MAX3221IPW RS232 Transceiver - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX3221IPW is a full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Texas Instruments, designed for single driver/receiver applications in 16-TSSOP surface mount packaging. This component operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range with a 250 kbps data rate and is classified as obsolete. Due to its obsolete status, identifying functionally equivalent and manufacturer-recommended substitute parts is essential for design continuity, procurement flexibility, and long-term product support.

Key Parameters

Parameter	MAX3221IPW
Manufacturer	Texas Instruments
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	1/1
Duplex	Full
Data Rate	250 kbps
Voltage Supply Range	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Package / Case	16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the MAX3221IPW are classified based on strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Protocol: RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 1/1
Duplex: Full
Data Rate: 250 kbps
Voltage Supply Range: 3V ~ 5.5V
Mounting Type: Surface Mount
RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant

Package Compatibility Groups:

16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) - Direct mechanical and electrical equivalents
16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width) - Functionally equivalent with different package footprint

Operating Temperature Considerations:

MAX3221IPW: -40°C ~ 85°C (extended range)
Substitute parts: 0°C ~ 70°C (commercial range) or -40°C ~ 85°C (extended range)

Receiver Hysteresis Variations:

500 mV: MAX3221IPW, MAX3221IPWG4, TRS3221EIPW, ICL3221ECAZ, ICL3221ECAZ-T, ICL3221ECVZ, ICL3221ECVZ-T
300 mV: ICL3221CAZ, ICL3221CAZ-T, ICL3221CVZ, ICL3221CVZ-T

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Product Status	Package	Data Rate	Voltage Supply	Operating Temp	Receiver Hysteresis	RoHS Status
MAX3221IPW	Texas Instruments	Obsolete	16-TSSOP	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	500 mV	ROHS3
MAX3221IPWG4	Texas Instruments	Obsolete	16-TSSOP	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	500 mV	ROHS3
TRS3221EIPW	Texas Instruments	Obsolete	16-TSSOP	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	500 mV	ROHS3
ICL3221CAZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	Active	16-SSOP	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	300 mV	ROHS3
ICL3221CAZ-T	Renesas Electronics Corporation	Active	16-SSOP	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	300 mV	ROHS3
ICL3221CVZ	Intersil	Active	16-TSSOP	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	300 mV	ROHS3
ICL3221CVZ-T	Renesas Electronics Corporation	Active	16-TSSOP	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	300 mV	ROHS3
ICL3221ECAZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	Active	16-SSOP	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	ROHS3
ICL3221ECAZ-T	Renesas Electronics Corporation	Active	16-SSOP	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	ROHS3
ICL3221ECVZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	Active	16-TSSOP	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	ROHS3
ICL3221ECVZ-T	Renesas Electronics Corporation	Active	16-TSSOP	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	500 mV	ROHS3

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Pin-Compatible Replacement (16-TSSOP Package):

Parts MAX3221IPWG4 and TRS3221EIPW maintain identical electrical specifications and package geometry to the MAX3221IPW. Both are classified as obsolete. For active production designs requiring extended temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C) with 500 mV receiver hysteresis in 16-TSSOP packaging, ICL3221ECVZ and ICL3221ECVZ-T are active alternatives from Renesas Electronics Corporation.

For Active Component Status with Package Footprint Change (16-SSOP Package):

ICL3221ECAZ and ICL3221ECAZ-T provide active product status with 500 mV receiver hysteresis matching the MAX3221IPW electrical behavior. The 16-SSOP package (0.209", 5.30mm Width) requires PCB layout modification compared to the original 16-TSSOP footprint.

For Commercial Temperature Range Applications (0°C ~ 70°C):

ICL3221CVZ-T and ICL3221CAZ-T are active Renesas parts suitable for commercial temperature environments. ICL3221CVZ-T maintains the 16-TSSOP package with 300 mV receiver hysteresis. ICL3221CAZ-T uses 16-SSOP packaging with 300 mV receiver hysteresis.

Compliance Status:

All listed substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, consistent with the MAX3221IPW.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX3221IPWG4 be used as a direct replacement for MAX3221IPW?

A: Yes. MAX3221IPWG4 is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications (1/1 full-duplex RS232 transceiver, 250 kbps, 3V ~ 5.5V supply, -40°C ~ 85°C operating range, 500 mV receiver hysteresis) and identical 16-TSSOP package geometry. Both parts are obsolete.

Q: What is the difference between ICL3221ECVZ and ICL3221CVZ?

A: Both are 16-TSSOP packaged RS232 transceivers from Renesas with 250 kbps data rate and 3V ~ 5.5V supply. The primary difference is receiver hysteresis: ICL3221ECVZ has 500 mV hysteresis (matching MAX3221IPW), while ICL3221CVZ has 300 mV hysteresis. Both are active products.

Q: Why do some substitutes use 16-SSOP instead of 16-TSSOP packaging?

A: The 16-SSOP package (0.209", 5.30mm Width) and 16-TSSOP package (0.173", 4.40mm Width) have different physical dimensions and PCB footprints. While electrically equivalent, 16-SSOP parts require PCB layout redesign. Direct 16-TSSOP alternatives are preferred for minimal design changes.

Q: Are there active alternatives to the obsolete MAX3221IPW?

A: Yes. ICL3221ECVZ-T and ICL3221ECVZ are active Renesas parts in 16-TSSOP packaging with matching 500 mV receiver hysteresis and extended temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C). ICL3221ECAZ-T and ICL3221ECAZ are active alternatives in 16-SSOP packaging with the same hysteresis specification but commercial temperature range (0°C ~ 70°C).

Q: What does receiver hysteresis affect in RS232 transceiver selection?

A: Receiver hysteresis determines the voltage differential between logic high and logic low thresholds at the receiver input. The MAX3221IPW specifies 500 mV hysteresis. Substitutes with 300 mV hysteresis (ICL3221CAZ, ICL3221CVZ) have tighter threshold margins and may behave differently in noisy signal environments. Selection depends on signal integrity requirements of the specific application.

Q: Can I use ICL3221CAZ-T as a substitute if my application operates at -40°C?

A: No. ICL3221CAZ-T is rated for 0°C ~ 70°C operating temperature. The MAX3221IPW supports -40°C ~ 85°C. For extended temperature range applications below 0°C, use ICL3221ECVZ-T or TRS3221EIPW.

Q: What is the difference between tube and cut tape packaging for ICL3221 parts?

A: Tube packaging (ICL3221CAZ, ICL3221ECAZ, ICL3221ECVZ) and cut tape packaging (ICL3221CAZ-T, ICL3221ECAZ-T, ICL3221ECVZ-T, ICL3221CVZ-T) represent different distribution formats. Electrically and functionally, they are identical. Selection depends on procurement and assembly process requirements.

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