MAX3232IPWRE4 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX3232IPWRE4 is a 2/2 full-duplex RS232 transceiver manufactured by Texas Instruments, housed in a 16-TSSOP surface mount package. This interface IC operates across a 3V to 5.5V supply range and supports data rates up to 250 kbps with a receiver hysteresis of 300 mV. The part is currently discontinued at DiGi Electronics, necessitating identification of functionally equivalent alternatives that maintain compatibility with existing designs while ensuring continued supply availability.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	MAX3232IPWRE4
Manufacturer	Texas Instruments
Type	Transceiver
Protocol	RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers	2/2
Duplex	Full
Receiver Hysteresis	300 mV
Data Rate	250 kbps
Voltage - Supply	3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Package / Case	16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Product Status	Discontinued at DiGi Electronics

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX3232IPWRE4 is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

Protocol: RS232
Number of Drivers/Receivers: 2/2
Duplex: Full
Package / Case: 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
Voltage - Supply: 3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature: -40°C ~ 85°C
Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Allowable Variations:

Receiver Hysteresis: 300 mV (main part) to 500 mV (substitute parts) — higher hysteresis remains compatible with RS232 specifications
Data Rate: 250 kbps (main part) to 460 kbps (substitute parts) — higher data rates are backward compatible
Product Status: Active substitutes are preferred over discontinued parts
Packaging Format: Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® or Tube formats are acceptable for manufacturing integration

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: Texas Instruments direct equivalents (MAX3232 and TRS3232 series) and Analog Devices functional equivalents (ADM3202 and ADM3232 series).

Parameter Comparison

Manufacturer Part Number	Manufacturer	Protocol	Drivers/Receivers	Duplex	Receiver Hysteresis	Data Rate	Voltage - Supply	Operating Temperature	Package / Case	Product Status	Inventory (Pcs)
MAX3232IPWRE4	Texas Instruments	RS232	2/2	Full	300 mV	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	Discontinued	1036
MAX3232IPWR	Texas Instruments	RS232	2/2	Full	300 mV	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	Active	71800
MAX3232EIPWR	Texas Instruments	RS232	2/2	Full	300 mV	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	Active	94200
MAX3232EIPWRQ1	Texas Instruments	RS232	2/2	Full	300 mV	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	Active	24813
TRS3232EIPWR	Texas Instruments	RS232	2/2	Full	300 mV	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	Active	66750
TRS3232IPWR	Texas Instruments	RS232	2/2	Full	300 mV	250 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	Active	253916
ADM3202ARUZ	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	2/2	Full	400 mV	460 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	Active	23808
ADM3202ARUZ-REEL	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	2/2	Full	400 mV	460 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	Active	25400
ADM3202ARUZ-REEL7	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	2/2	Full	400 mV	460 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	Active	20200
ADM3232EARUZ	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	2/2	Full	500 mV	460 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	Active	1340
ADM3232EARUZ-REEL7	Analog Devices Inc.	RS232	2/2	Full	500 mV	460 kbps	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	16-TSSOP	Active	30400

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Texas Instruments MAX3232 Series):

MAX3232IPWR, MAX3232EIPWR, and MAX3232EIPWRQ1 are direct parametric equivalents to the MAX3232IPWRE4. These parts maintain identical electrical specifications including 300 mV receiver hysteresis and 250 kbps data rate. All three are in active production status. MAX3232EIPWRQ1 includes AEC-Q100 automotive qualification, suitable for applications requiring automotive-grade reliability. Selection among these three should be based on packaging format availability and supply chain requirements.

Secondary Substitutes (Texas Instruments TRS3232 Series):

TRS3232EIPWR and TRS3232IPWR are parametric equivalents with identical electrical performance to the main part. The TRS3232 base product number indicates a variant within the Texas Instruments RS232 transceiver portfolio. Both parts are in active production with substantial inventory availability. TRS3232IPWR offers the highest inventory level at 253,916 units.

Alternative Substitutes (Analog Devices ADM3202 and ADM3232 Series):

ADM3202ARUZ, ADM3202ARUZ-REEL, and ADM3202ARUZ-REEL7 provide functional equivalence with higher receiver hysteresis (400 mV) and data rate (460 kbps). ADM3232EARUZ and ADM3232EARUZ-REEL7 offer the highest receiver hysteresis (500 mV) and data rate (460 kbps). All Analog Devices parts maintain the required 16-TSSOP package, 3V to 5.5V supply range, and -40°C to 85°C operating temperature. These parts are suitable for applications where enhanced noise immunity (higher hysteresis) or higher data rate capability provides design margin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX3232IPWR be used as a direct replacement for MAX3232IPWRE4?

A: Yes. MAX3232IPWR is a direct parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications (300 mV receiver hysteresis, 250 kbps data rate, 3V to 5.5V supply, -40°C to 85°C operating range) and identical 16-TSSOP package. The primary difference is product status: MAX3232IPWR is in active production while MAX3232IPWRE4 is discontinued.

Q: What is the difference between MAX3232EIPWR and MAX3232IPWR?

A: Both parts are parametrically identical. The difference lies in the device grade designation embedded in the part number. MAX3232EIPWR represents an extended-temperature or enhanced-specification variant. Both are suitable for the same applications and maintain identical electrical performance.

Q: Why do Analog Devices ADM3202 and ADM3232 parts have higher receiver hysteresis and data rates?

A: Receiver hysteresis and data rate are independent design parameters. Higher hysteresis (400 mV or 500 mV versus 300 mV) provides increased noise immunity in noisy environments. Higher data rate capability (460 kbps versus 250 kbps) allows operation at faster communication speeds. Both parameters remain within RS232 specification compliance and do not prevent substitution.

Q: Are packaging format differences (Tube versus Cut Tape & Digi-Reel) significant for substitution?

A: Packaging format affects manufacturing handling and supply chain logistics but does not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility. Tube packaging is suitable for lower-volume applications or manual assembly. Cut Tape & Digi-Reel® format is optimized for automated pick-and-place assembly. Selection should be based on manufacturing process requirements.

Q: Is the MAX3232EIPWRQ1 suitable for automotive applications?

A: MAX3232EIPWRQ1 includes AEC-Q100 automotive qualification, indicating compliance with automotive reliability and environmental standards. This part is suitable for automotive applications requiring qualified components. Non-automotive variants (MAX3232IPWR, MAX3232EIPWR) are not qualified for automotive use.

Q: Can I use ADM3232EARUZ-REEL7 in place of MAX3232IPWRE4 in a legacy design?

A: ADM3232EARUZ-REEL7 is functionally compatible with identical package, supply voltage range, and operating temperature. The higher receiver hysteresis (500 mV) and data rate (460 kbps) provide enhanced performance margins. Electrical compatibility is maintained; however, design validation is recommended for critical applications to confirm performance in the specific circuit context.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message