MAX241CWI RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX241CWI is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver IC manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated, configured with 4 drivers and 5 receivers in a 28-SOIC surface mount package. This part is classified as obsolete, with 4353 units currently in stock. Due to its obsolete status, equivalent active production parts and manufacturer-recommended substitutes are available to ensure design continuity and long-term supply chain reliability.

Substiute Parts

MAX241CWI
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 4455MAX241CWI Datasheet
MAX241CWI
Current Part
MAX211CWI+
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 1145MAX211CWI+ Datasheet
MAX211CWI+
Parametric Equivalent
MAX211ECWI+
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 2273MAX211ECWI+ Datasheet
MAX211ECWI+
Parametric Equivalent
MAX213CWI+
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 804MAX213CWI+ Datasheet
MAX213CWI+
Parametric Equivalent
MAX213ECWI+
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 997MAX213ECWI+ Datasheet
MAX213ECWI+
Parametric Equivalent
MAX214CWI+
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 2118MAX214CWI+ Datasheet
MAX214CWI+
Parametric Equivalent
MAX241CWI+
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 2289MAX241CWI+ Datasheet
MAX241CWI+
Parametric Equivalent
MAX241ECWI+
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 1790MAX241ECWI+ Datasheet
MAX241ECWI+
Parametric Equivalent
ADM211ARZ
Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 3291ADM211ARZ Datasheet
ADM211ARZ
MFR Recommended
ADM211EARZ
Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 1727ADM211EARZ Datasheet
ADM211EARZ
MFR Recommended
ADM241LARZ
Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 1160ADM241LARZ Datasheet
ADM241LARZ
MFR Recommended
ADM241LARZ-REEL
Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 715ADM241LARZ-REEL Datasheet
ADM241LARZ-REEL
MFR Recommended
ADM241LJRZ
Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 1227ADM241LJRZ Datasheet
ADM241LJRZ
MFR Recommended
ADM241LJRZ-REEL
Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 762ADM241LJRZ-REEL Datasheet
ADM241LJRZ-REEL
MFR Recommended
SN75LBC241DW
Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 3788SN75LBC241DW Datasheet
SN75LBC241DW
MFR Recommended
SN75LBC241DWR
Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 3454SN75LBC241DWR Datasheet
SN75LBC241DWR
MFR Recommended
SP211ECT-L/TR
MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 1822SP211ECT-L/TR Datasheet
SP211ECT-L/TR
MFR Recommended
MAX211CDW
Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 799MAX211CDW Datasheet
MAX211CDW
Parametric Equivalent
MAX213CDW
Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1061MAX213CDW Datasheet
MAX213CDW
Parametric Equivalent

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Manufacturer Part Number MAX241CWI
Manufacturer Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
Category Interface
Type Transceiver
Protocol RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers 4/5
Duplex Full
Receiver Hysteresis 500 mV
Data Rate 120 Kbps
Voltage - Supply 4.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature 0°C ~ 70°C
Mounting Type Surface Mount
Package / Case 28-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
Product Status Obsolete
RoHS Status RoHS non-compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the MAX241CWI is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

  • RS232 protocol compliance
  • 4/5 driver/receiver configuration
  • Full-duplex operation
  • 28-SOIC package compatibility
  • 500 mV receiver hysteresis tolerance
  • 120 Kbps data rate capability
  • 4.5V ~ 5.5V supply voltage range
  • Surface mount mounting type

Substitution Categories:

Parametric Equivalents (Active Production): Parts matching all primary electrical and mechanical parameters with active product status. These include MAX211CWI+, MAX211ECWI+, MAX213CWI+, MAX213ECWI+, MAX241CWI+, and MAX241ECWI+. All maintain identical driver/receiver configuration, data rate, hysteresis, and package specifications.

Manufacturer-Recommended Substitutes: ADM211ARZ, ADM211EARZ, and ADM241LARZ are designated as manufacturer-recommended alternatives. These parts maintain the 4/5 driver/receiver configuration, 28-SOIC package, and RS232 protocol. Variations exist in receiver hysteresis (650 mV), operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C), and supply voltage specifications (ADM241LARZ: 4.75V ~ 5.25V).

Functional Variant: MAX214CWI+ operates with a 3/5 driver/receiver configuration and 116 Kbps data rate, representing a reduced-channel alternative suitable only for applications not requiring the full 4/5 channel count.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number Manufacturer Product Status Drivers/Receivers Data Rate (Kbps) Receiver Hysteresis (mV) Supply Voltage Operating Temp (°C) RoHS Status Inventory (Pcs)
MAX241CWI Analog Devices/Maxim Obsolete 4/5 120 500 4.5V ~ 5.5V 0 ~ 70 RoHS non-compliant 4353
MAX211CWI+ Analog Devices/Maxim Active 4/5 120 500 4.5V ~ 5.5V 0 ~ 70 ROHS3 Compliant 1095
MAX211ECWI+ Analog Devices/Maxim Active 4/5 120 500 4.5V ~ 5.5V 0 ~ 70 ROHS3 Compliant 2260
MAX213CWI+ Analog Devices/Maxim Active 4/5 120 500 4.5V ~ 5.5V 0 ~ 70 ROHS3 Compliant 732
MAX213ECWI+ Analog Devices/Maxim Active 4/5 120 500 4.5V ~ 5.5V 0 ~ 70 ROHS3 Compliant 906
MAX241CWI+ Analog Devices/Maxim Active 4/5 120 500 4.5V ~ 5.5V 0 ~ 70 ROHS3 Compliant 2200
MAX241ECWI+ Analog Devices/Maxim Active 4/5 120 500 4.5V ~ 5.5V 0 ~ 70 ROHS3 Compliant 1736
MAX214CWI+ Analog Devices/Maxim Active 3/5 116 500 4.5V ~ 5.5V 0 ~ 70 ROHS3 Compliant 2100
ADM211ARZ Analog Devices Active 4/5 120 650 4.5V ~ 5.5V -40 ~ 85 ROHS3 Compliant 3200
ADM211EARZ Analog Devices Active 4/5 120 650 4.5V ~ 5.5V -40 ~ 85 ROHS3 Compliant 1618
ADM241LARZ Analog Devices Active 4/5 120 650 4.75V ~ 5.25V -40 ~ 85 ROHS3 Compliant 1052

