MAX241ECAI RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX241ECAI is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated, configured with 4 drivers and 4 receivers in a 28-SSOP surface mount package. This component operates at 120 Kbps data rate with a 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage range and 0°C to 70°C operating temperature. The MAX241ECAI is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for ongoing system support, maintenance, and new design implementations where RS232 interface functionality is required.

Key Parameters

Parameter	MAX241ECAI
Manufacturer	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	4/4
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-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the MAX241ECAI are grouped into two categories based on electrical and mechanical compatibility:

Parametric Equivalents maintain identical electrical specifications across all critical parameters: RS232 protocol, 4/4 driver/receiver configuration, full-duplex operation, 500 mV receiver hysteresis, 120 Kbps data rate, 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage, 28-SSOP package, and MSL 1 rating. These parts differ only in product status (active versus obsolete) and RoHS compliance. Parametric equivalents include MAX211CAI+, MAX211ECAI+, MAX213CAI+, MAX213ECAI+, MAX241CAI+, and MAX241ECAI+.

Manufacturer-Recommended Alternatives (ADM211 series) maintain the same package, mounting type, protocol, driver/receiver count, duplex mode, data rate, supply voltage, and MSL rating. However, these parts feature a higher receiver hysteresis of 650 mV and an extended operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C, making them suitable for applications requiring wider temperature performance while accepting the hysteresis specification change.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Receiver Hysteresis (mV)	Data Rate (Kbps)	Supply Voltage	Operating Temperature	Package	Product Status	RoHS Status
MAX241ECAI	Analog Devices/Maxim	RS232	4/4	500	120	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	28-SSOP	Obsolete	RoHS non-compliant
MAX211CAI+	Analog Devices/Maxim	RS232	4/4	500	120	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX211ECAI+	Analog Devices/Maxim	RS232	4/4	500	120	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX213CAI+	Analog Devices/Maxim	RS232	4/4	500	120	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX213ECAI+	Analog Devices/Maxim	RS232	4/4	500	120	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX241CAI+	Analog Devices/Maxim	RS232	4/4	500	120	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX241ECAI+	Analog Devices/Maxim	RS232	4/4	500	120	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM211ARSZ	Analog Devices	RS232	4/4	650	120	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM211ARSZ-REEL	Analog Devices	RS232	4/4	650	120	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM211EARSZ	Analog Devices	RS232	4/4	650	120	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM211EARSZ-REEL	Analog Devices	RS232	4/4	650	120	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	28-SSOP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For direct replacement of the obsolete MAX241ECAI in existing designs, select from the parametric equivalent group: MAX211CAI+, MAX211ECAI+, MAX213CAI+, MAX213ECAI+, MAX241CAI+, or MAX241ECAI+. All parametric equivalents maintain identical electrical performance and are ROHS3 compliant, addressing regulatory requirements while preserving circuit functionality.

For new designs or applications requiring extended operating temperature performance beyond 0°C to 70°C, the ADM211 series (ADM211ARSZ, ADM211ARSZ-REEL, ADM211EARSZ, ADM211EARSZ-REEL) provides active product status and ROHS3 compliance with -40°C to 85°C operating range. The trade-off is increased receiver hysteresis (650 mV versus 500 mV), which remains within RS232 specification tolerances but may affect noise margin in marginal signal conditions.

All substitute parts share identical 28-SSOP package geometry, enabling direct PCB footprint compatibility without layout modifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX211 or MAX213 series parts directly replace MAX241ECAI?

A: Yes. MAX211CAI+, MAX211ECAI+, MAX213CAI+, and MAX213ECAI+ are parametric equivalents with identical electrical specifications, including receiver hysteresis, data rate, supply voltage, and operating temperature range. All are pin-compatible in the 28-SSOP package.

Q: What is the difference between parametric equivalents and ADM211 alternatives?

A: Parametric equivalents (MAX211/MAX213 series) maintain 500 mV receiver hysteresis and 0°C to 70°C operating temperature. ADM211 alternatives provide 650 mV receiver hysteresis and -40°C to 85°C operating temperature. Both groups maintain identical RS232 protocol, 4/4 driver/receiver configuration, 120 Kbps data rate, and 28-SSOP package.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: All substitute parts listed are ROHS3 compliant. The original MAX241ECAI is RoHS non-compliant, making compliant substitutes necessary for new designs and regulatory compliance.

Q: Does receiver hysteresis affect circuit compatibility?

A: Receiver hysteresis determines the voltage difference between rising and falling threshold levels. The 650 mV hysteresis in ADM211 parts is higher than the 500 mV in MAX241ECAI and parametric equivalents. Both values conform to RS232 specifications. Higher hysteresis improves noise immunity but may reduce sensitivity to weak signals. Verify application requirements before selecting ADM211 alternatives.

Q: What packaging options are available?

A: Parametric equivalents are supplied in Tube packaging. ADM211ARSZ and ADM211EARSZ are supplied in Tube. ADM211ARSZ-REEL and ADM211EARSZ-REEL are supplied in Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® format for automated assembly.

Q: Can I use ADM211 parts in applications designed for MAX241ECAI?

A: ADM211 parts are functionally compatible with identical package, protocol, driver/receiver count, and data rate. The extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) and higher receiver hysteresis (650 mV) make ADM211 suitable for wider environmental conditions. Verify that the higher hysteresis specification does not conflict with signal integrity requirements in your specific application.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message