MAX242EWN RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX242EWN is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated, housed in an 18-SOIC surface mount package. This component is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of active equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing design support and procurement.

The MAX242EWN operates within a 4.5V to 5.5V supply range with a 200 kbps data rate and 500 mV receiver hysteresis. Its obsolete status requires engineers to evaluate active alternatives that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility for new designs or production continuity.

Substiute Parts

MAX242EWN

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 3970MAX242EWN Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

MAX242EWN+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 12643MAX242EWN+ Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

ADM242ARZ

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 2122ADM242ARZ Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

ADM242ARZ-REEL

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 21322ADM242ARZ-REEL Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LTC1384CSW#PBF

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 1935LTC1384CSW#PBF Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LTC1384CSW#TRPBF

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 1960LTC1384CSW#TRPBF Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LTC1384ISW#PBF

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 1243LTC1384ISW#PBF Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LTC1384ISW#TRPBF

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 2736LTC1384ISW#TRPBF Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX222IDW

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 2001MAX222IDW Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the MAX242EWN is determined by the following critical parameters:

• RS232 protocol compliance
• 2/2 driver/receiver configuration
• Full-duplex operation
• 18-SOIC package footprint compatibility
• Surface mount mounting type
• Operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C minimum)
• Supply voltage range (4.5V to 5.5V minimum)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Parametric Equivalents: Parts that match all electrical specifications and package requirements of the MAX242EWN, differing only in product status or compliance certifications.

Manufacturer Recommended Alternatives: Parts that maintain core RS232 transceiver functionality with 2/2 configuration and 18-SOIC packaging but may have minor variations in receiver hysteresis, data rate, or operating temperature range. These alternatives are actively manufactured and comply with current RoHS requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Replacement (Highest Compatibility):

MAX242EWN+ is the primary direct replacement. It maintains identical electrical specifications (500 mV receiver hysteresis, 200 kbps data rate, -40°C to 85°C operating range) and 18-SOIC packaging. The distinction is product status (Active vs. Obsolete) and RoHS3 compliance, making it suitable for new designs and production continuity without circuit modification.

Manufacturer Recommended Alternatives:

ADM242ARZ and ADM242ARZ-REEL are active Analog Devices alternatives with ROHS3 compliance. These parts feature 400 mV receiver hysteresis (versus 500 mV in the original) and maintain all other critical parameters. The reduced hysteresis may affect noise immunity in marginal signal conditions but remains within RS232 specification tolerances.

LTC1384 series parts (CSW#PBF, CSW#TRPBF, ISW#PBF, ISW#TRPBF) are active alternatives with 400 mV receiver hysteresis and 120 KBd data rate. The LTC1384CSW variants operate at 0°C to 70°C, which is narrower than the original -40°C to 85°C range. LTC1384ISW variants maintain the full -40°C to 85°C range and are suitable for industrial temperature applications.

MAX222IDW is a Texas Instruments parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications but obsolete status, making it unsuitable for new procurement.

Compliance Consideration:

All recommended active alternatives comply with ROHS3 and REACH requirements, addressing regulatory requirements for new designs. The original MAX242EWN is RoHS non-compliant and REACH-affected, limiting its use in regulated markets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX242EWN+ be used as a direct drop-in replacement for MAX242EWN?

A: Yes. MAX242EWN+ is electrically and mechanically identical to MAX242EWN. Both feature 500 mV receiver hysteresis, 200 kbps data rate, and 18-SOIC packaging. The primary difference is product status (Active vs. Obsolete) and RoHS3 compliance. No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the impact of reduced receiver hysteresis in ADM242ARZ compared to MAX242EWN?

A: ADM242ARZ features 400 mV receiver hysteresis versus 500 mV in MAX242EWN. Hysteresis affects noise immunity during signal transitions. The 100 mV reduction may impact performance in high-noise environments but remains compliant with RS232 specifications. Evaluate based on your signal integrity requirements.

Q: Are LTC1384 parts suitable replacements for MAX242EWN?

A: LTC1384 parts maintain 2/2 RS232 transceiver functionality and 18-SOIC packaging but operate at 120 KBd data rate versus 200 kbps in MAX242EWN. For applications requiring 200 kbps operation, LTC1384 is not suitable. For lower-speed RS232 communication, LTC1384ISW#PBF and LTC1384ISW#TRPBF support the full -40°C to 85°C temperature range.

Q: What packaging options are available for active alternatives?

A: MAX242EWN+ is available in Tube packaging. ADM242ARZ is available in Tube; ADM242ARZ-REEL is available in Tape & Reel format. LTC1384CSW variants are available in Tube and Tape & Reel. LTC1384ISW variants are available in Tube and Tape & Reel. Select packaging based on production volume and assembly requirements.

Q: Why is RoHS3 compliance important for substitute selection?

A: RoHS3 compliance is mandatory for products sold in regulated markets, particularly the European Union. All active alternatives listed comply with ROHS3, whereas the original MAX242EWN does not. For new designs or production in regulated regions, RoHS3-compliant alternatives are required.

Q: Can MAX222IDW be used as a substitute?

A: MAX222IDW is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications but is classified as obsolete. It is not recommended for new procurement or designs. Use active alternatives such as MAX242EWN+ or ADM242ARZ instead.

Q: What is the difference between ADM242ARZ and ADM242ARZ-REEL?

A: Both parts are electrically identical. ADM242ARZ is supplied in Tube packaging for lower-volume applications. ADM242ARZ-REEL is supplied in Tape & Reel format for automated assembly and higher-volume production. Select based on your assembly process and volume requirements.