MAX241ECWI RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX241ECWI is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver 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 2200 units currently in stock. Due to its obsolete status, identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary for design continuity, long-term supply chain planning, and system maintenance. Active alternatives with identical or compatible electrical and mechanical specifications are available from the same manufacturer family.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	MAX241ECWI
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
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the MAX241ECWI is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Protocol: RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 4/5 configuration
Duplex Mode: Full
Receiver Hysteresis: 500 mV
Data Rate: 120 Kbps
Supply Voltage Range: 4.5V ~ 5.5V
Package / Case: 28-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Parametric Equivalents (Active Status): Parts that maintain identical electrical specifications and package configuration. These include MAX211CWI+, MAX211ECWI+, MAX213CWI+, MAX213ECWI+, MAX241CWI+, and MAX241ECWI+. All are active products with ROHS3 compliance.

Manufacturer Recommended Alternatives: Parts with extended operating temperature ranges and enhanced receiver hysteresis specifications (ADM211ARZ, ADM211EARZ, ADM241LARZ). These offer improved performance margins and wider temperature operation but maintain core RS232 transceiver functionality and 28-SOIC packaging.

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

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Drivers/Receivers	Data Rate (Kbps)	Receiver Hysteresis (mV)	Supply Voltage	Operating Temperature	Product Status	RoHS Status
MAX241ECWI	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	4/5	120	500	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Obsolete	RoHS non-compliant
MAX211CWI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	4/5	120	500	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX211ECWI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	4/5	120	500	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX213CWI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	4/5	120	500	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX213ECWI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	4/5	120	500	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX214CWI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	3/5	116	500	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX241CWI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	4/5	120	500	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MAX241ECWI+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	4/5	120	500	4.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM211ARZ	Analog Devices Inc.	4/5	120	650	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM211EARZ	Analog Devices Inc.	4/5	120	650	4.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
ADM241LARZ	Analog Devices Inc.	4/5	120	650	4.75V ~ 5.25V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For direct replacement of the obsolete MAX241ECWI in existing designs, MAX241ECWI+ or MAX241CWI+ are the primary selections. Both maintain identical electrical specifications and 28-SOIC packaging while offering active product status and ROHS3 compliance. These parts provide the most straightforward substitution path with no design modifications required.

MAX211ECWI+ and MAX213ECWI+ are functionally equivalent alternatives within the same product family, offering identical performance characteristics and active status. Selection between MAX211, MAX213, and MAX241 variants depends on existing design integration and inventory availability.

For applications requiring extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) and enhanced receiver hysteresis (650 mV), ADM211ARZ, ADM211EARZ, or ADM241LARZ are manufacturer-recommended alternatives. ADM241LARZ operates within a tighter supply voltage window (4.75V ~ 5.25V) compared to the standard 4.5V ~ 5.5V range.

MAX214CWI+ is suitable only for applications where the 3/5 driver/receiver configuration and 116 Kbps data rate are compatible with system requirements.

All recommended substitutes are ROHS3 compliant and carry active product status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX241ECWI+ directly replace MAX241ECWI without PCB modifications?

A: Yes. MAX241ECWI+ maintains identical electrical specifications, receiver hysteresis (500 mV), data rate (120 Kbps), supply voltage range (4.5V ~ 5.5V), and 28-SOIC package configuration. No design changes are required.

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

A: All three variants (MAX211, MAX213, MAX241) share identical electrical specifications for the MAX241ECWI equivalent configuration: 4/5 drivers/receivers, 120 Kbps data rate, 500 mV receiver hysteresis, and 28-SOIC packaging. Selection is based on design history, inventory availability, and manufacturer recommendations.

Q: Why do ADM211ARZ and ADM241LARZ have different receiver hysteresis (650 mV) than the original part (500 mV)?

A: The ADM series represents manufacturer-recommended alternatives with enhanced specifications. The increased receiver hysteresis (650 mV) provides improved noise immunity and signal integrity margins. The extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) versus the original (0°C to 70°C) supports broader application environments.

Q: Is MAX214CWI+ a suitable substitute for MAX241ECWI?

A: MAX214CWI+ is not a direct substitute. It operates with 3/5 driver/receiver configuration and 116 Kbps data rate, compared to the 4/5 configuration and 120 Kbps of MAX241ECWI. Use only if your application does not require the full 4-driver, 5-receiver channel count.

Q: What is the significance of the "+" suffix in part numbers like MAX241ECWI+?

A: The "+" suffix indicates lead-free, RoHS-compliant packaging. All active substitutes listed carry this designation, confirming ROHS3 compliance and environmental regulation adherence.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in 28-SOIC packaging?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed are supplied in 28-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width) surface mount packages, maintaining mechanical and electrical interface compatibility with the original MAX241ECWI.

Q: What is the supply voltage tolerance difference between ADM241LARZ and other substitutes?

A: ADM241LARZ operates within 4.75V ~ 5.25V, a tighter tolerance than the standard 4.5V ~ 5.5V range of MAX241ECWI and most substitutes. Verify your power supply regulation meets this requirement before selection.

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