Request Quote
(Ships tomorrow)
MAX3232CSE RS232 Transceiver Interface IC Equivalent & Substitute Parts
Part Overview
The MAX3232CSE is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver interface IC manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated 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 and production continuity. The MAX3232CSE operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply voltage range with a 235 Kbps data rate and 300 mV receiver hysteresis, making it suitable for legacy RS232 communication applications requiring dual driver and receiver channels.
Substiute Parts
Key Parameters
| Parameter | MAX3232CSE |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated |
| Type | Transceiver |
| Protocol | RS232 |
| Number of Drivers/Receivers | 2/2 |
| Duplex | Full |
| Receiver Hysteresis | 300 mV |
| Data Rate | 235 Kbps |
| Voltage - Supply | 3V ~ 5.5V |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C ~ 70°C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Package / Case | 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width) |
| RoHS Status | RoHS non-compliant |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) | 1 (Unlimited) |
| Product Status | Obsolete |
Substitute Part Grouping Explanation
Substitution of the MAX3232CSE is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:
Primary Equivalence Criteria:
- Protocol: RS232
- Number of Drivers/Receivers: 2/2 configuration
- Duplex: Full-duplex operation
- Mounting Type: Surface Mount
- Package / Case: 16-SOIC form factor (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Voltage - Supply: 3V ~ 5.5V or compatible range
- Receiver Hysteresis: 300 mV or higher
- Data Rate: 235 Kbps or higher
Substitution Categories:
Parametric Equivalent: MAX3232CSE+ maintains identical electrical specifications and package footprint with active product status and improved RoHS3 compliance.
Direct Manufacturer Equivalent: ST3232CDR from STMicroelectronics provides identical 2/2 RS232 transceiver functionality in 16-SOIC package with enhanced data rate (400 Kbps) and active status, though with MSL 3 rating.
Manufacturer Recommended Alternatives: ADM202 and ADM232 series from Analog Devices Inc. provide full-duplex RS232 transceiver functionality with extended operating temperature ranges (-40°C ~ 85°C) and active product status. ADM202JRNZ variants operate at 4.5V ~ 5.5V supply range. ADM232AARNZ and ADM232AARWZ variants support 4.5V ~ 5.5V supply with 200 Kbps data rate and extended temperature operation.
Parameter Comparison
| Part Number | Manufacturer | Protocol | Drivers/Receivers | Data Rate | Voltage Supply | Operating Temp | Package | RoHS Status | Product Status | MSL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAX3232CSE | Analog Devices/Maxim | RS232 | 2/2 | 235 Kbps | 3V ~ 5.5V | 0°C ~ 70°C | 16-SOIC (0.154") | Non-compliant | Obsolete | 1 |
| MAX3232CSE+ | Analog Devices/Maxim | RS232 | 2/2 | 235 Kbps | 3V ~ 5.5V | 0°C ~ 70°C | 16-SOIC (0.154") | ROHS3 Compliant | Active | 1 |
| ST3232CDR | STMicroelectronics | RS232 | 2/2 | 400 Kbps | 3V ~ 5.5V | 0°C ~ 70°C | 16-SOIC (0.154") | ROHS3 Compliant | Active | 3 |
| ADM202JRNZ | Analog Devices | RS232 | 2/2 | — | 4.5V ~ 5.5V | 0°C ~ 70°C | 16-SOIC (0.154") | ROHS3 Compliant | Active | 1 |
| ADM202JRNZ-REEL | Analog Devices | RS232 | 2/2 | — | 4.5V ~ 5.5V | 0°C ~ 70°C | 16-SOIC (0.154") | ROHS3 Compliant | Active | 1 |
| ADM202JRNZ-REEL7 | Analog Devices | RS232 | 2/2 | — | 4.5V ~ 5.5V | 0°C ~ 70°C | 16-SOIC (0.154") | ROHS3 Compliant | Active | 1 |
| ADM232AARNZ | UMW | RS232 | 2/2 | 120 Kbps | 4.5V ~ 5.5V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 16-SOIC (0.154") | ROHS3 Compliant | Active | 1 |
| ADM232AARNZ-REEL | Analog Devices | RS232 | 2/2 | 200 Kbps | 4.5V ~ 5.5V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 16-SOIC (0.154") | ROHS3 Compliant | Active | 1 |
| ADM232AARNZ-REEL7 | Analog Devices | RS232 | 2/2 | 200 Kbps | 4.5V ~ 5.5V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 16-SOIC (0.154") | ROHS3 Compliant | Active | 1 |
| ADM232AARWZ | Analog Devices | RS232 | 2/2 | 200 Kbps | 4.5V ~ 5.5V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 16-SOIC (0.295") | ROHS3 Compliant | Active | 1 |
| ADM232AARWZ-REEL | Analog Devices | RS232 | 2/2 | 200 Kbps | 4.5V ~ 5.5V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 16-SOIC (0.295") | ROHS3 Compliant | Active | 1 |
Engineering Selection Recommendations
For Direct Replacement (Identical Specifications): MAX3232CSE+ is the primary choice, offering identical electrical performance and package footprint with active product status and ROHS3 compliance. This part maintains backward compatibility with existing PCB designs.
