MAX3223IPWR RS232 Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX3223IPWR is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Texas Instruments, housed in a 20-TSSOP surface mount package. This component is classified as obsolete, though 8,770 units remain in stock. The MAX3223IPWR operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range with a 250 kbps data rate and 500 mV receiver hysteresis, making it suitable for legacy RS232 communication applications. Due to its obsolete status, identifying functionally equivalent active alternatives is essential for design continuity and long-term component availability.

Key Parameters

Parameter	MAX3223IPWR
Manufacturer	Texas Instruments
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Drivers/Receivers	2/2
Duplex	Full
Data Rate	250 kbps
Receiver Hysteresis	500 mV
Voltage Supply	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Package	20-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
MSL Rating	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX3223IPWR is determined by strict alignment of the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

Protocol: RS232
Drivers/Receivers: 2/2 configuration
Duplex: Full
Voltage Supply: 3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature: -40°C ~ 85°C
Package Type: 20-TSSOP or 20-SSOP (pin-compatible variants)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Secondary Compatibility Parameters:

Data Rate: 250 kbps or higher
Receiver Hysteresis: 300 mV or 500 mV (both acceptable)
RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 or equivalent
MSL Rating: 1 or 3 (both acceptable for standard applications)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: direct equivalents with identical electrical specifications and active alternatives with compatible but differing secondary parameters. All listed substitutes maintain full RS232 protocol compliance, identical driver/receiver configuration, and compatible packaging for direct PCB replacement.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Data Rate	Receiver Hysteresis	Voltage Supply	Operating Temp	Package	Product Status	Inventory
MAX3223IPWR	Texas Instruments	RS232	2/2	250 kbps	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-TSSOP	Obsolete	8,770
MAX3223EIPWR	Texas Instruments	RS232	2/2	500 kbps	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-TSSOP	Active	32,100
MAX3222IPWR	Texas Instruments	RS232	2/2	250 kbps	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-TSSOP	Active	19,200
MAX3223EEUP+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	2/2	120 kbps	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-TSSOP	Active	2,188
MAX3223EEUP+T	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	2/2	120 kbps	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-TSSOP	Active	5,400
MAX3224EEUP+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	RS232	2/2	250 kbps	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-TSSOP	Active	1,517
SP3223EBEY-L/TR	MaxLinear, Inc.	RS232	2/2	250 kbps	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-TSSOP	Active	3,321
ICL3223EIVZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	RS232	2/2	250 kbps	500 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-TSSOP	Active	1,978
ICL3223IAZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	RS232	2/2	250 kbps	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-SSOP	Active	1,416
ICL3223IAZ-T	Renesas Electronics Corporation	RS232	2/2	250 kbps	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-SSOP	Active	2,037
ICL3223IVZ	Renesas Electronics Corporation	RS232	2/2	250 kbps	300 mV	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	20-TSSOP	Active	3,754

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: MAX3223EIPWR

The MAX3223EIPWR is the direct active successor from Texas Instruments. It maintains identical electrical specifications to the MAX3223IPWR with the exception of an enhanced 500 kbps data rate (versus 250 kbps). Both parts share 500 mV receiver hysteresis, identical voltage supply range, operating temperature, and 20-TSSOP packaging. The MAX3223EIPWR carries active product status with 32,100 units in inventory, ensuring long-term availability. ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating match the original specification.

Secondary Recommendation: MAX3224EEUP+ (Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated)

The MAX3224EEUP+ provides electrical equivalence with 250 kbps data rate and 500 mV receiver hysteresis, matching the MAX3223IPWR performance profile. Manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated, this part maintains active status with 1,517 units available. The 20-TSSOP package is pin-compatible. ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating are maintained.

Alternative Recommendation: ICL3223EIVZ (Renesas Electronics Corporation)

The ICL3223EIVZ from Renesas Electronics Corporation offers 250 kbps data rate with 500 mV receiver hysteresis in a 20-TSSOP package. This part is active with 1,978 units in stock. MSL rating is 3 (168 Hours), which differs from the original MSL 1 specification but remains acceptable for standard applications. ROHS3 compliance is maintained.

Package Variant Consideration: ICL3223IAZ / ICL3223IAZ-T (Renesas Electronics Corporation)

These parts provide functional equivalence in a 20-SSOP package (0.209", 5.30mm Width) rather than 20-TSSOP. The 20-SSOP package is mechanically larger and requires PCB layout modification. Both variants offer 250 kbps data rate with 300 mV receiver hysteresis. ICL3223IAZ-T is supplied on tape and reel with 2,037 units available. Use only if PCB redesign is acceptable.

Not Recommended: MAX3223EEUP+ / MAX3223EEUP+T (Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated)

These parts operate at 120 kbps data rate, which is below the original 250 kbps specification. While electrically compatible in voltage and temperature range, the reduced data rate may not support legacy system requirements. Use only if application bandwidth permits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX3223EIPWR directly replace MAX3223IPWR without PCB modification?

A: Yes. The MAX3223EIPWR is pin-compatible in the same 20-TSSOP package. No PCB layout changes are required. The enhanced 500 kbps data rate is backward compatible with systems designed for 250 kbps operation.

Q: What is the difference between 20-TSSOP and 20-SSOP packages?

A: 20-TSSOP measures 0.173" width (4.40mm), while 20-SSOP measures 0.209" width (5.30mm). These are not mechanically interchangeable. PCB footprint redesign is required to use 20-SSOP variants such as ICL3223IAZ or ICL3223IAZ-T.

Q: Does receiver hysteresis affect RS232 signal integrity?

A: Receiver hysteresis determines the voltage differential required for input switching. The MAX3223IPWR specifies 500 mV hysteresis. Substitutes with 300 mV hysteresis (MAX3222IPWR, SP3223EBEY-L/TR, ICL3223 variants) provide tighter input thresholds. Both specifications are within RS232 standard compliance and are functionally compatible.

Q: Are all listed substitutes RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. All substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance or equivalent RoHS certification. The MAX3223IPWR is ROHS3 compliant, and all active alternatives maintain this certification status.

Q: What does MSL 1 versus MSL 3 mean for component handling?

A: MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) 1 indicates unlimited shelf life without moisture control. MSL 3 requires controlled storage with a 168-hour floor life after moisture exposure. The MAX3223IPWR specifies MSL 1. Renesas ICL3223 variants specify MSL 3, requiring stricter moisture management during assembly but remaining functionally equivalent.

Q: Can I use MAX3223EEUP+ if my application only requires 120 kbps data rate?

A: Yes, if your system operates at 120 kbps or lower. The MAX3223EEUP+ and MAX3223EEUP+T are electrically compatible with identical voltage supply and temperature range. However, this represents a performance reduction from the original 250 kbps specification and should only be used if bandwidth requirements permit.

Q: What is the inventory status for each substitute?

A: MAX3223EIPWR has the highest inventory at 32,100 units. MAX3222IPWR provides 19,200 units. Remaining substitutes range from 1,416 to 5,400 units. For long-term production, MAX3223EIPWR is the recommended choice due to superior availability.

Q: Are there any compliance or certification differences between substitutes?

A: All parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and EAR99 export classification. REACH status is unaffected for all listed parts. MSL ratings differ (MSL 1 for Texas Instruments and Analog Devices variants; MSL 3 for Renesas variants), but this does not affect functional compatibility in standard applications.

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