MAX3223ECPW Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX3223ECPW is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver IC manufactured by Texas Instruments in a 20-TSSOP surface mount package. This part is classified as obsolete, with 2047 units currently in stock. The MAX3223ECPW operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range and supports data rates up to 500 kbps with a receiver hysteresis of 500 mV. Due to its obsolete status, identifying equivalent and substitute parts is essential for design continuity, long-term availability, and system reliability in new production runs or legacy system maintenance.

Key Parameters

Parameter	MAX3223ECPW
Manufacturer	Texas Instruments
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	2/2
Duplex	Full
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Data Rate	500 kbps
Voltage - Supply	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package / Case	20-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX3223ECPW is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Parameters for Substitution:

Protocol: RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 2/2
Duplex: Full
Voltage - Supply: 3V ~ 5.5V
Mounting Type: Surface Mount
Package / Case: 20-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)

Allowable Parameter Variations:

Data Rate: Substitute parts may operate at 250 kbps or 235 kbps, provided the rate meets or exceeds application requirements
Receiver Hysteresis: Substitute parts may have 300 mV or 500 mV hysteresis
Operating Temperature: Substitute parts with extended temperature ranges (-40°C ~ 85°C) are acceptable for applications requiring the original 0°C ~ 70°C range
Product Status: Active parts are preferred over obsolete parts for new designs
Packaging Format: Tube, Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®, and Tape & Reel (TR) are interchangeable for component procurement

Substitute Categories:

MFR Recommended (Direct Upgrade): MAX3223EIPWR — Active status, extended temperature range, identical electrical specifications
Parametric Equivalent (Same Specifications): MAX3223ECPWG4 — Obsolete status, identical electrical and thermal specifications
Upgrade Options (Renesas ICL3223 Series): ICL3223EIVZ, ICL3223EIVZ-T, ICL3223IVZ, ICL3223IVZ-T — Active status, extended temperature range, lower data rate (250 kbps), alternative receiver hysteresis
Upgrade Options (MaxLinear SP3223 Series): SP3223EBEY-L/TR, SP3223EEY-L, SP3223EEY-L/TR — Active status, extended temperature range, lower data rate (235 kbps or 250 kbps), alternative receiver hysteresis
Package Variant (20-SSOP): ICL3223IAZ — Active status, extended temperature range, 20-SSOP package (0.209", 5.30mm Width) instead of 20-TSSOP

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Data Rate	Receiver Hysteresis	Supply Voltage	Operating Temp	Package	Product Status	Packaging Format
MAX3223ECPW	Texas Instruments	RS232	2/2	500 kbps	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	20-TSSOP	Obsolete	Tube
MAX3223EIPWR	Texas Instruments	RS232	2/2	500 kbps	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-TSSOP	Active	Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®
MAX3223ECPWG4	Texas Instruments	RS232	2/2	500 kbps	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	20-TSSOP	Obsolete	Tube
ICL3223EIVZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	RS232	2/2	250 kbps	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-TSSOP	Active	Tube
ICL3223EIVZ-T	Renesas Electronics Corporation	RS232	2/2	250 kbps	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-TSSOP	Active	Tape & Reel (TR)
ICL3223IVZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	RS232	2/2	250 kbps	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-TSSOP	Active	Tube
ICL3223IVZ-T	Renesas Electronics Corporation	RS232	2/2	250 kbps	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-TSSOP	Active	Tape & Reel (TR)
SP3223EBEY-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	RS232	2/2	250 kbps	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-TSSOP	Active	Tape & Reel (TR)
SP3223EEY-L	MaxLinear, Inc.	RS232	2/2	235 kbps	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-TSSOP	Active	Tube
SP3223EEY-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	RS232	2/2	235 kbps	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-TSSOP	Active	Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel®
ICL3223IAZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	RS232	2/2	250 kbps	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-SSOP	Active	Tube

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For New Designs (Recommended Primary Choice): MAX3223EIPWR is the preferred substitute. It is manufactured by Texas Instruments, maintains identical electrical specifications to the MAX3223ECPW (500 kbps data rate, 500 mV receiver hysteresis), operates across the same 3V to 5.5V supply range, and features an extended operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C. Active product status ensures long-term availability and supply chain continuity. ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1) match the original part.

