MAX243ESE RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX243ESE is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated, housed in a 16-SOIC surface mount package. This component is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of active equivalent and substitute parts for new designs or ongoing production requirements. The MAX243ESE operates within a 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage range with a 200 kbps data rate and supports industrial temperature ranges from -40°C to 85°C.

Substiute Parts

MAX243ESE

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 3631MAX243ESE Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

MAX232AESE+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 1605MAX232AESE+ Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

MAX243ESE+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 1233MAX243ESE+ Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

ICL3232IBNZ-T7A

Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 1123ICL3232IBNZ-T7A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX202CD

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 236804MAX202CD Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX202CDR

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 24902MAX202CDR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX202ID

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 3635MAX202ID Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX202IDR

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 45208MAX202IDR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the MAX243ESE is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Protocol: RS232
• Number of Drivers/Receivers: 2/2
• Duplex: Full
• Package / Case: 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C ~ 85°C (minimum requirement)
• Voltage - Supply Range: Must encompass 4.5V ~ 5.5V

Secondary Compatibility Parameters:

• Receiver Hysteresis: 500 mV (allowable tolerance: ±100 mV)
• Data Rate: 200 kbps (minimum acceptable rate)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: parametric equivalents (identical electrical specifications) and manufacturer-recommended alternatives (compatible within specified tolerances).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Preferred Direct Replacement: MAX243ESE+ is the direct equivalent to MAX243ESE, offering identical electrical specifications with the advantage of active product status and ROHS3 compliance. This part is the primary recommendation for new designs and production continuity.

Alternative from Maxim Integrated: MAX232AESE+ provides parametric equivalence with active status and ROHS3 compliance. Both MAX243ESE+ and MAX232AESE+ are manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated and share identical key electrical parameters.

Cross-Manufacturer Alternative: ICL3232IBNZ-T7A (Renesas Electronics Corporation) is an active, ROHS3-compliant substitute with enhanced specifications: 250 kbps data rate (exceeds 200 kbps requirement), wider supply voltage range (3V ~ 5.5V), and identical operating temperature range. The receiver hysteresis of 300 mV is within acceptable tolerance. This part is suitable for applications requiring higher data rates or lower supply voltage operation.

Legacy Alternatives (Not Recommended for New Designs): MAX202CDR, MAX202CD, MAX202ID, and MAX202IDR are obsolete or have restricted operating temperature ranges (0°C ~ 70°C for MAX202CD and MAX202CDR). These parts have lower data rates (120 kbps) and should only be considered for legacy system maintenance where supply chain constraints exist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX243ESE+ be used as a direct drop-in replacement for MAX243ESE? A: Yes. MAX243ESE+ is electrically and mechanically identical to MAX243ESE, with the same 16-SOIC package, pin configuration, and electrical specifications. The primary difference is product status (active vs. obsolete) and RoHS compliance.

Q: What are the key differences between MAX243ESE+ and MAX232AESE+? A: Both parts are parametric equivalents with identical electrical specifications and package. The difference lies in the base product number (MAX243 vs. MAX232). Both are active and ROHS3 compliant. Selection between them depends on design documentation and supplier availability.

Q: Is ICL3232IBNZ-T7A compatible with MAX243ESE designs? A: ICL3232IBNZ-T7A is compatible for applications where the enhanced specifications are acceptable. It offers higher data rate (250 kbps vs. 200 kbps), lower receiver hysteresis (300 mV vs. 500 mV), and wider supply voltage range (3V ~ 5.5V vs. 4.5V ~ 5.5V). Pin configuration and package are identical. Verify that the lower hysteresis does not affect signal integrity in your specific application.

Q: Why do MAX202 variants have lower data rates? A: MAX202 series parts are specified for 120 kbps operation, which is below the MAX243ESE specification of 200 kbps. These parts are provided as legacy alternatives only and are not recommended for new designs requiring the full 200 kbps data rate.

Q: What is the significance of the operating temperature range difference in MAX202CD and MAX202CDR? A: MAX202CD and MAX202CDR are rated for 0°C ~ 70°C operation, which does not meet the MAX243ESE industrial temperature requirement of -40°C ~ 85°C. These parts are unsuitable for applications requiring full industrial temperature range operation.

Q: Does packaging differ between substitute parts? A: All substitute parts listed use the 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width) package. Packaging format (Tube, Tape & Reel, Cut Tape) varies by supplier but does not affect electrical compatibility or PCB footprint.

Q: Are all recommended substitutes RoHS compliant? A: MAX243ESE+ and MAX232AESE+ are ROHS3 compliant. ICL3232IBNZ-T7A is ROHS3 compliant. Legacy MAX202 variants are ROHS3 compliant. The original MAX243ESE is RoHS non-compliant. For new designs, ROHS3-compliant alternatives are recommended.