For Active Production with Enhanced Performance: ST3232CDR provides superior data rate capability (400 Kbps versus 235 Kbps) while maintaining the 3V to 5.5V supply range and 16-SOIC package footprint. ROHS3 compliance supports modern supply chain requirements. Note MSL 3 rating requires controlled storage conditions (168 hours at 60% RH, 30°C).
For Extended Temperature Range Applications: ADM232AARNZ-REEL and ADM232AARNZ-REEL7 support -40°C to 85°C operating temperature with 200 Kbps data rate, suitable for industrial and automotive environments. These parts require 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage and maintain MSL 1 moisture sensitivity.
For 5V-Only Supply Systems: ADM202JRNZ series operates at 4.5V to 5.5V supply range with ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating. This option is suitable for legacy 5V systems where 3V operation is not required.
Compliance Considerations: All recommended substitutes carry ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, meeting modern environmental and regulatory requirements. The original MAX3232CSE is RoHS non-compliant and should be replaced in new designs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can MAX3232CSE be directly replaced with MAX3232CSE+? A: Yes. MAX3232CSE+ is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications, package footprint, and pin configuration. The primary difference is active product status and ROHS3 compliance. No design changes are required.
Q: What is the key difference between ST3232CDR and MAX3232CSE? A: ST3232CDR provides higher data rate capability (400 Kbps versus 235 Kbps) while maintaining identical supply voltage range (3V to 5.5V) and 16-SOIC package. Both support 2/2 full-duplex RS232 operation. ST3232CDR carries MSL 3 rating requiring controlled storage.
Q: Why do ADM202 and ADM232 series require 4.5V minimum supply voltage? A: ADM202 and ADM232 series are optimized for 5V systems and specify 4.5V to 5.5V supply range. The original MAX3232CSE supports 3V operation. If 3V supply is required, use MAX3232CSE+ or ST3232CDR.
Q: What does MSL 1 versus MSL 3 mean for component handling? A: MSL 1 (Unlimited) allows indefinite storage at any humidity level. MSL 3 (168 Hours) requires storage at ≤60% relative humidity and ≤30°C; exposure beyond 168 hours requires baking before reflow soldering. MSL 1 parts offer simpler supply chain management.
Q: Are ADM232AARWZ and ADM232AARNZ-REEL pin-compatible? A: Both are 2/2 RS232 transceivers in 16-SOIC packages with identical pin configuration. The primary difference is package width: ADM232AARWZ uses 0.295" (7.50mm) width versus ADM232AARNZ-REEL at 0.154" (3.90mm) width. Verify PCB footprint compatibility before substitution.
Q: Can MAX3232CSE be used in -40°C to 85°C temperature range applications? A: No. MAX3232CSE specifies 0°C to 70°C operating temperature. For extended temperature range (-40°C to 85°C), use ADM232AARNZ-REEL, ADM232AARNZ-REEL7, ADM232AARWZ, or ADM232AARWZ-REEL.
Q: What is the difference between tube and reel packaging for these parts? A: Tube packaging is suitable for lower-volume applications and manual assembly. Reel packaging (Cut Tape & Digi-Reel) is optimized for automated pick-and-place assembly in high-volume production. Electrical specifications remain identical.
Alternative Parts
SJ6012L2TP
Littelfuse Inc.
6 Alternative Parts
JMK107BBJ476MA-RE
Taiyo Yuden
10 Alternative Parts
GMK107BBJ475MA-T
Taiyo Yuden
5 Alternative Parts
SJ6020N2ARP
Littelfuse Inc.
3 Alternative Parts
SJ6025R2ATP
Littelfuse Inc.
4 Alternative Parts
2474-05L
API Delevan Inc.
1 Alternative Parts
4590R-684K
API Delevan Inc.
1 Alternative Parts
CM6560R-334
API Delevan Inc.
1 Alternative Parts
CM6460-104
API Delevan Inc.
1 Alternative Parts
5526-12
API Delevan Inc.
1 Alternative Parts















