3), data rate (120 Kbps), voltage supply range (4.5V to 5.5V), and operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C). These parts are pin-compatible and functionally interchangeable with the MAX237ENG.

Category 2: Manufacturer-Recommended Alternatives Parts that maintain the 5/3 driver/receiver configuration and RS232 protocol but may differ in receiver hysteresis, data rate, voltage supply range, or operating temperature. These parts require design verification for specific application requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Pin-Compatible, Functionally Identical): MAX237ENG+ is the primary active equivalent. It maintains all electrical and thermal specifications of the MAX237ENG while offering ROHS3 compliance and active product status. This part is recommended for designs requiring no circuit modifications.

For Applications with Reduced Driver Count: MAX236ENG+ provides a 4/3 driver/receiver configuration with identical electrical characteristics and package. This part is suitable only if the application requires fewer than 5 drivers.

For Industrial Temperature Range with Tighter Supply Voltage Tolerance: ADM237LANZ maintains the full -40°C to 85°C operating range with a narrower supply voltage window (4.75V to 5.25V) and increased receiver hysteresis (650 mV). This part is suitable for applications with regulated power supplies and requiring enhanced noise immunity.

For Commercial Temperature Range Applications: ADM237LJNZ operates across 0°C to 70°C with tighter supply voltage tolerance (4.75V to 5.25V). This part is applicable only to commercial-grade designs not requiring extended low-temperature operation.

For Enhanced Data Rate Performance: ADM207EANZ supports 230 Kbps data rate while maintaining the full industrial temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) and standard supply voltage range (4.5V to 5.5V). This part is suitable for applications requiring higher communication speeds.

For Industrial Applications with Standard Supply Range: ADM207ANZ maintains the full industrial temperature range and standard supply voltage range (4.5V to 5.5V) with increased receiver hysteresis (650 mV) for improved noise immunity in harsh environments.

All recommended substitutes are ROHS3 compliant and carry active product status, ensuring long-term availability and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX236ENG+ be used as a direct replacement for MAX237ENG? A: No. MAX236ENG+ has a 4/3 driver/receiver configuration compared to the 5/3 configuration of MAX237ENG. Use this part only if your application requires fewer than 5 drivers.

Q: What is the primary difference between MAX237ENG+ and ADM207ANZ? A: Both maintain 5/3 driver/receiver configuration and full industrial temperature range. The key difference is receiver hysteresis: MAX237ENG+ has 500 mV while ADM207ANZ has 650 mV. The higher hysteresis of ADM207ANZ provides improved noise immunity in electrically noisy environments.

Q: Are ADM237LANZ and ADM237LJNZ interchangeable? A: No. ADM237LANZ operates across -40°C to 85°C (industrial range), while ADM237LJNZ operates across 0°C to 70°C (commercial range). Select based on your application's temperature requirements.

Q: Why does ADM207EANZ have a higher data rate than other substitutes? A: ADM207EANZ supports 230 Kbps compared to 120 Kbps in other parts. This enhanced performance is provided by the ADM207 base product line. Use this part if your application requires higher communication speeds.

Q: What does the "+" suffix in MAX237ENG+ indicate? A: The "+" suffix indicates the part is packaged in a tube and carries ROHS3 compliance, distinguishing it from the obsolete MAX237ENG which is RoHS non-compliant.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in 24-DIP package? A: Yes. All substitute parts listed are available in 24-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) through-hole package, ensuring mechanical compatibility with MAX237ENG PCB layouts.

Q: Which substitute part is recommended for new designs? A: MAX237ENG+ is recommended for new designs as it provides direct functional equivalence with ROHS3 compliance and active product status. For applications requiring enhanced noise immunity, ADM207ANZ or ADM207EANZ are suitable alternatives.