For Legacy System Maintenance (Identical Specifications): MAX3223ECPWG4 provides parametric equivalence with identical electrical and thermal specifications. However, its obsolete status limits future availability. This part is suitable only for immediate replacement in existing systems where supply is confirmed.

For Extended Temperature Range Applications: ICL3223EIVZ or ICL3223EIVZ-T (Renesas) offer active status and extended temperature operation (-40°C to 85°C). Data rate is reduced to 250 kbps, which remains compatible with most RS232 applications. Receiver hysteresis remains at 500 mV. These parts are available in Tube or Tape & Reel packaging.

For Cost-Optimized Alternatives: SP3223EEY-L/TR (MaxLinear) provides active status, extended temperature range, and high inventory availability (25,200 units). Data rate is 235 kbps and receiver hysteresis is 300 mV. This part is suitable for applications where lower data rates and alternative hysteresis specifications are acceptable.

For Package-Constrained Designs: ICL3223IAZ is available in 20-SSOP package (0.209", 5.30mm Width) instead of 20-TSSOP. This variant is recommended only if PCB layout requires the wider SSOP package. All other electrical specifications remain compatible with extended temperature operation.

All substitute parts listed maintain ROHS3 compliance and EAR99 export classification, ensuring regulatory consistency with the original MAX3223ECPW.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX3223EIPWR be used as a direct replacement for MAX3223ECPW? A: Yes. MAX3223EIPWR is electrically and mechanically compatible with MAX3223ECPW. Both operate at 500 kbps data rate with 500 mV receiver hysteresis across 3V to 5.5V supply. The primary difference is extended operating temperature (-40°C to 85°C versus 0°C to 70°C) and active product status, making it the recommended substitute for new designs.

Q: What is the difference between 20-TSSOP and 20-SSOP packages? A: Both are 20-pin surface mount packages with identical pin counts and functionality. The primary difference is package width: 20-TSSOP is 0.173" (4.40mm) wide, while 20-SSOP is 0.209" (5.30mm) wide. Package selection depends on PCB layout constraints. ICL3223IAZ in 20-SSOP is compatible only if the wider footprint is accommodated.

Q: Are Renesas ICL3223 and MaxLinear SP3223 parts fully compatible with Texas Instruments MAX3223? A: Functional compatibility is maintained across all three manufacturers for RS232 2/2 full-duplex transceiver operation. However, data rate specifications differ: MAX3223 operates at 500 kbps, while ICL3223 and SP3223 operate at 250 kbps or 235 kbps respectively. Receiver hysteresis also varies (300 mV versus 500 mV). These differences are acceptable for most RS232 applications but must be verified against specific system requirements.

Q: Why is the MAX3223ECPW classified as obsolete? A: Obsolete status indicates the part is no longer in active production by Texas Instruments. Existing inventory (2047 units) remains available, but long-term supply cannot be guaranteed. Transition to active alternatives such as MAX3223EIPWR is recommended for production continuity.

Q: What is the significance of MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level)? A: MSL indicates the maximum time a component can be exposed to ambient moisture before soldering. MAX3223ECPW has MSL 1 (Unlimited), meaning no moisture bake-out is required before assembly. Most substitute parts maintain MSL 1 or MSL 3 (168 Hours), which is acceptable for standard manufacturing processes.

Q: Can I use SP3223EEY-L/TR in applications requiring 500 kbps data rate? A: No. SP3223EEY-L/TR operates at 235 kbps maximum data rate, which is lower than the MAX3223ECPW specification of 500 kbps. This part is suitable only for applications where lower data rates are acceptable. For 500 kbps operation, use MAX3223EIPWR or ICL3223EIVZ.

Q: What packaging formats are available for substitute parts? A: Substitute parts are available in three packaging formats: Tube (individual component packaging), Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® (continuous tape with reel), and Tape & Reel (TR) (full reel packaging). Selection depends on procurement volume and assembly line requirements. All formats are electrically identical.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant? A: Yes. All substitute parts listed maintain ROHS3 compliance, ensuring consistency with environmental and regulatory requirements. REACH status is unaffected for all parts.

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