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Parametric Equivalents (Preferred for Drop-In Replacement):

MAX241CWI+ and MAX241ECWI+ are the primary substitutes, offering identical electrical specifications and 28-SOIC packaging. Both are active production parts with ROHS3 compliance, addressing the RoHS non-compliance status of the obsolete MAX241CWI. MAX241CWI+ provides 2200 units in inventory, while MAX241ECWI+ offers 1736 units. These parts require no circuit modifications and maintain full functional compatibility.

MAX211CWI+, MAX211ECWI+, MAX213CWI+, and MAX213ECWI+ are parametric equivalents with identical electrical performance. All maintain 4/5 driver/receiver configuration, 120 Kbps data rate, 500 mV hysteresis, and 28-SOIC packaging. Selection among these variants depends on application-specific requirements and inventory availability.

Manufacturer-Recommended Alternatives (Extended Temperature Range):

ADM211ARZ and ADM211EARZ extend the operating temperature range to -40°C ~ 85°C, compared to the MAX241CWI's 0°C ~ 70°C specification. These parts maintain 4/5 driver/receiver configuration and 120 Kbps data rate but specify 650 mV receiver hysteresis. ADM211ARZ provides 3200 units in inventory. These substitutes are suitable for applications requiring extended temperature operation.

ADM241LARZ offers the extended temperature range with a narrower supply voltage specification (4.75V ~ 5.25V versus 4.5V ~ 5.5V) and 650 mV receiver hysteresis. This part is appropriate for designs with tighter voltage regulation and extended temperature requirements.

Functional Variant (Reduced Channel Count):

MAX214CWI+ operates with 3/5 driver/receiver configuration and 116 Kbps data rate. This part is suitable only for applications not requiring the full 4-driver, 5-receiver channel count of the MAX241CWI.

Compliance Considerations:

All recommended substitutes carry ROHS3 compliance certification, addressing regulatory requirements not met by the obsolete MAX241CWI. All parts maintain REACH Unaffected and EAR99 ECCN classifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX241CWI+ directly replace MAX241CWI in existing designs?

A: Yes. MAX241CWI+ maintains identical electrical specifications, driver/receiver configuration, data rate, hysteresis, supply voltage range, and 28-SOIC packaging. No circuit modifications are required. The primary difference is active production status and ROHS3 compliance.

Q: What is the difference between MAX211, MAX213, and MAX241 series substitutes?

A: All three series (MAX211, MAX213, MAX241) maintain the 4/5 driver/receiver configuration, 120 Kbps data rate, 500 mV hysteresis, and 28-SOIC package required for MAX241CWI substitution. The series designation reflects internal design variations that do not affect functional compatibility for this application. Selection can be based on inventory availability and lead time.

Q: Why do ADM211ARZ and ADM241LARZ specify 650 mV receiver hysteresis instead of 500 mV?

A: The ADM series parts are manufacturer-recommended alternatives with extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C). The increased receiver hysteresis (650 mV versus 500 mV) is a design characteristic of these parts. This specification remains within acceptable RS232 receiver input thresholds and does not prevent functional substitution in standard applications.

Q: Can MAX214CWI+ be used as a substitute for MAX241CWI?

A: MAX214CWI+ is a functional variant with 3/5 driver/receiver configuration and 116 Kbps data rate, compared to MAX241CWI's 4/5 configuration and 120 Kbps rate. This part is suitable only for applications that do not require the full 4-driver, 5-receiver channel count. Circuit redesign may be necessary.

Q: What is the significance of the "+" suffix in part numbers like MAX241CWI+?

A: The "+" suffix indicates active production status and updated compliance certifications (ROHS3). These parts are manufactured to current standards and carry full manufacturer support, unlike the obsolete MAX241CWI.

Q: Are there package or pinout differences between MAX241CWI and its substitutes?

A: All recommended substitutes maintain the 28-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width) package specification. Pinout compatibility is maintained across all parametric equivalents and manufacturer-recommended alternatives listed in this document.

Q: What supply voltage range should be used when selecting between 4.5V ~ 5.5V and 4.75V ~ 5.25V specifications?

A: If your design operates within the 4.75V ~ 5.25V range, ADM241LARZ is compatible. If your design requires operation below 4.75V or above 5.25V, select parts specifying 4.5V ~ 5.5V (MAX241CWI+, MAX241ECWI+, ADM211ARZ, ADM211EARZ).

Q: Which substitute offers the best inventory availability?

A: ADM211ARZ provides the highest inventory level at 3200 units. MAX241CWI+ offers 2200 units, and MAX211ECWI+ provides 2260 units. All three are suitable for immediate procurement.

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